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“It’s funny that you’re still in denial about it.” I move in closer, my tone thick with possessiveness. “I can’t let you marry anyone else. You’re mine, Dinara. In whatever way you'll let me have you.”

Her eyes turn hooded, dark and full of something else—something dangerous. And I’m lost in it.

“You’re never gonna have me, Cillian Quinn.” The words spill like venom from her lips, a challenge in them. “I hope you're okay with that.”

She pats my face condescendingly, and I fight not to put her over my knee and give her the punishment she deserves for that.

“And I hope you're ready for the fight that’ll come if you ever let another man touch you.” My lips fall to her throat, lightly grazing her skin. “Or taste you.”

Her hand crashes into my hair, fingers sinking, owning me in a way only she can.

I don't care what she says. I don’t care how much she fights it. This woman’s mine, and nothing will change that.

The clink of glass cuts through the noise, and suddenly the space is still. The music halts in an instant, and Konstantin stands at the center of the dance floor, a drink in hand, his voice booming through the quiet.

“My dear friends and family. It is a pleasure to welcome you all into my home. To share my food and my hospitality with each one of you for our dear Gregory’s birthday is a gift to me.” His gaze sweeps across the room, landing on Gregory. “Come, come,” he calls, and the boy steps forward, joining him.

Both of us move in closer as Konstantin continues.

“Gregory and his two sisters, Tatiana and Dinara, mean a lot to me.”

At her name, Dinara’s smile tightens like she hates being the center of attention, her eyes flickering toward me before quickly turning away.

“I’m sure they know how much I love them,” Konstantin goes on. “And it’s why today is a special day. Not only because our dear Gregory is practically a man, but because today I announce something else special to me. Something that I have planned for a very long time.”

Dinara’s eyes widen, the color draining from her face.

What the hell is happening?

“Tatiana, may I please ask you to come here with me?” He outstretches his hand toward Dinara’s sister. “My Tatiana turned eighteen not too long ago, and I wanted to find her a suitable match who would provide her with the same care I have provided her for these past years.”

He pauses, his eyes meeting mine across the room. A sudden cold feeling strikes deep inside me.

“And who better than you, Cillian Quinn, wouldn’t you say?”

My blood boils, fists curling tight at my sides as I fight to keep my composure.

“Are you crazy?! What are you doing?” Dinara shouts, drawing the attention of the guests.

Konstantin waves a hand dismissively, as if he hasn’t just dropped a bomb.

“Is this a problem?” he asks, an amused tilt to his lips.

“Of course it’s a problem!” Fury flashes in her eyes. “You know how I feel about him! How much I despise the man!”

I step forward, my jaw clenched, heart pounding in my chest.

Despises me, huh?

Konstantin chuckles, unbothered. “Of course I know that.” He glances at Tatiana. “But Tatiana doesn’t have to hate him. Right, my darling?”

She awkwardly nods.

“So, what do you say, Cillian? Will you accept this marriage arrangement so we can finally unite our two families?”

“Over my fucking dead body.” My teeth grind. “I’ll never marry her. Orher.” My glare lands on Dinara.

Two can play that game, baby.