Page 6 of Prince of Control

“You’re to marry his son, Benjamin.”

I sway on my feet, suddenly light-headed. “That…that’s absurd.”

“It was a long time ago, and I didn’t know he intended to hold me to it. Certainly not so soon, while you both are still in school.”

I back away from my dad. “No.” My head shakes on its own accord. “I won’t. I can’t. I just started my internship. I have one more year of school. This is crazy. Why would I marry a stranger?”

“It has to be now. Ravil demanded it, and he’s far too dangerous a man to cross.”

“But…why?”

It just doesn’t make sense. We don’t live in medieval times. The patriarchy is dying. I shouldn’t be chattel in some bratva machination.

“I don’t know why now, only that he has his reasons. I’ve made arrangements for you to transfer to Thornecroft where Benjamin attends school, so you can finish your degree. It’s one of the most prestigious colleges in the world.”

My nose burns. Angry tears flood my eyes. This is insane!

“And if I refuse?” My voice trembles even though I try to keep the words even.

My dad’s expression turns even more grim. “Then none of us are safe.”

How can that be? My father, one of the most powerful men in Russia, can’t keep his wife and daughter safe from the bratva on another continent?

This is worse than my parents divorcing. This is my entire world crumbling to my feet.

No wonder my mom is mad at him.

A tear slides down my face, and I see a flicker of distress on my dad’s face.

He reaches for me, but I pull away.

“I’m sorry, but marrying Benjamin Baranov is the only way to keep you safe.”

* * *

Safe from what?

I have no idea what the Baranovs or the Chicago Bratva want with me. I still can’t believe my father sent me here–alone. I could be walking into a trap. Maybe they intend to hold me hostage to make Papa do what they say.

Maybe it is for marriage, and I’ll be a hostage for the rest of my life. After all, marriage is one of the oldest methods of ensuring an alliance with other kingdoms.

I steal a glance at the bratva prince walking beside me. Will he expect me to share a bed? Consummate this marriage? Bear his heirs?

My stomach, which has been in a tight knot since I found my father in my flat, feels queasy.

Benjamin takes my luggage from the attendants, easily handing the heavy bulk into the trunk of his vehicle. I catch sight of tattoos marking the backs of his hands and wrists. So he’s part of it all. I wondered, because he’s in college, if he was already a member of the brotherhood.

Of course, he is.

I wish I’d learned the meanings of the tattoos. Has my groom killed before? Tortured?

My mouth goes dry. Raped?

Will he force himself on me?

My palms emit cold sweat. These people are so dangerous that they struck fear into my father–and he’s a monster in his own right. He wouldn’t have uprooted me from college in Paris unless he absolutely had no other choice. My mom wouldn’t have let him. The decision had to be completely out of his control.

Benjamin escorts me to the passenger side of the SUV and opens the door.