Page 97 of Prince of Control

I wouldn’t be madly in love with my sexy prince.

So, I guess I have no regrets. And if I don’t have regrets, I can’t very well blame my dad.

“We’re getting married,” I announce.

My parents release me from the sandwich hug, and my mom claps her hands in delight. “You and Benjamin? Aren’t you already married? Oh, I’m so happy!” She throws her arms around me again. “I always wanted him for you, lyubimaya. You were the best of friends when you were toddlers.”

Huh. I imagine my mom planning our marriage from the sandbox. I can’t help but wonder if her wish for me as a toddler found its way into the ether, pulling on quantum entanglements to years later manifest this way—with my father ordering me to marry him to keep me safe, and Baron feeling the pull of destiny the moment he met me. Meanwhile I was oblivious to all the magic conspiring around me until it was nearly too late.

My mom turns and gathers Baron up in a hug, too.

“Be careful, I think his ribs are broken,” I warn.

“I see that,” my mom says. “We can get them Xrayed right away.”

“Not necessary,” Baron grunts.

My dad clasps Baron’s palm in a wordless, somber handshake. I take it he approves.

I shouldn’t care–especially not after the machinations my dad made with my marriage, but I’m happy. My parents support my choice of a husband.

Still holding Baron’s hand, my dad claps his other hand on Baron’s shoulder. “Benjamin.” It’s a bratva bro moment. There’s tremendous weight in my father’s tone.

Baron meets his eye, waiting. Steady. My father has intimidated every guy I’ve dated, but that will never be possible with Baron.

“Spasibo, moy brat.” Thank you, my brother.

Baron bows his head. “My honor.”

My mom beams up at him. “Now, what is this about you getting married?”

My dad releases Baron, and I slide under the protection of Baron’s arm, nesting myself against his side. “Baron wants a real wedding.” I look up at him, and he kisses the top of my head. “With a willing bride.”

My mom’s eyes dance in the mischievous way she has. “And now you’re willing?”

“I am.”

“I’m so happy. For both of you. I didn’t like that you thought he was your enemy when he was the one trying to help you, but your father thought it was safest that way.” She frowns up at my dad.

My dad remains silent.

“But it all worked out in the end,” my mom waxes on. “Love is messy. It’s uncomfortable. It brings up our deepest needs and our worst fears. But in the end it heals us.”

“Wow. You should write that down for the wedding toast.” I laugh. “Which reminds me. You’re going to tell me about how you two fell in love.” I point between her and my dad.

“Nyet,” my dad says.

“She can handle it,” my mom says. “After what she’s just been through, she will understand how circumstances can turn even the worst enemies into lovers.” She sends Baron an impish look. “Your parents’ marriage began as a kidnapping, too.”

Baron is usually good at not showing any reaction, but I can feel his body go still as he absorbs that.

“I can’t wait to call Lucy. We can plan the wedding together. Are you thinking it will be in Chicago?”

“Da,” my father answers even though the question wasn’t for him. “I want you to move back to Chicago. Things may be too hot here after what happened in Turkey.”

My mom nods.

“I’m sorry.” I hear the weight of responsibility in Baron’s voice, and I want to erase it. “I tried to avoid a war, but…he had to die.”