Page 5 of Sinful Wrath
Though I can’t be too mad, not when it all worked out for the best.
Dimitri and Zara are disgustingly in love, and they welcomed their newborn twins, Sasha and Benedikt, only a few weeks ago.
I, however, am not destined for such a path.
Being a Koslov comes with great rewards but also great sacrifices. I have no choice but to step up and do what is best for my family, and unfortunately for me, an alliance with Massimo Conti is just that.
So, I push the feelings down. I have a job to do, and I can’t back out, no matter how badly I want to.
The waiter appears halfway through to check on our meals and to top up Lucia’s glass of champagne.
I’ve left mine untouched, wanting to keep a clear head.
She smiles at him. “Everything’s wonderful. Though, would you mind bringing a glass of whatever crappy vodka my fiancé was drinking?”
My teeth grind at the dig, but I keep my attention on my half-finished meal.
“I thought the Koslovs were supposed to be well off?” Her eyes roam over my body.
“I’m not here totalk about money.”
Lucia rolls her eyes, which only has me grinding my teeth harder.
“Is there anything you do talk about?”
“Not really.” I pop another piece of ravioli in my mouth.
Of course, she had to go ahead and order the most expensive dish on the menu, but I’m secretly not mad about it. The white truffle is heavenly, and it’s made even more so by the fact that Massimo is the one picking up the bill.
It’s the least he could do for making me suffer through a dinner with his brat of a daughter.
“How long have you known about this little arrangement?” She sips on her champagne.
My body stiffens at her question. She really is blissfully unaware…
“Mikhail.”
Fuck, the sound of my name on her lips has me adjusting my belt yet again.
“Trust me,kisa, you don’t want to know the answer to that.” I toss my cutlery onto my plate and lean back in my chair.
“Yes, I do.” Her brown eyes narrow as she folds her arms over her chest.
I shrug. “Very well. It’s been a few months in the making.”
“How many is a few?”
I let out a breath and run my fingers through my hair, bracing myself for the explosion that is likely to occur when she learns the truth.
“Almost a year.”
“What?”
A few neighboring tables glance in our direction, but as soon as I shoot them a glare, they turn their attention elsewhere.
“We thought it would be best to wait until you turned twenty-one.”
“We?” She scoffs. “Did anyone think to include me in the conversation? You know, seeing as it’smy lifeyou’re about to ruin.”