Page 11 of Deceptive Union
“If you want us to work together,” I say, setting my menu down, “then you also work with Killian. It’s a fair deal, I think. I’m marrying your daughter. It’s a win-win for all of us.”
Petrov looks between Killian and me before sighing. “Fine. Just don’t fuck things up,” he tells Killian.
He raises his hands in surrender. “I won’t. I was raised as a good Irish Catholic boy. I know how to stay in line. But you need to do the same.” The men glare at each other.
“No fighting,” I say to break the tension. “Let’s all agree to get along. Petrov, I wanted to talk to you about getting to know Nina a little bit better before we marry. I think that’s only fair.”
“All right.” Petrov takes a sip of his red wine. “That is fair. Nina has been asking questions about you. You two have my permission to talk more before you get married.”
“And when that’s supposed to be?” Killian asks, leaning forward. “I still think an arranged marriage is a little strange.”
“It’s perfectly normal to me,” Petrov says in a monotone voice. “I was thinking by the end of this month,” he says, switching back to his normal self. Killian blinks in confusion. “No time to waste, don’t you agree?”
“I do,” I say. “I’m willing to do what I need to.”
Petrov smiles slowly. “That’s what I like to hear.”
A waitress comes by, asking for our orders. So different from the ring. This waitress wears a simple black t-shirt and black pants. It’s surreal to me how different two worlds can be. I grew up in riches, but I lived in poverty when I fled from Franco, and now I live with somewhat comfortable means. Not great, but not terrible either. It’s given me a different perspective on life compared to my sisters, who have only ever lived in wealth.
After we place our orders—a sirloin for Killian, a filet mignon for me, and the duck for Petrov—we get back to business.
“So, I was thinking,” I say, “that after the wedding, we strike against my uncle. Franco can’t rule much longer. It’s not right. We go after him when he least expects it and take him down. That way, neither of us has to wait long for me to be in a position of power. That benefits your daughter, it benefits me, and it also helps you,” I tell Killian. “Once I’m in power, I can help you take down Patrick O’Connell.”
“Sounds good to me,” Killian says.
Petrov shifts in his seat. “I like it. We need to hit Franco when he’s not expecting it, yes. But what exactly is the plan?”
“We need to start at his operation of power. He’s expanded into guns. If we take them from him, we’ll have more power, and it will weaken him. We can’t kill Franco in one shot. We need to weaken him, show his men he’s not a good leader, so that when I take over, they’ll be more accepting of me.”
“Good.” Petrov has a dark glint in his eye. “I like the way you think, Antonio. Let’s work on the plan. But for now, let’s eat.” As if on cue, the waitress brings out our food.
I settle into my seat with my delicious steak and feel the roots of my power stirring within me.
* * *
Petrov arrangedthe meet with Nina and me to take place in Central Park at the Bethesda Fountain. When I arrive, I see Nina sitting on the fountain, a guard by her side. She somehow looks even prettier under the sunshine. Her light blonde hair makes her shimmer.
“Nina,” I greet her. She glances over, a small smile on her lips. Her beauty makes me catch my breath. Honestly, if I get the chance to look at Nina every day of my life, it won’t be a bad one. Even if she ends up being a horrible person, she’ll still radiate beauty. But I just can’t imagine someone as gorgeous as her having a mean streak. The woman I met at the restaurant a week ago seemed so timid and nice.
“Antonio,” she responds, standing up and stepping around a couple walking toward the fountain, holding hands. “It’s nice—”
“I’m glad—” I say at the same time. We both pause, then laugh. “You go,” I tell her.
The flush on her cheeks makes her porcelain skin look even more lovely. “It’s nice we finally get the chance to talk away from my father. I want to know the man I’m marrying.”
“I agree. I want to know the woman I’m marrying. You’re not alone in that.”
“I’m glad. This … engagement has me worried. It’s happening so fast.” She smooths her hands down her summer dress, which gives me an excuse to rake my eyes over her and take in her body. I can’t wait to see her naked.
“You don’t need to worry,” I tell her in my most calming voice. When you’ve grown up with five sisters, you learn how to talk to women. “I don’t want to hurt you, Nina. Truly. The reason I agreed to this marriage is because I want to protect my family. I have good intentions. Trust me.”
She looks at me for a moment before smiling. “I do. You have a trustworthy presence.”
“I’m just looking to get back what’s rightfully mine. I want to save my family from my uncle. That’s all.”
“Ok, then. If I’m going to be anyone’s wife to anyone, I want it to be to someone who is kind. And you seem kind, Antonio.”
I step closer to her, barely avoiding a kid running past, holding onto a balloon. “I am kind. You seem kind as well.”