I chose a sapphire blue dress. It was a defiant choice. The color demanded attention, and after twenty-four hours of being consumed by my own terror and Vladimir’s terrifying retribution, I needed to feel anchored in something substantial. Dinner was less a meal and more a mandated public display of unity for Viktor, his younger brother, the only blood relative Vladimir truly allowed close.
The dining room was vast, intimidating. Three places were set at the enormous mahogany table. I sat across from Vladimir, the gap between us filled with crystal glasses and polished silver, yet feeling impossibly wide.
He was impeccably dressed, the gray suit hiding the monster he’d unleashed last night. The cold air of the Don still clung to him, but whenever he glanced at me, I saw the possessive wa
