Page 119 of Victor's Lethal Desire
Ivan turns to his sons, speaking in Russian. His tone is sharp.
Both Nikolai and Lev nod. Lev's jaw is still tight, his fists clenched at his sides, but he stops arguing.
Ivan adjusts his suit jacket, smoothing the lapels.
"In two months," Ivan says, "you will come to Moscow and marry your new bride."
Every muscle in my body tenses, and I stand.
"Someplace neutral."
Ivan's eyes narrow. His gaze shifts to me, studying me carefully.
"We did come here to your home, Ionescu," Ivan says slowly.
He pauses before continuing. "Fine. Montenegro. The Bay of Kotor. See you in two months."
Ivan glances at Danika and says something in Russian.
Danika stands immediately, her movements stiff. She nods, her expression seeming pleasant.
Ivan smiles faintly, then turns back to Lucian.
"Your brother is smart," Ivan says, nodding toward me. "He's got a strong woman there."
He then signals to his sons. Nikolai stands first, his gaze sweeping over all of us. He doesn't speak, but his expression says everything as he walks out.
Lev stands last, his movements sharp, aggressive. He stares at Lucian, then at Adrian, his eyes burning with barely suppressed rage.
Then he turns and follows his father toward the door.
Ivan pauses at the threshold, glancing back at Lucian.
"Two months," he repeats, and then he's gone.
The second the doors shut, Adrian throws his hands up, pacing the room in a fury.
"You are out of your fucking mind," Adrian says. "This is completely crazy, Lucian."
He walks back and forth, his boots heavy against the hardwood, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides.
"You just agreed to marry a Volkov," Adrian continues, spinning to face Lucian. "A fucking Volkov, Lucian."
"Enough," Lucian says, his voice low and even.
Adrian ignores him.
"The same family that tortured Elena. And now you're going to marry into them? Are you insane?"
I step forward, positioning myself between Adrian and Lucian. My hand lifts slightly, a gesture meant to calm, though I know it won't work.
"First off, they had nothing to do with that, and I killed the person who did. And secondly," I say, turning to Lucian, "it's a massive risk, Lucian. The Bratva doesn't forgive, and they don't forget. Natasha Volkov is a wildcard. They could be leading you straight to the slaughter."
Lucian doesn't move. He stands at the head of the table, his hands resting lightly on the back of his chair.
Adrian opens his mouth to speak again, but Lucian raises one hand, palm out, and Adrian stops mid-breath.
"Are you finished?" Lucian asks.
