Natalya
Because I love you, Natalya.
Alexander’ words repeat over and over in my mind like a broken record as I stare down the barrel of Mikhail’s gun.
It took me by surprise and I’m still not sure if it’s a trick or real, but I know I feel the same and right now I’m watching as the two men I love most in this world are facing off against each other.
Mikhail followed us and eavesdropped on the conversation. Clearly, I wasn’t very convincing earlier, and he suspected something was up. Now, I’m standing next to the man who just professed his love for me as he stares down the barrel of my brother’s gun.
“Mikhail, put down the gun,” I repeat for the second time, trying to inch next to Alexander in an attempt to shield him from my brother.
Mikhail isn’t stupid, but he’s also fueled by uncontrollable rage and easily angered. He heard me when I said Alexander blackmailed me into sleeping with him and that’s not something he’ll ever forget.
Mikhail’s dark eyes move to me for the second time. “How can you defend him?” He shakes his head. “Why don’t you want him dead?”
I step a foot in front of Alexander, but I’m not blocking him yet. That would require me moving in front of him and I don’t want Mikhail to see what I’m planning yet. “It’s complicated, brother. Why don’t you put down the gun and allow me to explain?” I try.
Mikhail’s jaw clenches, and I can tell he’s wrestling with the desire to blow Alexander’ brains out right now. The thought sends terror piercing through my heart like a spear.
I notice the way his hand shakes, as if he’s literally trying to wrestle with his own inner demons.
The door opens and Sienna comes in. “There you are, I-” She freezes when she sees Mikhail has his gun trained at Alexander. “Oh dear, what is going on?”
I don’t take my eyes off my brother because I know what a loose cannon he can be when the rage takes over. “Look at me, Mikhail.”
He does look at me, those dark eyes almost black in the dim lights of the kitchen. I didn’t turn the main lights on when we entered.
“Let me explain,” I say, inching in front of Alexander slowly. “I won’t let you kill him.”
Mikhail’s brow furrows and then he notices that he’s pointing the gun at me now instead of Alexander. Instantly, he lowers the weapon, cursing under his breath in Russian.
I feel Alexander’ hand on my back and his breath falling against the nape of my neck. He’s so close.
Siena clears her throat. “Can someone tell me what the fuck is going on here?”
“Why don’t we all sit down and I’ll explain.”
Mikhail grunts. “I don’t think you are the one that needs to explain anything.” He point at the man behind me. “He is the one that needs to explain.”
“Hand me the gun,” I demand.
His eyes narrow to slits, and I know he’s not going to give it up.
Siena moves closer to him, setting a hand on his arm. “Mikhail, it’s our wedding night and I don’t want blood spilled.”
His dark eyes find hers and some of the tension leaves him. He grumbles something incoherent and then places the handle of the gun in Siena’s hand. She passes it to me and I carry it out of reach, knowing that none of us really wants bloodshed tonight, no matter what Mikhail says.
“Don’t think this means I’m not going to kill that piece of shit.”
To Alexander’ credit, he doesn’t utter a word, which is smart. Instead, he just sits on the other side of the island, watching warily.
“The fact is, Alexander found out the truth about our origins,” I say.
Mikhail clears his throat. “I gathered that much, Natalya.”
Siena’s brow furrows. “What truth?”
Mikhail sits next to her, squeezing her hand. “I’ll tell you about it later.”
Her jaw clenches, but she nods.
“And we haven’t exactly had the easiest relationship since I arrived at the academy, but there was a reason for that, however misguided.” I glare at Alexander. “He blamed our family for the death of his mother and being moved to North America suddenly.”
Mikhail runs a hand across the back of his neck. “We had no part in any deaths, but yes, our deal did facilitate the Estrada Cartel’s move into North America.”
I nod in response. “I know, but Alexander blamed me. And while he was cruel and disgusting to me over the years, even at times this academic year, something changed between us.” I bite the inside of my cheek. “Alexander claims he loves me, although I find it hard to believe.”
Mikhail grunts. “As do I.”
I give my brother a look that tells him to shut up. “The crazy thing is, I think I feel the same.” I glance at Alexander, whose ice-blue eyes find mine, widening slightly.
“You do?” he asks, almost sounding as if he doesn’t believe me.
Mikhail shakes his head. “Alexander is Mexican. The men won’t follow him.”
I tilt my head and shrug. “You just got married, brother. Who is to say you won’t have an heir to the empire?”
Mikhail and Siena exchange a glance. “I can’t have children,” he says.
My brow furrows. “What?”
He sighs and rubs a hand across the back of his neck. “I had a vasectomy. There’s no way I can have children.”
Fuck.
Well, that is more problematic. “Surely, you can select someone from the bratva to be your successor, then?”
Mikhail scoffs. “You would give up all our father built just for that rat?” he asks.
I hate that shame coils through me, as the answer to that question is yes. “You and I both know that I would never run the bratva. I’m merely a pawn to be married off.”
“And what of your uncle?” Mikhail says, looking at Alexander now. “Would he approve of you marrying my sister?”
Alexander shrugs. “I don’t care if he does or doesn’t. All I want is to marry Natalya.”
Hearing him say that makes goosebumps prickle over the exposed skin on my neck. He’d defy his uncle to be with me. It all seems a little surreal, even if his attention toward me this year has been more than confusing. I never thought I’d be sitting next to my mortal enemy while he pleads with my brother to agree to our engagement.