Chapter 10 Her gray eyes meet mine in the mirror . Starting today , nothing will stand in our way . Not luck , not fate . Not anyone . She fixes my tie as she talks , and it takes every ounce of my willpower to stop from slapping her hands away . Dont touch what she touched . Its not meant for you . Her diamond ring glitters on her hand . Somehow , she makes that look like a weapon , too . I finally shake her off . You sound awfully confident . As should you , Petra shrugs . Were here , Matvey . We made it . You dont have to keep waiting for the other shoe to drop . Shes right , in theory . But old habits are hard to break . Until we say , I do , Im not leaving anything to chance . Soon , she murmurs , drawing close again , all of our dreams will come true . Youll be pakhan of the strongest Bratva on the East Coast , the combined power of the Groza and Solovyov families at your beck and call . And I … And youll be vor , I complete for her . Just like your daddy never wanted . A feral grin splits her face in the mirror . Ever since we crossed paths two years ago , I knew right away Id finally met my match . Not in strength or cunning , but hunger . Thats what being Bratva is all about : not how much money you can be buried with , or how many cops youve got in your pocket , or how many skyscrapers you can slap your name on . Thats the American dream it was never ours . A Bratva is made for one thing : to rule . Coming here makes it easy to forget that simple truth . I never did , though . Even as my vory , my generals , let themselves grow complacent in the lap of luxury , I kept striving for more . To accomplish that , I need numbers . Numbers that Petra can provide . Numbers her father can provide , to be more specific . Vladimir may have crossed an ocean to make his fortune here , but his heart never left the old Russia . He wanted a husband for his daughter ; I wanted the soldiers hed offer up as dowry . And Petra ? Petra had goals of her own . She wanted more than to be a pretty thing on someones arm . I was happy to indulge her . 21:17 Im not Vladimir , after all I dont give a shit whats between someones legs . I care only how they can contribute to my cause . And if someone brings me an army , man or woman , they have earned a place in my ranks Now , if only she would quit touching me . Wont you let me kiss you ? she blurts suddenly . Her fingers stroke the line of my jaw . I push her hand aside . You can kiss me at the altar . And after ? she presses , all but hanging on my tie . I do my best to smother my irritation . The worst thing I can do is give Petra the satisfaction of seeing me snap . Thats what she lives for getting a rise out of people . I dont get it , you know , she muses when I dont answer . Its not like Im ugly . Arent you curious what it would be like ? Just once ? Ive wondered the same thing . By all accounts , I should find Petra beautiful . In an objective way , I guess I do . She looks like a statue : sculpted out of marble , perfect in every proportion . And just as cold and sharp . Why are you even asking ? I counter . We both know you dont like me , either . Her face tells me Im right on the money . Maybe the same reason goes for both of us : were too alike . Two alphas , gunning for the top . Shed never yield to anybody and as for me ? I prefer women who will yield . Warm , pliable , mine for the taking . Just like- Fine , she pouts , whirling away . Youre no fun to play with anyway . Im not made to be played with , I snarl with a sudden lash of violence that takes even me by surprise . So dont try . Then my gaze falls to my watch . You should get back to your suite , I advise . We wouldnt want your father thinking youre up to something improper . Yes , yes , moy pakhan , Petra teases , hands up in a mocking gesture of innocence . God forbid , right ? I watch her retreating back in the mirror . Her hips , swaying with every step . Alpha or not , I should at least be tempted So why arent I ? Chapter 10 Without thinking , my hand goes back to my pocket , where the ribbon rests . I blame the fabric : smooth , soft to the touch . Ideal for discharging my kinetic energy . With my mind always running calculations a mile a minute , its a welcome reprieve . A purely physical thing . It has nothing to do with the woman who wore it . There you are . I turn to the door , following the sound of Grishas voice . I was starting to think we had a runaway bride on our hands . Petra answers with a coquettish laugh . Oh , I would never . Just making sure my husband doesnt get cold feet . Im not your husband yet . See ? she jokes to Grisha . Cant leave this one alone , Im telling you . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!