The Bastard's Betrayal

by Katee Robert

  “Jovan.” He said the name tonelessly. “What’s to stop me from throwing my lot in with him?”

  She gave him the look that question deserved. “Please. The first thing he’d do is give your sister to Lev, quickly followed up by killing my sister.” Fear made her stomach clench, but she pressed on. She had to get Romeo onto her side. There was no other option. “That’s the best-case scenario. It’s far more likely that he’ll just kill all of you. Jovan isn’t one to leave a wolf at his back.”

  Romeo didn’t shift and move the way most people did. He simply sat in perfect stillness while he considered her. “Explain to me how you marrying Dante Verducci helps with this situation.”

  “It takes me off the market. Without them able to pretend they’re pressing a match for me, they’ll have to be honest about what their goals are.”

  His gaze flicked to her throat. Her makeup covered the faded bruises, but he stared as if he could see them clearly. “Seems to me that they’re already being honest about what their goals are.”

  She shrugged. “I want Dante. He’s mine. That’s reason enough to marry him.”

  Again, that curve of his lips. Again, the smile came nowhere close to his eyes. “If I agree to stand aside and allow you to marry him without consequence, you will provide me with all the information you have on Lev Romanov.” She opened her mouth to reply, but he kept speaking before she could. “In addition to that, you will put aside any schemes or plotting to divest me of my wife.”

  She swallowed hard. “And if she doesn’t want to stay married to you?”

  “Ask her yourself, Rose.” He motioned for the door. “Now, leave me in peace. I expect regular updates on the Jovan situation as it unfolds.”

  “Of course.” She rose smoothly to her feet. “I’ll see my sister, and then I’ll be out of your hair.”

  “By all means.”

  Rose had to force herself to turn and walk to the door, leaving Romeo her back. Every instinct demanded she keep him in sight, but pride was a fickle thing and reputation even more so. He’d agreed to hold their alliance without demanding more than she was willing to give, even if she married Dante. It was better than she’d dared hope.

  Out in the hallway, Drucilla and Fabian were nowhere in sight, but Lorelei stood speaking with Vasily under the harsh oversight of Salvatore. He didn’t seem to be doing anything overtly wrong, but he was standing a little too close to Lorelei and was glaring at Vasily a little too hard.

  Her sister saw her and moved to meet her. She grabbed Rose’s hands. “Don’t do anything to endanger my marriage to Romeo.”

  Rose blinked. “I can’t believe you married him, Lorelei. What were you thinking?”

  “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” Her smirk was just as fake as her nails currently digging into Rose’s hands. She stared up at Rose. “Listen to me. I do not need or want your help. Do you understand me, Rose? No meddling. No sending Anya to fuck with Romeo. I have things under control.”

  Something was very, very wrong. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Has he hurt you?”

  Lorelei blinked, true shock filtering into her expression. “No. Of course not. I’d kill him if he did.”

  “Then what’s going on?” Rose murmured. “Why are you acting so weird? Why is he so set on you?”

  Lorelei shook her head and dropped her hands. “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes.” No hesitation. It was the truth.

  “Then trust that I have the situation under control.”

  She wanted to keep arguing, but Drucilla and Fabian rounded the corner, each carrying a bottle of wine. She was out of time. “If that changes, promise that you’ll ask for help.”

  “I’m a big girl, Rose. I can take care of myself.” Lorelei turned and walked through the door and back into the private dining room without another word.

  The two Capparellis didn’t engage as they slipped past her, but Salvatore stopped with his big hand on the door. He was bigger than Vasily, easily as large as Grady. He stared down at her for a long moment. “Leave your sister alone. She’s a Capparelli now.” He turned and headed through the doorway before she could come up with a good response to that.

  Lorelei might be married to a Capparelli, but she was a fucking Romanov. If they thought they could wave that away without consequences…

  One thing at a time.

  Vasily fell into step beside her as she headed for the exit. They kept their voice low. “She’s okay.”

  “Something is wrong.”

  “Lorelei is capable. She’s got it covered.”

  They fell silent as they moved through the dining room and out the front door. It was only when they were safely in the car again that Rose spoke. “It’s a problem for another day, unfortunately. I need to speak with my parents. Now.”

  Chapter 25

  Rose wasted no time seeking out her parents as soon as she arrived home. She needed to speak to them before someone reported on where she’d been. Most conversations between her and Papa and Mama weren’t political negotiations, but the same couldn’t be said for what came next. She needed all the advantages she could get.

  There was no need to ask where her parents were. At this hour on a Saturday night, they’d be in the study, drinking tea and going over the week’s reports. They liked to button up each week like that, since Sundays were usually reserved for family.

  Sure enough, when she strode through the door, they had their heads together looking at something on Papa’s computer. Mama had on a casual gray wrap dress and Papa was clothed, as always, in one of his customary suits, though he’d lost his tie and had rolled up his sleeves. He idly stroked a hand through Mama’s hair, the casual intimacy making Rose’s chest ache.

  She wanted that. More, she finally had a true chance at it, and she wouldn’t let anything stand in her way. This was the last barrier that stood between her and Dante being able to be together.

  Rose shut the door and waited for them to look at her. “We need to talk.”

  “We were just wrapping up.” Papa kissed Mama’s temple and sat back. “It’s good you’re here. Vladimir is in town. He wants a meeting tomorrow morning.”

  Vladimir Romanov was Jovan’s second son. He was as close to Jovan himself as they’d get on this continent. Neither Jovan nor his heir would be traveling, which made sense. Why leave their seat of power? “He’s here to issue some fucked-up ultimatum.”

  “Da.”

  She had even less time than she thought. So be it. Rose straightened her spine and worked to keep her tone even and reasonable. “Papa, I listened to your concerns yesterday and while I respect them, they are no longer an issue. I’ve dealt with both Romeo and Kirill. I’m going to marry Dante Verducci.”

  Papa went still. “Absolutely not.”

  She’d expected it, but his instant refusal still stung. “Either give your blessing or excommunicate me.” She stared him down. “Those are your two options. Choose.”

  Mama narrowed her eyes, but she put a hand on Papa’s arm. “Where’s this coming from?”

  “I love him.” It wasn’t the first time she’d said it aloud, but the admission was still new enough to rock her. The three little words went through her like a bomb going off.

  Her mother didn’t move. “You love him enough to choose him over your family?”

  “I don’t want to make that choice. I won’t if I don’t have to.”

  “Don’t act like anyone is backing you into this corner. You’re there by choice,” Papa snapped.

  She took a deep breath. This was so much harder than the conversation with Romeo. Rose didn’t give a fuck what the Capparelli thought of her, but she loved her parents. She didn’t want to have to draw the line in the sand between them, but they were leaving her no choice. “Last night Papa laid out the reasons we couldn’t be together. I’ve negated those reasons. Kirill has entered into an alliance with the Verduccis, and in the process promised not to be a safe harbor for Jovan or his people
. Romeo has also agreed to maintain the alliance even if I marry Dante.” No need to get into the Lev business now. That was between her and Romeo.

  “He kidnapped you.” Her mother spoke slowly.

  “It’s hardly the first time it’s happened in family history.” Rose shrugged. “He’s ruthless and he’s smart and he’s gone for me. More, he’s not from a local family, so there’s no potential shit about favoritism the way there would have been with the Capparellis. It’s a good play.”

  Mama narrowed her eyes. “His actions put the family into a tailspin that we’re still struggling to correct. He drew Jovan’s eye.”

  Rose crossed her arms over her chest. “So you’re going to pretend you didn’t find out Casimir booked his ticket the day before my wedding? Jovan was always going to come for us—for me. Dante has nothing to do with it.”

  Papa finally unfroze enough to say. “Nyet, Roza. I will not allow it. He’s made our family look like fools.”

  “Like you did with the O’Malleys?” she asked sweetly. “Don’t you think if you and Uncle Aiden can get past several years’ worth of schemes and backstabbing, you should be able to do the same with Dante?”

  “It’s not the same.”

  “It’s exactly the same.” She held his gaze. “You raised me to be just as cunning and ruthless as you are, Papa. You know the lengths you went to get Mama. Do you really think I’ll do any less for the man I want?”

  “Why him?” Mama finally sat back. “You could have anyone. Why this man?”

  “He’s mine. I won’t have another.”

  “It’s not an easy path you’re choosing, daughter.”

  She lifted her chin. “I know. But I can handle it. You’ve raised me to be able to handle it.”

  Mama and Papa shared one of those loaded looks that contained an entire conversation in a glance. He sighed, the sound resigned. “No one is going to excommunicate you, Roza. We’ll…give our blessing.”

  “Danke, Papa.” The tension left her in a rush that made her dizzy. Surely this was too easy? Except it wasn’t over, was it? This was only the first step in a long confrontation. Her and Dante were only part of a larger picture. The entire family was at risk from Jovan and his family. “Shall we go over what to expect tomorrow?”

  “Later.” He waved that away. “Go collect your man. If he’s going to be part of the family, we had best get this finished as quickly as possible.”

  She frowned. “Finished?”

  “Da. There’s only one way Jovan will take this move seriously. Call your man. I’ll call the priest.”

  Her thoughts slowed and went still. “You can’t be serious.”

  “If this is what you want—who you want—this is the only path forward. Choose, Roza.” He pushed to his feet, and for the first time in her life, her father looked old. “There can be no half measures with Jovan. He’ll capitalize on them and use them against us. Against you. Are you confident enough in this man to marry him tonight?”

  Her mouth moved, but no words came out. It felt like she’d barely gotten a grasp on the situation and now it spun out of control yet again, slipping through her fingers. She stared at her father, but Rose couldn’t tell if he was trying to bluff or if this was simply the only way forward he could see. Even after knowing him her entire life, she honestly couldn’t say one way or another.

  Part of her balked at being forced to choose so quickly, but…hadn’t she already chosen? The moment she decided to defy her parents and go behind their backs to negotiate with Romeo and Kirill, it was only ever going to end one way between her and Dante. With them at an altar, exchanging vows and rings. “You don’t want to make a public spectacle of the wedding this time?”

  “I think it’s best we move quickly. We will hold a reception later on, once things have calmed.”

  Really, there was no question as to her answer. Looking back, it was impossible to ignore the thread of fate that seemed to weave between her and Dante from the moment they met. Yes, things had hardly been normal, even for their world, but the connection? Undeniable. She’d told the truth when she’d called him hers. There was absolutely no reason not to make it official for all the world to see. “Very well.”

  Papa shook his head. “I hope you know what you’re doing”

  “I do.” She even meant it. They would stand against Jovan. That confrontation was always coming, but they were strong. They had allies. They would find a way to prevail. “We’ll see it through.”

  “Summon him, then. We’ll get this wrapped up tonight.”

  Rose turned and walked out of the office. She felt strange. Happy and yet not at the same time. She and her parents had clashed a number of times over the years, but she’d never felt like they were disappointed in her. It stung. Not enough to change her mind, but she still felt a little sick to her stomach. So much so, she didn’t hear her mother approach until her shoulder brushed Rose’s. “Mama! You startled me.”

  Her mother took her hand and tugged her to a stop. “Dima will come around. He just needs time.”

  “I’m surprised you aren’t trying to change my mind.”

  Mama shrugged. “I have eyes, Roza. You’ve been gone for that man since before you knew who he was.” She smiled faintly. “You’ve also outmaneuvered your father to claim Dante as your own. I might have my doubts in him, but I don’t doubt you. If you chose him, there’s more that I’m not seeing.” She glanced back at the office door. “I made a choice like that a long time ago, too, and my family didn’t understand at the time. They came around. Your father will, too.”

  Relief made her a little dizzy. “Thank you.”

  “I’m proud of you, Roza. This might not be the path I would have chosen for you, but you’re strong enough to carve your own way.” Mama pulled her into a quick hug. “Now, let’s get moving.”

  Rose hurried upstairs. She powered on her phone and her eyes went wide as a string of texts and voicemails came through. Instead of reading them all, she called him.

  Dante picked up on the first ring. “Rosa. Are you okay? When I couldn’t get a hold of you—”

  “Yes. No. Yes. I don’t know.” Her heart was beating too fast, and she felt like she’d just run a marathon. “I took care of Romeo. He agreed to my terms.”

  He exhaled harshly. “Did he give you any trouble?”

  Yes, but not in the way he meant. “No. It was remarkably civil considering everything.”

  “Bene.” A weighted pause. “Why do you sound so strange?”

  Here they went. This was the moment when everything could fall apart or come together into a spectacular finale. “Did you mean it when you said you wanted to marry me, d’yavol?”

  “Si.” No hesitation. No doubt.

  She closed her eyes. “My father called a priest. If we mean to do this, it has to be as soon as possible.”

  Part of her expected him to push back, to argue, to do something to sow doubt. She really should have known better by now. Dante simply said, “I’m at the airport. I’ll be there in a little over six hours.”

  “Dante.”

  “Si?”

  “I love you.” She whispered the words, but as she spoke, the strength came back into her words. “I know I just threw it out there before because I was scared, but…it’s the truth. I really do love you.”

  “I know,” he said. She gasped, and he laughed. “You would have killed me already if you didn’t. Ti amo, amata. I love you, too. Now, tell your people to stand down so this love story doesn’t end with a bullet.”

  Sheer giddiness made her punch drunk. “It started with one.”

  “No, it started long before that.” He paused. “I’ll see you soon, Rosa.”

  Chapter 26

  Dante arrived at the Romanov household after midnight, but it seemed every window was lit from within. He’d barely knocked on the door when Rose flung it open and threw herself into his arms. “D’yavol.”

  “Amata.” He hugged her tightly, inhaling her rich scent a
nd enjoying the feel of her in his arms again. This time, they wouldn’t be parted. He nudged her back and took in her green dress, tired eyes, and happy smile. “Are you sure?” Foolish of him to ask the question now, when poised right to get what he wanted most, but even more than marrying Rose, he didn’t want her to regret this.

  Her smile widened. “I’m sure.”

  Then there was nothing else to say. Not until they were truly alone. “Then take me to this priest.”

  Things happened quickly after that. He barely got a look at the hulking Vasily before Rose hauled him into a lovely sitting room. Or it would have been lovely if it weren’t filled with murderous-looking Romanovs. Lorelei wasn’t present, but Rose’s other two sisters and parents were there, all staring at him with cold eyes that promised pain and death should he let down Rose.

  He could have told them it was a nonissue. He was about to get exactly what he wanted. He would allow absolutely nothing to jeopardize it. And once Rose put his ring on her finger? He pressed his hand to his pocket. No one would touch her. He’d ensure it.

  He squeezed Rose’s hand, and she shot him a happy smile. “Ready?”

  “Si.” He’d never been readier for anything in his life. Everything had brought them to this point, and if there would be trials to come—and there would with Jovan Romanov breathing down their necks—then they’d face them together.

  The door opened behind them, and an old Black man in priest’s clothing walked in, followed by a white woman in an ill-fitting suit. She held a folder in her hands and looked around. “Who’s the happy couple?”

  Rose towed Dante to the woman. “It’s us.”

  “I have paperwork for you to sign.” She set it down on the coffee table and started to explain the prenup.

  “It’s fine,” Dante cut in. “Where do I sign?”

  Rose shot him an exasperated look. “You should read it first. I might be demanding your kidney.”