Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 93463 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93463 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
A McCarthy woman. I’m nauseous. Literally, sick to my stomach.
“And once the word’s out about what I’ve done, I’ll need to come up with a strategy.” He sighs and looks away, his eyes wistful. “This started back at the Wolf and Moon, didn’t it? And if I’m honest? It started well before that.”
“What do you mean, Seamus?” I ask softly. Now that we’re alone, I say his name, and he allows it.
Did he bait and switch me? Pretend to love me, pretend to care, only to reveal the monster underneath?
What have I done? What has he done?
I think back to Morozov’s body. To the blood. To the ruin he left behind.
He killed a man just for standing between us.
Now what?
“Come here, darling,” he says, softer than I’ve heard in what feels like forever.
And my heart aches. Maybe, just maybe, beneath that cold, unyielding exterior, he does care for me.
Maybe this wasn’t just a political move, like I’d always feared. But he said those words. I heard him.
I told you I was coming for your sister.
Even Polina said it, that he told everyone he was coming for me.
This has been in motion since the beginning. But I don’t say any of that.
No. I keep it to myself.
I don’t trust him. Not now. Not ever.
He says I betrayed him, but just look, look at how this has all played out. I swallow hard as he reaches for me, pulling me gently onto his lap like I belong there.
“The next few months are going to be very difficult,” he says quietly, almost like he regrets it. “I have many things to sort out before we’re at peace.”
What will that mean for my family?
“Do you understand me?” he asks, still gentle, still careful with me.
I nod, because honestly, what choice do I have? “Yes?” I answer, barely holding steady.
“So this is what you’re going to do, my love,” he continues, and though his tone is tender, it’s wrapped in steel. “Are you listening, lass?”
I nod again, swallow hard. “Yes,” I whisper.
He cups the side of my face, forcing my gaze up to meet his. “When I ask you to obey me, I expect you to say it like this, little Zoya.” His voice dips low, his finger under my chin. My gaze is locked on his. “Yes, sir.”
I stare at him, my throat tight and heart pounding. I want to feel what it does to me when I say it.
“Yes, sir,” I whisper back.
Why does a tiny thrill spark down my spine at that?
Why do his eyes go dark and heated with approval and lust?
“That’s a good girl,” he says, his words brushing over me like velvet. “I want you to know, I’ve already forgiven your betrayal. Because I know why you did it.”
My betrayal… telling my family a lie. Agreeing to marry a Morozov.
I swallow hard.
“You’re loyal, Zoya. But now, there’s something else. Something I need you to understand.”
He pinches my chin between his thumb and forefinger, keeping me locked in place. “Do you hear me, sweet girl?”
I nod, swallowing again.
“Yes.”
“You tried to save your brothers from my hand. And I understand that. But you must never, ever do that again.”
A sharp sting of fear pricks the back of my neck. I don’t trust my voice, not at first, but after swallowing a few more times and wetting my lips, I manage to say, “Yes… sir.” I tack on the sir like an afterthought, but it still earns me a small smile.
“That’s a good lass,” he says approvingly, brushing his thumb over my cheekbone. Then he leans in and kisses me, softly, tenderly, like he’s trying to make a point with his mouth. And I melt, just a little more.
“You’ve heard of the ways of the McCarthy clan, haven’t you?” he asks once he finally pulls away.
I nod. “Rumors,” I whisper. “I know Matvei’s wife, Anissa, used to work for you.”
“Aye, she did. For a time. In exchange for our protection. And what did she tell you, lass?”
I laugh, a nervous sound. “Um… she said you guys were old-fashioned. Dominant. That you expect your women to be… submissive.” My cheeks heat. “And that she’d never be cowed under the thumb of one of you.”
“She wouldn’t,” he says with a little chuckle. “Which is why she’s now married to a Kopolov man.” He chuckles, low and amused. “But it’s different for my family, lass.”
He straightens a little.
“I’m the head of the house. And I’m the head of the Clan as well. Do you understand that?”
I nod.
“And you understand, it’s not just in the bedroom, aye?”
I nod again, even though I’m not sure how I feel about that. Right now, the only thing that feels safe is to play along. To give him what he wants. That’s how you survive.
“But I promise you, little Zoya, my sweet little lass,” he says, both hands now cupping my face. “You’ll want for nothing. My protection. My care.”