THE MAFIA'S SHATTERED CROWN

Present Day

One month ago, I made a bargain with the devil and today the bill is due.

That devil is none other than Maxim Belov. Billionaire. Business magnate. Crime lord.

And the man who killed Aunt Masha—the only mother I’ve ever known.

“Do you, Kira Antonov, take Maxim Belov to be your lawfully wedded husband…’ the priest begins, his voice echoing in the vast cathedral. His words become a distant murmur as I fix my gaze on the man I’m about to wed.

Maxim’s cold eyes meet mine, filled with a calculating appraisal. A faint smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth. He’s undeniably gorgeous, his jet-black hair peppered with salt and pepper at the temples, highlighting piercing blue-gray eyes, a chiseled jawline, and defined cheekbones that lend him an air of ruthless nobility.

The cathedral falls into a hushed silence, the weight of countless expectant eyes bearing down on me. Sweat beads along my back, and I struggle to keep my breathing steady, knowing there’s no turning back once this commitment is made.

But the only thing more terrifying than calling him my husband is not avenging Masha’s murder. And without his ring on my finger, that will be impossible. So I allow my need for vengeance to outweigh my fear. I’ve walked through fire to get here; now, I need to take the final leap.

The priest looks from Maxim to me, his brow creased with concern, and repeats, ‘Do you, Kira, take Maxim as your husband?’

Maxim drags his thumb across his bottom lip, tilting his head in a silent query. I can almost hear his mocking tone in my mind. ‘What’s it going to be, lastochka? Will you run away, or will you see this marriage through?’

I draw upon every shred of anger and grief, letting it steel my resolve. This is for Aunt Masha and the justice she deserves.

When I finally find my voice, it’s strong and clear. “Yes.” So help me God.

And just like that, I’ve bound myself to a monster for as long as it takes to exact my revenge.