Lucky me, he gave me his business card before we parted ways.
Which means I should just call him and correct this dry-cleaning mix-up.
But after some goading from my sister and a moment of weakness, I send something else.

Something… reckless.
A photo I can’t unsend—one that guarantees he’ll come for me.

When he corners me again with his storm-gray gaze, I expect threats.
Instead, he offers a deal:

Marry him.
Play his bride.
Help him destroy a monster.

But Vadim doesn’t want pretend.
He wants my defiance.
My fear.
Me.

And the closer we get to pulling off his dangerous plan, the harder it is to remember this marriage is just a ruse…

Suddenly, every whispered word starts feeling like a promise.
Every bruising kiss like a claim.

Surviving this wedding might be easy.
Surviving him?
That’s the real challenge.

List of Triggers

Discussion of human trafficking and exploitation

Sexual assault discussions and threats

Graphic violence and murder

Physical and psychological torture

Domestic violence and abuse

Child abuse and trauma

Parental abandonment

Family violence

Mental health issues including PTSD

Medical trauma and terminal illness

Death of family members

Addiction (gambling)

Blood and gore

Psychological manipulation and gaslighting

Strong dubious consent scenarios

Kidnapping

Gun violence

Descriptions of corpse disposal

Self-destructive behavior

Emotional abuse

Organized crime themes

Complex power dynamics

Discussion of terminal illness (cancer)

Dementia and elder care themes

Themes of adoption and identity

Financial abuse

Infidelity