Prologue

prologue

Phoebe – 19 Years Old

I'm sitting on my bed, reviewing my studies for my Animals and Society class. I have my headphones in, and I'm bobbing my head to Bon Jovi, when something, or more like someone, flicks me on my forehead, making me jump up and scream. Looking into my sister's laughing eyes, I narrow mine at her and remove my headphones. She's lucky I wasn't armed.

"Seriously, Selene, you nearly gave me a heart attack!" I snap, causing her to laugh aloud, and I tilt my head. She hasn't laughed much in the past week. Things between her and Father have been extremely tense lately. I'm not sure why, because she and Father have always had a close bond; he has spoiled her rotten over the years, and it used to make me jealous half the time, especially when he can't stand to look at me. But I think it's because I have my mother's bright green eyes, while Selene has his brown.

Despite having white-blond hair down to my waist, hair the same color as his, I'm more of my mother's copy at 5'5" and slim, while Selene is a copy of him except for her hair, which is more of a sandy blond bob, nearly the light brown of mothers. Selene is 5'9" and curvy. She's three years older than me, but we'd been best friends for as long as I can remember…until I returned home three years ago.

When our mother was killed by the Romanians when I was only ten, it was Selene who comforted me despite mourning herself; my father refused to acknowledge me, and we've had an estranged relationship since. It was my grandmother, Yia-Yia Athena, whom I barely knew, who raised me, while my father took sole responsibility for my sister.

I had to move in with her at her cottage in Greece, because she wanted nothing to do with my father. She was a carbon copy of my mother, with light brown hair and bright green eyes, so the decision for my father was easy; he didn't want her around, either, and even for the few days she did stay here for my mother's funeral, it was tense. She died three years ago, and I had to return to our family home on Long Island to a father with cold eyes and no love or sympathy. He only shows love to my sister.

It's something I've struggled to forgive him for.

I don't feel welcome here. I spend most of my time either with Sergi, my best friend, and my pseudo brother, or in my room, which is at the back of the house instead of the one I had growing up that was a few doors down from his and Mama's. If I see my father around the house, I slink back into the background to make myself invisible, which isn't hard to do when I was shy and quiet before he sent me away. I filled that role again with ease; no one knew my other side.

My sister being in my room now is a rare thing. We're not as close as we once were.

"What are you doing?" Selene asks, shaking me out of my head.

I push her away.

"My schoolwork," I answer, rolling my eyes.

"Boring, you don't need to do schoolwork; it's not like Bampás would let you do anything anyway. It's all for show to make him look good in front of his business partners and alliances. You'll be married off." My heart stops. She's said this time and time again; it's like she wants to hurt me. I ignore her every time because I don't want to believe it, especially when my father is adamant that she works for the family, despite her being engaged.

I have always wanted to be a vet; animals call to me more than humans. I look to my windowsill and see my black and white cat, Ares, sunning himself. He's only three years old, and he's the last thing my yia-yia gave me before she passed away in her sleep. My father wanted to shoot him, but I threatened to run away if he hurt him.

It's the first time I stood up to him, and it's also the first time he has ever slapped me. It took everything in me not to hit him back or grab the knife that I always have inside my boot to stab him. At the time, Sergi was here to pick me up and, thankfully, intervened. For the first four months after my return, Sergi took Ares for me, until he convinced my father to let me keep him.

"I know, but I can still try!" I whisper, playing my shy self while looking at my cat. My sister hums, making my stomach sour. I love my sister dearly, but she changed a lot over the years I was gone. She doesn't think before she speaks; she was my best friend before I left, but she's now really self-centered. She loves living life with maids and butlers, not doing anything for herself, knowing her father wanted her to get a degree to work at one of our restaurants, despite not giving me the same option.

She'll do several courses at NYU twice yearly to placate him. Now, though, she's saying she likes women instead of men, and hoping to get more attention from him. She's attention-hungry and greedy and, besides Sergi, she was the only other friend I'd ever had. Sergi has told me time and time again that she can't be trusted, and I know it's true, which is why I keep my "shy" persona up around her, and watch her. It's safer for me that way.

Selene drags me out of my thoughts when she grabs my pillow, hitting me with it. I look at her in shock, and she laughs. I quickly get into action, grab the other one, and hit her with it, pretending we're young girls again. She squeals, and we end up in a pillow fight just like we used to as children, ending it in a fit of laughter that dies quickly with a throat clearing. We look up, and the smile on my face disappears as my father, standing at 6 feet in a tailored black suit, stares at us like he doesn't recognize us. I quickly look down at my hands, not knowing what to say. He never comes to my room, and we haven't said two words to each other since he slapped me at sixteen.

"I need you both in my office in ten minutes. Make yourselves presentable." Selene nods with a smirk, then goes to Father, and kisses his cheek, before running to her room to get ready without saying a word.

I look up and state, "Yes, Kai ," and bow my head a little.

He frowns a little; his eyes flash with guilt, but he quickly hides it behind his mask, and they turn cold again. He nods and turns to walk away while I stand in the same position, looking at my hands. He turns a little, his brows furrowing at me once more, and then he leaves.

A tear slips out of my eye, and I quickly wipe it away. We've gone from a loving family to one daughter treating him like he walks on water and the other treating him like the second-in-command to the Greek Mafia Godfather of the Night— Nonos tis Nychtas —that he is, resenting him for all that he's done and for what I had to endure. I hurry to my bathroom to get ready.

Maybe one day my dreams will come true. I will become a veterinarian, and my father will love me again—but a dream is all that is.

Alexandr – 26 Years Old

This fucking sucks!

I love my life.

I love all the pussy I can get without the need to hide mistresses. Well, that was until my father decided I needed to help the family like Damian did. I can't exactly say no when, technically, it should have been me married to Sofia and becoming the next Pahkan and Italian Don next year and not him. But with my ADHD diagnosis at five years old, it's just not possible, and—I wouldn't admit this to anyone, but I'm glad I don't have that responsibility. I played on my diagnosis a lot to ensure I didn't take over. I just feel guilty that Damian was pushed into it instead, and is now struggling.

His wife, Sofia, left him on their wedding night. He loved her fiercely but was in denial about it. They've been best friends since he was twelve, after her father and ours pushed him into it. Instead of the usual alliance where the bride knows there's an arrangement, he's had to ensure she falls in love with him without her ever knowing the truth. He was in the rebellious stage, where he'd deny his feelings and fuck around with sluts who didn't care he was taken, then feel fucking guilty for straying on the woman he loves. Unfortunately, she found out, then left after marrying him, leaving her phone with two incriminating videos on it.

Sofia may have seemed quiet, but she was fierce and refused to be like her mother, who turned to alcohol and sleeping with her husband's men after he started ignoring her and having mistresses left and right. Damian has struggled for the past two years; he's been drowning, and he's looking for her, as we all are, but as a punishment to her, he's also trying to move on.

His dick has other ideas, though, and he just doesn't know how to stop trying. I worry it'll be too late by the time he realizes his mistakes, and when he finds her, his guilt will eat him alive. Because he will find her. My heart hurts for them. Sofia is like a sister to me. I love her dearly, and the guilt ate me alive, knowing what our families and my brother had done to her. She felt betrayed, and decided to take the easy way out, disappearing without a trace. And I love Damian. He's my blood brother, my best friend, but he's also a fucking idiot. He needs to get his head out of his ass fast.

This leads me to where I am now, on Long Island, staring at the fucking Kai , or second-in-command of the Nonos tis Nychtas' mansion. I sigh, shaking my head.

I stand to every inch of my six-foot-three-inches and square my shoulders, running my hands down the sides of my short dark hair, and ensuring the long hair on top is still slicked back.

I knock on the door and a butler answers. He takes me through the dreary house; it's like a shrine to his deceased wife, who was tortured, raped, and killed by the Romanians, which turned out to be his brother's fault. He helped them get to her as a fuck you to his brother for taking the woman he originally wanted but who was already pregnant with Selene. The brother doesn't know Basil is aware of his betrayal; it's taken him nine years to get his plans in order.

The butler takes us through the foyer, then right down the hallway, coming to a stop by a black door. He knocks, and then enters with me behind him.

Basil Adino sits behind his black desk, leaning back in his chair, his white-blond hair in in disarray. He looks stressed, but that's expected. He's been planning and plotting a takeover for nearly a year.

Between the Bratva, the Italian Mafia, and Basil's men, whom he has recruited behind his brother's back over the years, the takeover should go smoothly, and the revenge will be bittersweet. Normally, other Mafia wouldn't get involved with these types of situations; it's between family, despite how close my father and Basil are, but Adrian is rumored to be dabbling in human trafficking and, we may be assholes, but we stop at flesh-peddling.

"Alexandr, please come in and take a seat." He sighs. I tilt my head and take a seat in the comfy-looking black armchair. "Is everything okay, Basil?" I question. I'm concerned about him; he's alright for a Greek. He and my father are close friends, and they have been since infancy. They grew up together, much to Adrian's dislike. Adrian has tried to start a war several times over the years, but Basil always quashes it.

"Sorry, Alexandr, just worried for my daughter Phoebe is all."

I nod. I'm aware of the youngest Adino child who was forced to move to Greece with her grandmother. Sergi was upset when she left. Those two are really close, like brother and sister, really. I haven't physically met her, though. He'd meet up with her once a month, and they'd talk on the phone, but he always ensured to keep her away from us.

Adrian had taken a liking to her after he had her mother killed when she was ten. He had an auction site set up with several takers, including the Romanians. Basil did the only thing he could think of and sent her away. He didn't have the manpower to take his brother on, and the only way to get her to leave was to make sure she thought it was because he didn't want her anymore.

Apparently, she's the spitting image of her mother except for her white-blond hair, so it was easy to convince everyone he couldn't stand being around her when he just wanted to keep her safe. He struggled with the decision and spoke to my father at length about it. He loves his daughters but had to do what was best at the time. When his mother-in-law passed away in her sleep, he had no choice but to bring Phoebe back. He's kept her at arm's length, though, for her safety, but keeping up the fa?ade eats him alive every day.

He sighs deeply. "The marriage contract cannot be with Selene, my eldest."

I raise my eyebrows at that. Don't get me wrong, I don't want this marriage at all, but I also know I must marry an Adino for us to help take down his brother and the trafficking enterprise in our area. Otherwise, it would start a war.

"What's changed your mind?" I ask in a calm voice, not looking forward to explaining this to my father. He will think I did something to fuck things up and, for once, I didn't.

"I haven't changed my mind; I just changed the bride," he states solemnly, and I furrow my brows in confusion.

"Despite it being a marriage in name only, for appearance's sake, it needs to look real for Adrian to not get suspicious, and he will not believe it with you and Selene." He looks pissed, and I keep quiet, waiting for an explanation. "She was aware of the rules; she signed the documents but decided to make a sense at a family gathering—more for attention than anything. Selene states that she is in love with some college student."

I arch a brow. "Okay…? Why can't we kill the guy? She's clearly breaking the written contract we both signed and wants to get back at me for not giving her my black card," I state.

His answer shocks me.

" She . It turns out my daughter is not into men anymore and thought it best to bring the young lady to our family restaurant while Adrian was there." He runs his hand through his hair, frustrated. "She also has a new passion, painting, and the classes she's chosen cost $15,000 for three months." I try not to fucking laugh. Selene is one of those people who tries new things just so she doesn't lose a life of luxury. She's very materialistic and spoiled. Basil is the kind of man who prefers the women in his family to take responsibility and earn their keep, meaning college. Degrees and jobs, which Selene does not want.

I've heard whispers of Phoebe wanting to be a vet and already in college taking courses, according to my fuck buddy, Mindy. Selene's very jealous and has been planting shit in her sister's ear about their father not wanting her to work because she'll be married off, not that I gave a shit. Mindy likes to try and cuddle and have pillow talk after our fuck sessions, and Selene's whole "I'm into women" thing is definitely not true. Does she like eating pussy? Yes, she does. Mindy is her go-to pussy, but only when she knows I'll be there, too, which I'm certain her father knows nothing about.

I've only ever fucked her mouth and ass, never her pussy, and usually I watch as she gets tongue fucked as I fuck the women in between us, much to her dismay. Still, I think this is a ploy she didn't think her father would take seriously. Too bad she made it too public…but this is perfect for me. I never wanted to marry Selene; her personality is shitty. That's why I've bitched nonstop over this arrangement. I know I would have killed her within a few months.

She's basically only good for her asshole and mouth. The last time we met, as per the contract rules, we didn't have a chaperone. She tried to make a show of ownership after a barista flirted with me, then pushed the crocodile tears when I told her to knock it off. So, the fact she's now into the opposite sex is hilarious, and I don't have to marry anyone.

He must have noticed my expression because he lets out a little chuckle.

"Don't get your hopes up, Al. Like I said, I'm switching brides, which your father has agreed to, too. I just wanted the opportunity to tell you, and for you to meet your new bride today." He smirks at me, and my stomach bottoms out.

Shit, fucking Dad. I wait patiently for him to announce which of the women in his family will be my new bride.

"Phoebe."

That is all he says, and I stand up fast.

Fuck no, she's just a kid.

He puts his hand up and states, "She's nineteen. You're only seven years older than her, and I think this is a better way to keep her safe until our plan comes to fruition next year." He says it so calmly, but I can see the fury in his eyes. He doesn't want her to marry me just as much as I don't want to marry her. Selene fucked things up; she knew her sister would have to take her place, but she put herself first anyway, out of jealousy and greed, like she always does.

Well, this is going to truly fucking piss her off, but she should have known better.

Just as I'm about to open my mouth and tell him there's no fucking way I can marry his youngest and that we'll figure something else out, there's a knock on the door.

"Enter," Basil commands in a cold voice. I look at him with a raised brow, and he shakes his head a little. I tip my chin to him before moving over to the wall. The door opens, and Selene walks in, her hair curled in a short bob. She's wearing a black maxi dress that dips too low, with a pair of sandal wedges that stick out as she walks. She's added a few inches to her 5'9". She has caked her face with makeup, and I shake my head wondering how the hell I ever thought she was beautiful.

Every time I've seen her, she looks like a fucking clown.

She sees me, stops, and smirks, licking her lips, obviously thinking the meeting is about our arrangement and hoping for an apology and my Black Amex. I shake my head. What the actual fuck? She cannot be this thick, can she?

"Selene, get out of the doorway and sit down," Basil booms from his desk, clearly pissed at how she's dressed, his face red from her actions. She startles and starts to move forward, and just as I'm about to ream her fucking ass for the shit she's causing, all because she's a whiny, spoiled brat, my voice stalls in my throat, and I swallow my tongue at the vision before me in the doorway.

Standing at maybe 5'5", with a body men dream of—slim but with just the right curves around her waist and hips. Long white-blond hair cascades down the back, minimal makeup, and she's wearing a simple, light pink t-shirt, jeans that hug her so nicely that her ass looks edible, and a pair of pink and yellow DCs.

This is Phoebe Adino, and she's looking stunning without even trying. Well, now I understand why Sergi kept her away from us. She's a fucking vision.

She has her hands in front of her, linked together, and she's keeping her head down. She goes to the chair I vacated, and sits down, not once looking up from her lap. Selene looks at me, and then at her. I want to roll my eyes.

What does Selene expect? She told her father she's a lesbian so, even if he doesn't believe her, she's made the family—including Adrian—aware of her preferences.

Basil clears his throat as I lean against the wall, crossing one leg over the other while wrapping my arms over my chest, staring at Phoebe, and waiting for the shitshow.

Fuck, she's beautiful.

"Selene, as you have publicly announced you are in a relationship and have met the woman of your dreams, the marriage contract you signed is now null and void." I look toward Selene as she pales, and I want to chuckle but hold it in. I look back at Phoebe, and she hasn't moved from her position. I can feel myself already getting restless, but I try to tamp it down. I forgot to take my medication this morning. Shit, my heart races the longer I look at her. That's because of my missed meds, right?

Basil continues, "Because of this, we have canceled your arrangement with Alexandr."

Selene sits forward. "But Father?—"

He doesn't let her finish, raising his hand to silence her. She frowns and narrows her eyes but listens.

"An arranged marriage is still going to take place, but instead of you, it'll be your sister who will marry Alexandr Volkov." I notice Phoebe tense, but she doesn't say anything. Selene looks in her sister's direction and sneers at her, and I shake my head. She's the one who caused this with her lies, and yet she looks at her sister like she's at fault.

"The wedding will take place when Phoebe turns twenty-one, but the conditions are still as follows: Alexandr Volkov and Phoebe Adino are to meet as required, one day a week, chaperoned by a guard. The marriage is of convenience; therefore, love is not required. Once the contract is signed, the husband will not father any children with another woman. A child must be conceived within one year of marriage. Public displays of affection with others are prohibited. The wife-to-be is to attend every gala, all parties, and business dinners with her husband-to-be. After five years of marriage, if both parties agree, a divorce may be obtained.

"This marriage will be the anchor to an alliance between the Greek Mafia and Russian Bratva. You are to follow these rules. Do you understand Phoebe? You are now bound by Alexandr."

At each rule stated, Selene relaxes a bit more, until her father talks about the divorce. At that, she tenses again, realizing that not only do I have to stay married to her sister for five years, but Phoebe and I could also decide to stay married and, if I'm being honest, like hell will I let her divorce me.

She's fucking mine. My heart races at the thought of losing her. What the fuck? I barely know her.

Where in the fuck are these thoughts coming from?

I shake my head at my confusing thoughts. Phoebe tenses at each rule; she doesn't want this, but she hasn't got a choice. She can thank her sister for that, and so should I.

Fuck, she's mesmerizing.

Finally, she speaks for the first time, and her voice is sweet and soft. My heart aches at her words, though, and by the looks of Basil, his is torn in half.

"Yes, Kai ."

She stands, bowing her head a little, then gives her sister a nod. Selene frowns back, narrowing her eyes, obviously pissed that Phoebe didn't fight it. Without looking at me or making eye contact with her father, Phoebe goes for the door.

With her hand is on the handle, she freezes at the sound of my voice.

"Phoebe, Friday afternoons at the Precious café on Fifth Street at 3 PM—we will meet. Understand?" My voice is void of any emotion despite my heart racing. I'll make her fall for me because I won't let her go. She half turns her head and nods, then leaves without so much as a huff.

Selene is just about to open her mouth when her father dismisses her with a wave. She glares at him, but he ignores her, and she stomps out of the office, slamming the door. I shake my head and look back at Basil when he speaks again.

"We'll have to keep an eye on Phoebe. I think she'll run. She may seem quiet and shy, but she's changed some since living in Greece. She hasn't managed to hide it as well as she thinks; we'll have to triple security."

I nod. Why argue if you can try to disappear? It makes sense as to why she didn't make a fuss.

But she's not going anywhere. There is one rule I will be breaking, because there will be no divorce. I'm never letting her go.

I smirk.