Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 145(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 145(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
“What?” Anastasia asked.
“Yes. Your father has been trying to figure out a way to take it from you. At first, he tried to position it, but it would seem Evelyn knew what your father was like, and put several safeguards in place.”
“She did?”
“Yes. The first being that he would need several people to witness you reading the terms of her will, as well as a secret letter, which would be handed to you by a man named Gustov. Do you know him?”
“Yes, I know him. He’s a friend of my mom’s.”
“Have you been forced to sign anything?”
“No.”
“Then I imagine your father is quite pissed off. From what I see, the only way he could get his hands on your mother’s wealth would be in the event of your death. Once you are dead, all that wealth goes to him.”
“You’ve seen my mother’s will?” Anastasia asked.
“I have.”
“So, you married me because I’m a wealthy woman?”
Bogdan smiled. “I married you because Galkin asked me to, and he made all the arrangements. Your father approached me on our wedding night and told me if you were not a virgin, I had his permission to kill you.”
He heard her gasp and saw her eyes open.
“Would you have done it?” Anastasia asked.
“And risk an all-out war? No. I do not follow the orders of a Rinaldi.”
She took a deep breath.
“I will not kill you. The only way I would even consider it, is if Galkin demands your death, and the only reason he would do that is if you turned out to be a traitor.”
“So, I could die anyway?” Anastasia asked.
“Only if you intend to be a traitor.”
“What would I have to do?”
Now, he found her confusing.
“Do you want to die?” he asked.
“No, I want to figure out how to survive this. In case you didn’t know, I’ve been left in the dark about a lot of things, and trust me when I say this is scary. I have no idea what I am doing. I don’t know the protocols. I will end up dead.”
Bogdan didn’t want to change her.
“Then remain loyal to me, Anastasia. Be exactly how you have been, and you and I will never conflict.”
She nodded and then frowned, and he knew this conversation was not over. Did she even realize how refreshing she was?
“Wait, does that mean I have to go back to you grunting one-word orders at me, because just an FYI, I don’t like that. I prefer this.”
“What?”
“Talking. You know, having a conversation.”
“You’d like to talk?”
“Yes, and if possible, I’d like to read my mother’s will, and if you could reach out to Gustov and he has a letter from my mom, I would like to read it.”
“You know this Gustov?”
“Not well, but I know he cared for my mom. He was there for her when she needed him. He trained me.”
“Trained you, how?” he asked.
“I know some self-defense.” She looked him up and down and then frowned. “Not enough to overpower you, obviously, but enough to know I could get away.”
Now he was curious.
“I will reach out to Gustov.”
“Please tell him Anastasia wants to see him.”
“You do realize I will not leave you alone with any man.”
She nodded. “I know. You don’t have to worry about Gustov, though. He’s a good guy, and I see him as more of a friend.”
There was that sweet smile, and he couldn’t help but trust it. She may see him as a friend, but that did not mean Gustov saw her as a friend. For all he knew, Gustov could see her as a meal ticket and manipulate her.
Chapter Three
Gustov would not go to the city. Nor would he meet in any nightclubs or bars. Instead, they had to meet under the cover of a forest, off the beaten track, and she knew Bogdan was not a happy man.
Several of his men were guarding, and they climbed out of the car. She looked around the forest, trying to catch sight of Gustov. Her mother had told her on many occasions that Gustov had the ability to hide in plain sight. He was one of the best men to get in and out without being detected.
“What have I taught you about being unarmed?” Gustov asked, stepping out behind some thick, dense bushes.
“Gustov,” she said, and was about to head over to him, but Bogdan grabbed her arm, stopping her. “I’m not unarmed.”
“You have five men with you, four of which have no real connection to you, and would rather see you dead than alive. As for your husband, you can never be too sure.”
Anastasia looked at Bogdan and shook her head. “He doesn’t want me dead. Trust me, my dad told him to kill me and I am still alive.” She chuckled. “Good times, huh?”
Gustov didn’t smile. She was not used to the man before her seeming so cold and aloof. This was an odd feeling for her. One she didn’t like.