Chapter 1
A week ago.
Katya stood behind the slightly opened door with her ear pressed to the cold wood.
Inside, she could see her father speaking to a man she didn’t recognize.
When he summoned her to his office, he said it was important, but she didn’t expect to see the unfamiliar stranger sitting in the chair.
His hair was dark, and his olive tone and strong features gave him more of a Hispanic look, not Russian.
They were discussing some mining company in Chile.
From previous conversations she overheard, Katya knew her father wanted control over the rare material exported from Chile.
That control was being blocked by a powerful family that already controlled all the mining there.
“The shipment is ready now. I can get you inside the yard, but your men will have to handle moving the goods,” The man said with a heavy Spanish accent.
“You’re sure they won’t be waiting on my men? I can’t afford an ambush.”
“No. They don’t have any idea you want the lithium.”
Katya gasped, causing her father to jerk his head toward the spot where she was hiding. “Who’s there?” His hand moved to the gun on his hip. His knuckles whitening as he tightened his fingers around the grip.
Taking a deep breath, Katya stepped out from behind the door. “It’s me, Father.”
“Katya?” He raised an eyebrow at her. “Why are you hiding behind the door?”
“I wasn’t hiding, exactly.” She stepped closer to her father, her heart beating against her chest as she did. “You were busy, and I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“Jorge.” Her father turned to the man standing beside him. “This is my daughter, Katya.”
“Katya.” He grabbed her hand, pressing her knuckles to his lips. “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
“Thank you.” Katya pulled her hand free, laughing nervously. “Father. You asked to see me?”
“Yes. Jorge and I are talking business, and it involves you. Jorge is going to help us gain lithium.”
“Lithium?” Katya ran her fingers through her hair. “What does that have to do with me?”
“Jorge is going to help me with this project, and I’m going to help him.”
“Help him how?” Katya glanced between the two men. “I don’t understand.”
“Jorge needs a wife. His father will not pass on the family business until he has wed. He can get me the lithium I want, and I…” Her father grabbed a glass and poured some whisky into it. “Can help him with his wife problem.”
Katya froze, her heart pounding like a horse readying for a race. “What do you mean you can help him with a wife?”
“You, my dear.” He swallowed the amber liquid. “Are going to marry him.”
“What?” she squeaked. “I think I must have misheard you. Did you just suggest I marry him?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. You will marry him, and I will get the lithium.”
“You can’t be serious. I won’t marry him,” Katya’s voice cracked as she spoke. “I don’t know him and I’m not a bargaining chip you can just use for your personal gain.”
Her father’s hand shot out and gripped her by the chin. His fingers dug into the delicate flesh as he squeezed.
“Listen to me, Katya. You’ll do exactly as I say or you’ll wind up just like your traitorous bitch mother.” Katya gasped as his grip loosened and he shoved her face away from him.
Katya rubbed the skin where he held her, her eyes holding back the tears threatening to fall. “You can’t do this.”
“It’s already done.”
“Katya.” Jorge stepped closer to her and cupped her cheek. “I promise I will take good care of you. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
His eyes roamed her body, making Katya shiver. Nothing about this was normal. Her father had sold her to someone promising him power. Had her mother’s betrayal really made him this cold-hearted?
“I’m not afraid of you.” Katya stepped out of his touch. “Know this. He might have sold me like property; however, I will never be owned. You may take me from my home, but I will never marry you.”
Jorge laughed, his eyes pinning her to the spot. “You weren’t lying, she’s feisty.”
“Well, she’s your problem now. I’ve already had her things loaded in your plane.”
“Good. Look around, Katya. It’s the last time you’ll see your home. We won’t be returning to Vegas again.”