“You don’t have to hide from me,” Ivan said.

I stayed tense, swiping left and right at my cheeks, trying to gain control. Nothing was happening, and I gritted my teeth. Anger rushed through me. This was … not right.

“Am I needed inside?”

“No,” Ivan said. “Andrei won’t leave his wife’s side. They’re dancing now.”

“Good. That’s good.” I had no idea what to say.

Silence fell between us. Ivan didn’t leave.

“You weren’t supposed to see that.”

“I’m glad I did. Is Slavik hurting you?”

“No.” I turned to Ivan and shook my head. “Of course not.”

“I didn’t think so, and now I can look into your face.”

Shame washed over me. “I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. What did Bethany say to you?” Ivan asked, arms folded.

“It was nothing. Just silly girl talk.”

“Silly girl talk has you crying at weddings?” he asked.

“I know, right? It must be all the emotions flying around. It’s fine.” I nodded my head.

“You know, Aurora, many people hate how I came to power. I was a no one. I was a fucked-up mess.” He took a step toward me. “People underestimate me.”

I recalled Cara’s words. She’d told me what happened. “Cara told me. She said how you and Slavik and she worked from the ground up.”

“Did she?” Ivan tapped his fingers on the stone railing. “Well, she’s not wrong. I was the stuttering bastard of the original Bratva. An embarrassment and a disappointment.” He chuckled. “He was far from those things when I killed him. I’m not like previous men in my place. I don’t follow the rules or the setup. I’m my own man.”

“Why are you telling me this?” I asked.

“I see the way Slavik looks at you.”

I paused, not sure what to say or do. How did he look at me? Hopefully not like he wanted to kill me.

I tried not to panic. “He’s loyal to you.”

“I know what he is. I also know he will do anything within his power to keep you safe. You’re not alone anymore, Aurora.”

“You don’t have to say this to me.”

Ivan closed the distance between us. He was a giant of a man. As tall as Slavik and as muscular, but there was a reason he was the boss. This man was scary as fuck. I’d feel sorry for any person who captured his attention.

Was I judging him?

He once had a stutter. He’d been cast aside.

“I know what it’s like to be thrown away as if you mean nothing. This treaty was never about your sister. You were not our second choice.”

“You’re lying. My father made his choice.”

Ivan chuckled. “I’ve killed people for less of an insult.”

I tensed up as he reached out to touch me. I didn’t know what he planned to do, but he merely put a hand on his arm. “I knew immediately who he’d give to me, and I didn’t want a fickle bitch in my camp. I wanted a woman who’d been cast aside her whole life. Who had a reputation for being nice and kind, and loyal. I’m not a stupid man, Aurora. I take care of my men, and you were perfect for him.”