God of Pain (Legacy of Gods #2) by Rina Kent

That is, if my future isn’t already decided.

“Oh, you know. Same old, same old.” I throw a hand in the general direction of my room in the Heathens’ mansion. “Playing Jer’s prisoner for shits and giggles. Ivory tower and gilded cage are taking their turns with me.”

She does a horrible job of suppressing her smile.

“This isn’t funny.”

“I know, I know. You just look so adorable when you lash out all that sarcasm.”

“Thanks, but I prefer beautiful instead of adorable. Considering my college status and my attempts to act older. And seriously, Mom, can’t you talk to Jer so he’ll give me some freedom? At this rate, I’ll die young and my ghost will start posting inspirational videos on TikTok.”

Laugh lines still linger on her face. “I did and his response was that he’s just looking out for you.”

“That’s just an excuse to lock me up.”

“One that your father wholeheartedly agrees with. You know he didn’t want you out of his sight.”

“Because I’m a girl?”

Her eyes soften to the lightest blue. “Because he has too many enemies and he’s worried about your security.”

My lip pushes forward, exaggeratingly pouty. “So I’m his weakness?”

“The three of us are, but we’re his strength, too, Anni. You know that, right?”

“I do. But this still sucks.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s not your fault, and I get it. This is how it’s supposed to be. I’m just being grouchy. Enough about me. How are things at home? Are you guys okay? Do you miss me?”

“Like crazy. I’m currently convincing your father to find us a home on Brighton Island so we can live right beside you.”

“Please don’t. Papa will just bring an entire army along.”

“You think?”

“Duh. Remember the last time we went to Russia for Christmas? I get chills thinking about all that security. And when I asked him, don’t you think it’s too much? He was like absolutely not.” I mimic Papa’s deadpan voice and Mom bursts out laughing. Even her laughter is as regal as she is.

“You’re such a naughty hellion.”

“You still love me.”

“Oh, I do.” She sighs, then I sigh, too.

The thought that’s been plaguing my every waking and sleeping moment pushes to the forefront and I pause, measuring my words.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Yes, baby angel?”

“Is Papa looking into possible suitors for me?”

A delicate frown appears between her brows. “What makes you think that?”

“Isn’t that my destiny?”

“You’re still young. Your father won’t marry you off when you’re just seventeen.”

“Going on eighteen. And does it really matter if he does it now or a few years from now?”

“Oh, Anni. Is that why you were hell-bent on going to college? Did you think you only had a few years before your freedom was confiscated?”

“Isn’t that the case?”

“Adrian would never make you marry someone against your will. Do you have that little faith in your papa?”

“I have little faith in his world. Our world. Women are just a flashy accessory and a currency for the highest bidder. I’m aware that I’m expected to strengthen the Bratva’s alliances with anyone they deem worthy.”

“They’d have to kill me before I’d let them use you as a pawn.”

“Thanks, Mom. But I don’t want to be the reason behind our family’s misfortune. When the Pakhan orders Papa to marry me off to one of the other leader’s sons or into one of the crime organizations, the only thing he can do is agree.”

“He won’t.”

“Then he’ll just be labeled a traitor and be driven out.”

“Anni…”

“It’s okay, Mom. I made peace with this fate a long time ago. Well, not really peace. Understanding, I guess.”

“No, it’s not okay.” She inches closer to the phone, her expression serious. “Yes, the world we live in is brutal, but that doesn’t mean your papa and I won’t stand up for you. Besides, if you happen to fall in love, who would dare make you marry a stranger instead?”

My lips part.

That’s it.

How come I’ve never thought about this before? Well, I have, but I didn’t think it’d make a difference.

That is, until Mom just confirmed it.

Papa wouldn’t make me marry anyone against my will, but he’ll be more convinced if I actually have a boyfriend.

I’ve never had one before. Sure, I’ve flirted and made as many friends as possible, but I’ve never made it official. That would’ve meant putting the poor boy in direct conflict with Papa, Jeremy, and their equally ruthless guards.

Just thinking about the scowly face of Kolya, Papa’s senior guard, makes me shiver. He’d rip the poor guy to pieces before he could even introduce himself to Papa.

Yikes.

But if it means I’d get out of my predestined cruel fate, then maybe it’s worth a try.

“Anni? Are you still with me?” Mom’s voice brings me out of my thoughts.