I feel a flicker of disappointment but smile at Violet, not wanting her to feel bad. “It’s okay.”
I might as well cancel the plans for Vegas. There’s no way I’ll get Viktor on a dance floor. Besides, he’s busy with work and a girl he kidnapped after an attack on the Sicilians. The only reason the family hasn’t lost their shit about Viktor keeping a woman prisoner is that we know he won’t hurt her, and Rosalie has nowhere to go after her family was wiped out.
From the couple of times I’ve interacted with Rosalie, she’s made it clear she’s not interested in getting to know me, so I haven’t forced the subject.
Viktor asked us to trust him and not to interfere, so we’re all respecting his wishes. For now.
“Printsessa,” Dad calls me.
I walk to Dad’s side, and he wraps an arm around my lower back, giving me a sideways hug while pressing a kiss to my forehead. His sharp gaze searches my features, then he asks, “What’s wrong?”
“Oliver is sick, so Violet won’t be able to come to Vegas.” I step in the direction of the doorway so I can call the hotel. “I’m just going to cancel the reservations, then I’ll be back for the toast.”
“What?” Violet gasps. “No, don’t cancel your plans because of me.”
I smile at Dad and Violet. “It will be just Viktor and me, and besides, he’s busy. It’s okay.”
“I’m never too busy for your birthday weekend,” Viktor says behind me, making me turn to look at him. “We’re going to Vegas.” Then he grins at Luca. “Besides, Luca’s a good dancer.”
What?
My eyes dart to Luca’s, and I instantly fall into the dark pools, my lungs forgetting how to function.
God, this man. Just having his eyes on me is enough to make me weak.
What were we talking about again? Oh, right. Vegas.
“Problem solved,” Violet grins.
Because Dad’s right next to me, I smile sweetly at Luca. “You don’t mind coming to Vegas with us?”
Luca glances at Viktor and Dad, then a smile tugs at the left corner of his mouth, making him look hot as sin. “Not at all. It will be my pleasure.”
I’m sure it will.
I know he’s only saying it because of Viktor and Dad. He’d do anything for them. Sometimes I’m jealous of the friendship between them.
“I’ll sleep better knowing you’re both watching over my baby girl,” Dad says, patting Luca on the shoulder before walking toward the small stage so he can make the toast.
Luca’s eyes lock with mine again, making my stomach dip like I’m on a crazy rollercoaster ride. Clearing my throat, I mutter, “Don’t do me any favors. I was actually hoping to enjoy the weekend.”
His eyes darken, and I’m never sure whether it’s because he loves this tit-for-tat between us or whether he wants to snap my neck.
A weekend in Vegas with Luca Cotroni. God help me.
I’ll either die from an overdose of attraction, or we’ll end up killing each other.
Chapter 4
Luca
Fuck, Mariya looks breathtaking tonight.
As always, her demeanor is standoffish, as if she’s only tolerating my presence because of our families. But after the interest I saw in her eyes yesterday, I’m starting to think it’s all an act.
This weekend in Vegas is just what I need. Time alone with Mariya. Viktor hates clubs, and I know he’ll trust me with the woman he considers his little sister.
Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I tear my eyes away from the beautiful vision that’s the Koslov princess and glance at my father.
His eyes flick from Mariya to me. “Just say the word, and I’ll talk to Alexei.”
Dad’s the only one who knows about my feelings for Mariya.
I shake my head. “We both know it won’t do any good. He’ll never force her, and that’s the last thing I want.” Changing the subject, I ask, “When are you heading back to Italy?”
Dad and Mom are visiting the Koslovs during their vacation. Since before I was born, Dad and Uncle Alexei have been close friends and allies. Uncle Alexei has saved Dad’s life on more than one occasion, making their bond unbreakable. Much like the friendship I have with Viktor.
I’m the spitting image of my father and have been named after my grandfather, who was a great man before he was assassinated.
“In a week,” Dad answers. “Will you be joining us on the flight?”
I shrug. “I have a couple of things to take care of in LA. We’ll see.”
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Uncle Alexei’s voice comes over the speakers. We turn our attention to where he’s standing on the stage. “Thank you for celebrating my baby girl’s birthday with us.”
Thank God the man doesn’t know about the filthy things I want to do to his baby girl. He’d probably kill me with his bare hands.
Taking another sip of whiskey, I swallow down a chuckle.