Thirteen.

Maria

I race to the far end of the terrace and grab hold of a tower. Gripping a gargoyle, I hoist myself up and balance on the rampart, not daring to look down.

"I won't marry you!" I shout as I climb higher. The harsh wind whips my dress around me, and trembling, I refuse to climb down. "I'll jump! I swear!"

"No, you won't," Mikhail says, a flicker of concern crossing his face before he masks it with a scowl. "Don't be stupid."

"Please," I shout, fighting to keep myself from sobbing. "Just let me go."

Mikhail's expression tightens as if struggling to hold onto his sanity. "No," he says evenly as he walks toward me. The wind caresses his hair, and those piercing eyes stare hard as if his gaze is all he needs to make me obey his wishes.

His suit jacket is gone, and his dress shirt is unbuttoned all the way down to his belly button, revealing rippling bands of muscles across his chest and abs. Tattoos decorate the harsh landscape of his body, and his sharp features are accentuated by th