Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“Oh,” I say, surprised, as Alex gives me a friendly nod and stands possessively close to her. “I didn’t know he had a sister.”
She scowls and holds one of my hands in hers. “That sounds like Lev, but don’t worry. He’s a decent person.”
“I’m sure he is,” I say vaguely.
“It’s just hard for him, that’s all. And I know it’s hard for you too, and I just—” She softens slightly, and I can tell she’s struggling with something. Is that guilt? I can’t tell, and I find it hard to care right now. “Anyway, thank you for doing this. I’ll make sure Lev treats you well.”
I doubt that’ll happen, but I thank her anyway since I don’t want to be rude, and I’m swept off as Luca inserts himself again. There are more people to meet, more hands to shake, and congratulations to handle. I’m given another glass of champagne, and I manage to ditch that one in the bathroom.
When I don’t think it can get any worse, it’s time for the dances.
“Can’t we skip this?” I hiss at Luca as he escorts me center stage. Everyone’s watching with those fake smiles, and all I want to do is run. My husband’s nowhere to be seen.
“You’ll be fine. Just get it over with.” Luca looks around, frowning. “Where’s Lev?”
“That's exactly what I've been wondering all night.”
I'm left alone in the middle of the dance floor while the crowd settles into their chairs. The band seems as confused as I feel, and Luca lingers by my side while I scan the faces for my husband.
“Maybe we can skip this part,” Luca murmurs.
Shame floods me. I shouldn't feel embarrassed right now, but I can't help it. Everyone's staring. I know what they're thinking. Poor, pathetic girl, forced to marry a man she barely knows for political reasons. I bet the women pity me, and the men all think it's great that Lev is getting a young and pretty bride to hump whenever he pleases.
The longer we stand here, the more my head fills with dark and horrible thoughts. Seconds drag on, and the lead singer of the band calls Lev's name over the microphone. Luca's grip on my arm tightens. His face falls into a scowl.
“Let's just sit down,” I plead with my brother. “This doesn't really matter, right?” I glance at the tables, searching for a friendly face, but they're all strangers. This is a business meeting for my father and the Russians and not a wedding to celebrate an actual marriage. My cheeks turn crimson as tears fill my eyes. I bet these people don't even know me.
“Fuck it,” Luca snarls and turns to drag me away.
When Lev comes striding out from the crowd, everyone's looking at him, and there are even a couple of cheers like he's some kind of hero come to save me from a bad situation. Except it's a bad situation of his own creation. I'm beyond livid when he offers me a hand, and the band begins to play “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.
Luca walks off reluctantly, and I'm stuck with my bastard husband.
“Where were you?” I hiss as we sway uncomfortably to the beat. Lev's hands linger lightly on my hips like he's afraid to touch me.
He's looking everywhere but at me.
“I was busy. Nobody told me this was happening.”
“It's your wedding. Shouldn't you be a little more aware?”
“Like I said, I was busy.”
“And yet here you are, my prince charming, saving me from the humiliation of standing in front of all these strangers all alone.”
Lev finally glances at me. His face is hard to read. It's stormy, almost angry, and he moves slightly closer, his grip on my body tightening.
“I told you it was an accident.”
“Why are we even doing this anyway? It's not like you really want to marry me.”
“I didn't realize you were so excited to be my wife.”
“I'm absolutely not.”
His jaw works, and now his attention is fully mine. I don’t know how I feel about that as he moves even closer. Now there are mere inches between our bodies, and I’m reminded how obscenely attractive this man is, even if I think he’s a total selfish asshole. That night plays in my mind again, and I can almost feel the grip of his fingers on my hips again, just like they’re touching me now.
I shiver, not wanting to feel like this at all, and cling on to the anger instead.
“If this is so hard for you, after we’re through with this dance, you can ask your brothers to take you back home.”
I let out a sharp laugh. “You think my father will be okay with that? What about your father? Or Valentin Zeitsev? I’m pretty sure it’s a bad look, the bride leaving her own stupid wedding.”
“You don’t care what any of those people think.”