Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“I’d like to show you around,” I say to reassure her.
I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable around me, but I know it will take some time. Misha warned me that Tiana is as introverted as they come. Due to the time they spent in an orphanage and the shit they had to endure just to survive, it’s made Tiana cautious of people, which is understandable.
She gives me an awkward smile that I find endearing.
I move closer to the door and wait for Tiana to step into the hallway before I shut it behind us. Placing my hand on her lower back, I nudge her in the direction of the staircase.
I notice how Tiana’s fingers fidget with the keycard, her spine stiff.
Removing my hand, I clear my throat. “How was the flight from Russia?”
“It was good.” Her eyes dart up to my face. “Thanks for asking.”
As we descend the stairs, my mind races for anything we can talk about.
“You’re twenty-one, right?”
“Yes. My birthday was in August.”
We take a right by the stairs and walk toward the side entrance so I can show her the gardens where the wedding will take place.
Even though Misha’s told me everything there’s to know about Tiana, I still ask, “What do you do to keep busy?”
There’s another nervous flick of her eyes to my face. “I help Mrs. Aslanhov around the house.”
Jesus. It feels like I’m pulling teeth.
Just then, Tiana surprises me with a question. “Are you happy that you’re almost done with training?”
“Christ,” I chuckle, “you have no idea. I can’t wait to return to my regular life.”
“Misha said, after the wedding, he and Aurora will stay here in Switzerland,” she mentions. Her teeth tug at her bottom lip as we step through the side doors. “Where’s your home?”
“Italy.”
As two cartel members walk toward us to get to the entrance, I place my hand on Tiana’s lower back again. The moment their eyes land on her, I can’t stop myself from wrapping my arm around her and tugging her against my side in a possessive move that catches me off guard.
Only when they enter the castle do I let go of Tiana and continue the conversation. “I have an apartment in Venice. I bought it with the inheritance I received when I turned eighteen.”
Tiana tilts her head back, her eyes locking with mine. Compassion softens her gaze as she asks, “Inheritance? Your parents?”
“My father,” I answer. “My mother is still alive. She lives with my aunt not far from my apartment.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Tiana whispers.
“Thank you.” Glancing over the gardens, I say, “This is where the wedding will take place.”
Tiana stops walking and takes in the beauty of the flowers, hedges, and manicured lawn, then she admits, “It’s hard to believe Misha’s getting married.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “But I suppose it’s something we all must do at some point.”
Tiana inhales deeply, worry flashing across her stunning features. “Yes. At least Misha loves Aurora, and she seems like a nice person.”
“But you’re worried?” My eyes sharpen on her face. “About getting married?”
Tiana shakes her head. “Like you said. It’s bound to happen.” She starts to walk again, and I let the subject go.
Showing Tiana the rest of the grounds, I focus on keeping the conversation flowing and comfortable.
When she seems to relax, I take it as a win and decide to just enjoy her company.
Soon enough, she’ll learn about the arranged marriage, and God only knows how she’ll feel about it.
Chapter 3
Tiana
I find myself wearing a sage green dress because it’s the color for the bridal party. My hair is pinned up with curls framing my face.
I don’t care what I look like as I slip my feet into the high heels. Today is Misha and Aurora’s day, and I feel nervous for my brother.
I also feel overemotional.
Aurora really seems to be a good person, and I can see she loves Misha.
I’m happy for them.
But still, it’s hard to let go of the one person who was mine.
The past years he’s been at St. Monarch’s for training were hard, and I always thought he’d come home to me.
Home. That’s not something I’ve ever truly had. The Aslanhovs provide a roof over my head and food to eat, but their house has never felt like home. At the end of the day, they’ll choose their own children over Misha and me. I understand it, though.
You’re gaining a sister-in-law. Don’t think of it as losing Misha.
Just as I walk into the living room, there’s a knock at my door. When I open it, I’m surprised to see Armani standing in front of me, looking like a god in a dark green three-piece suit.
Slowly his eyes sweep over my body, then he murmurs, “You look breathtaking, Tiana.”
The compliment makes me blush, and awkwardly, I reply, “You look breath…ahh..good…too.”