“It’s imperative for my grandfather to believe our marriage is real.I will lose everything if he even suspects a ruse.Normally, I wouldn’t explain this to you, but I don’t want you to misunderstand and cost me everything I’ve worked for.”
He was leaving vast gaps in his telling.Why was this so critical?Couldn’t he have gone into business on his own account?“What sort of business is so important?”
“Enough questions.You will follow my instructions, and we’ll get on fine.”
Edwina pressed her lips together, temper fizzing.Blast her grandmother.She should’ve refused, but her parents didn’t deserve punishment for her grandmother’s schemes.Edwina relaxed her fingers and inhaled.No options left now.She’d play the long game.Renewed anger pumped through her.This was the last time she’d be her grandmother’s pawn, forced to follow her instructions.The final.
“When can I contact my friends?”
“Later.Once you’re settled in my home, and everything is moving forward as it should.”
Tears burned her eyes—frustration.A lump formed in her throat.A tiny sound of vexation and anger, and fear escaped her—the groan reminding her of a trapped animal.She glanced down at her hands again, numb and despondent.
He’d taken her by surprise, however.Suzie would expect Edwina to contact her, and her friend would stress about their plans.
Gods, what a mess.A tear ran down her cheek and splashed onto her hand.
“Don’t worry,” he said and squeezed her arm.“Everything will work out fine.Your grandmother told me you’re a sensible girl, and a year will soon pass.”
A sensible girl.
Fantastic.Exactly what every woman wanted as a descriptor.
Her hand tingled at the point of contact, the heavy heat from his skin driving away a portion of the chill in her heart.Because there was one other immediate problem she’d initially rejected.One that she believed might be her reality because of the electric awareness—something she hadn’t experienced before.She suspected this tiger was her mate, and if that were the case, she’d end up stuck for longer than a year.
He’d trap her for life.
4
Mikhailwaitedforhisfriends to exit at the airport before opening the vehicle for Edwina to alight.
His wife.
The situation seemed surreal.He glanced at his wristwatch and scowled.Finding Edwina and tying the knot had taken longer than he’d allowed, but they should make up time during the flight.
A stiff breeze ruffled his hair, and Edwina shivered in her red evening gown.He propelled her toward the building that housed officials and served as the terminal.He’d secured a passport for her, which would pass inspection.
“This won’t take long,” he promised.“We can get you warmer clothes on the plane.”
Edwina nodded but remained silent.
For the best.He didn’t want her asking incessant questions in front of border officials.
Ten minutes later, they were boarding the plane, his friends trailing them up the stairs.The cabin steward met them at the plane entrance.
“Mr.Lermontov, welcome back.”The tall blonde with showgirl’s legs and a lithe figure showcased by her uniform ignored his new wife.
“This is my wife, Edwina,” Mikhail said, keeping his tone even despite the flash of accompanying anger.It would take time.He understood this, but Edwina would settle faster without outside distractions.And he needed to act fairly with Risha, the cabin steward.He’d taken advantage of her non-too-subtle offers before, but now he had to behave more circumspectly.“Please find Edwina something warmer to wear.We want to take off immediately, so a blanket will suffice for now.”
Risha’s welcome faded, but she strove for professionalism and acknowledged Edwina with a brief nod.“Take your seats, and I’ll return momentarily.”
Edwina frowned after the blonde before allowing him to guide her to the airplane cabin.
“Take the window seat,” he said.“Buckle up because we’ll take off as soon as we receive clearance.”He hoped to return to Russia before his grandfather learned of his Scottish trip.He’d have questions, and it would be best if Mikhail distracted him with Edwina.One bright thing on the horizon—his mother would approve.Edwina bore an air of innocence, a freshness that most of his female companions had lacked.
“Here is your blanket, Mrs.Lermontov.”Risha frowned when Edwina didn’t react, focusing on whatever she saw outside.
“Thank you,” he said, accepting it from Risha.
