What the fuck am I doing?
Vitaly strolls over to the counter and holds up a couple of papers with a small beige envelope stapled to them. “Got the vet bill here. His name’s on it. So is Pixie’s. Female orange tabby. There’s even meds.”
“One pill every twelve hours, crushed up and sprinkled on her food.” I start to relax just a little bit. Everyone knows I don’t have a pet.
Roman studies me for a long, brutal moment. He knows it’s not the full truth.
Iknowhe knows.
But denying my sudden claim now would mean signing her death warrant. Though, continuing with this farse also means tying myself to her in ways I can’t begin to calculate.
Roman gives a single, almost imperceptible nod.
Vitaly turns away from the bedroom, his face twisted with disgust. Even with the paperwork, he doesn’t believe me for a second. But he won’t contradict our uncle. No one does.
“Well, that’s wonderful news.” Roman’s eyes gleam with a silent challenge. “The family must meet her properly. Officially. Your father and Irina will want to celebrate. They deserve some good cheer.” He pulls out his phone in a casual but deliberate gesture. “I’ll call them myself if you want. Let them know you’re finally settling down.”
He’s not asking permission. He’s seizing control of the narrative. Reshaping my impulsive lie into one that serves his purposes. Whatever those might be.
“Please do. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to hear it from you. Then he’ll know you approve as well.” If I can pull this off, Aurora and I both get to live. “I gave her my mother’s engagement ring. He should know that too.” Or at least, I will. As soon as I can. The ring is currently in my safe.
“He’ll be pleased.” Roman scrolls through his contacts. “Maison de la Voile at noon, five days from now. You’ll both be there so you can introduce her to your family properly. I’ll let your stepmother and Valeria know that they can help Aurora pick out a dress.”
Five days to prepare Aurora, persuade her to play along, and create a believable backstory. Five days to transform an abducted witness into a convincing fiancée.
“Perfect. Aurora will be thrilled.” Or horrified.
“Excellent.” He slips his phone back into his pocket and marches toward the elevator.
Vitaly follows, shooting me a look of disgust mingled with curiosity as he passes. Kolya trails behind, his face giving away nothing as usual.
The audience is over.
At the elevator doors, Roman addresses me one last time. “And Alexei? Fix your fucking window.”
The doors slide closed and erase the three men from view.
I linger in the center of my loft, motionless, lungs frozen, muscles tense. Listening. Waiting for the sound of the elevator reaching the ground floor. For the certainty that they’re truly gone.
When it finally comes, I exhale, air hissing between my teeth.
What have I done?
Chapter 23
Aurora
Alexei’s statement knocks the oxygen from my lungs.
I stare, certain I’ve misheard him, sure that this is a new twist in the nightmare of my life. Except, the giant solitaire diamond ring he shoved on my finger doesn’t lie.
After the other men left, Alexei barged into the guest room armed with a scowl and a ring. He issued a ridiculous claim that we’re getting married and then retreated, leaving me to chase after him.
His face remains impassive, those cold blue eyes revealing nothing as he watches me process his statement. He prowls to the bar with that fluid, predatory grace that prickles my skin. The clink of crystal against glass feels absurdly mundane in this moment of madness as he pours clear liquid into two tumblers and offers one to me.
I toss back the liquor in two gulps. The alcohol burns all the way down. “I’m your what?”
“Fiancée.” He says the word with the same flat tone he might use to comment on the weather.Pleasant outside today. Only a few clouds in the sky.“I told my Uncle Roman that you’re my fiancée. That was my mother’s engagement ring, so don’t lose it. And make sure you wear it around anyone else in the family.She died when I was young, and I’ve had the ring in my safe for years, but everyone will recognize it. Wearing it will keep you safe.”
