“What a beautiful day for a wedding,” Ava, Dimitri’s wife, chirps behind me.
I turn to look at my sister-in-law and try not to frown at her wide-open smile. When did she get here? When did she start visiting so much?
Like I said, she’s very nice. But today is not a day for optimism. “Today is exactly as sunny as the day before, and the day before that. Vegas is strange and the optimism the sun brings is manic.”
She gives a small laugh. “Right. Russia probably doesn’t have this much sunshine.”
It does not. I thought more sun would make me happier. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I take another big gulp of cappuccino, noting that Ava’s hair has been artfully arranged already. “Who did your hair?”
“I did it myself,” she pats the strands. “Dimitri said he’d hire someone, but I’m just used to doing these tasks without spending money.”
I nod. I really like that about Ava. She worked her way through college, got a job on her own, a good one, saved loads of money. “It looks really nice.”
I’ve been imprisoned for all my adult life. I’d love a chance to prove myself, take a crack at really living.
Not that Ava didn’t pay dearly for her independence. I know Ava had a really tough childhood in a completely different way from mine. She’s an orphan and that must have been awful.
But she’s also been free to make her own life, and I admire that so much.
It’s exhausting, being at the mercy of every man in my life.
“Thank you, Sasha.” Then she hesitates. “I could help you with yours if you want.”
Now I do frown. Katarina and I have never done the sister bonding thing. We did a bit when we were little. But our father would separate us every time we’d get close. At some point, I guess we gave up.
And as much as I’d like to take Ava up on her offer, I’m not sure I can trust her. She is Dimitri’s wife.
What if she’s only offering to pump me for information? Use what she learns to help Dimitri seal some awful fate for me?
What if years of living with my father has turned me into the kind of person who can never connect with anyone? “I’m not sure I need…”
“Nonsense. We’re both standing up there as bridesmaids. Let’s having matching updos.”
And then she claps her hands, giving me a wide-open grin.
With only the smallest wince, I nod. With another clap, she follows me into my room.
Another double shot of espresso and an hour later, my hair is elaborately arranged in artful pieces at my nape.
It’s elegant, sophisticated and, pulled back, it accentuates my large eyes and delicate features.
It would be easier to resent Ava if she hadn’t done such a wonderful job.
“Should we get our dresses on?” she asks, her enthusiasm evident. I get it. I think.
Marrying my brother has brought her great joy. She sees matrimony as a blessed event, whereas Katarina and I both view it as a life sentence.
Speaking of my sister…
“I will. In just a moment. I should check on Katarina.”
“Of course,” Ava agrees with a quick nod. “I went in earlier, but it was clear she didn’t want help.”
My brows lift, realizing I was second choice for sister bonding. That tracks. Leaving my room, in full hair and makeup, but still in a robe, I knock on Katarina’s door. “Kat?”
When she doesn’t answer, I knock again, some sick dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Katarina was always better equipped for escape than I ever could be…
