“It’s true that you two are the tallest guys on campus,” I scoffed, “but you look nothing alike, and sadly, Lucca and I haven't done anything that could be considered illegal. We’ve been boring.”And happy,I thought with a smile.
The Dean’s door office and we hear her most polished, professional tone. “Miss Aslanova, Mr. Rostova, join us please.”
There are two men with her, sitting on the expansive couch, not the horribly uncomfortable chairs in front of her desk. The one in the beautifully tailored blue suit rises and I realize it’s my brother.
“Roman?” I gasped, “What are you doing here?” I want to rush over and hug him, but the room isn’t right. There’s a weird tension and formality, so I take his hand and accept the Russian three kisses. “Is it safe for you to be here?” I whispered quickly.
“We’re okay,” he murmured, giving my hand a squeeze. Turning to the other man, who is still seated, he says, “Leonid, it’s been a long time since you’ve seen my little sister Tatiana. Tati, this is Leonid Rostova.”
“Tatiana Aslanova, you have grown up.” He’s still seated, which is rude in any culture, but at least it means I’m not required to shake his hand. He’s in his sixties or seventies, round, florid face and looks a great deal like…
“Father, how are you?” Aleksandr approaches him stiffly, nodding his head respectfully.
“Leonid Rostova, I see the resemblance now,” I smile and nod again, as is proper. “Your son is a wonderful student here.”
The old man merely grunts, and I notice he doesn’t return his son’s nod.
“Why don’t you all get comfortable?” Dean Christie says pleasantly. “You are welcome to use my office for your meeting.”
“Thank you,” Roman says, smiling warmly. I notice the Dean preens just slightly before straightening to her full diminutive height and strolling regally from the room.
Aleksandr is still standing stiffly in the center of the room, and the look of dread on his face is instantly transformed into a bland expression when his father glances over at him. “Come here, my boy,” Leonid says in a falsely congenial tone, “there is good news to share.”
Roman sits next to me on the adjoining couch and Aleks seats himself on the uncomfortable chair the Dean keeps for students.
“Tati, Aleksandr Rostova,” Roman begins, “your father and I have spoken and we feel that closer ties between our families is something that would benefit us all. We have agreed to join the two of you in a marriage to cement this alliance.”
My ears are ringing. My brother didn’t say that. He didn’t. My mouth opens, but there’s nothing to say so I close it again.
“Our family is very pleased to welcome such a beautiful, healthy young woman. I’m sure she and Aleks will give us many strong children.” Aleks’ father is looking at me, and I don’t miss the way his gaze slithers down to examine my chest. His tongue darts out to moisten his lower lip and the movement makes me instantly nauseous.
Lucca.
I haven’t told Roman and Ilia about him yet, I wanted to get past the attack first. They don’t know. If I can just explain this to Roman, I can make him understand-
“We have decided that you will finish this year at the Academy. Since Aleks is a Senior, it makes no sense to have Tatiana stay longer. You will be married this summer after he graduates.” Leonid is grinning oddly, like this alliance is making him far too happy for reasons I don’t understand.
The buzzing intensifies and I can see his rubbery lips move, but I don’t understand what he’s saying. Aleks and I can’t look at each other.
“Tati?” Roman leans closer to me, looking concerned.
I fold my hands together in my lap, squeezing them into fists. “I- I’m honored,” I stuttered, “Aleks is a fine person and- and a good friend. I just…” Leonid’s falsely genial expression is fading into something ugly.
“Are you just going to sit there, boy? Speak!” he shouts at Aleks, who recovers quickly.
“I am honored as well. Tatiana has been an excellent representative for the Aslanov family here,” he says numbly.
“At last, an alliance between two of the Moscow Six!” Leonid gloats, “This is a fine day.”
There’s a knock on the door and a server comes in with a bottle of rare and expensive vodka and four glasses. “Dean Christie wished for me to offer this, along with her congratulations,” he recited politely, clearly ready to leave this funeral atmosphere.
Roman is still watching me, with a wrinkle between his eyebrows, a worry line I’ve never seen before. In fact, he looks like he’s aged five years since I saw him last. If he’s doing this, it must be because he has to have this alliance with the Rostova Bratva. He needs it to shore up our defenses.
This is the only thing I have to contribute to protect our family.
“Thank you, Leonid Rostova. I am honored to become a member of your family. I know this alliance between our families will be very… it- it will be very fruitful.” Aleks is looking at me with complete despair, and I’m praying I’m successfully hiding the same feeling. I smile and nod firmly at Roman.
“Excellent,” he smiles too, and my heart sinks deeper at the relief I see in his gaze. “Let’s have a drink to celebrate.”
