“Dimitri and Roman?” I’d gone to the Ares Academy with Roman.
“Aye, it looks like some collaboration between the families is in order,” he says.
“This has something to do with Kholodov, doesn’t it?” I’m already getting dressed and checking my guns.
“It could be good news for ye and Scarlett, he’s making a mess in New York in Morozov territory, that’s why Dmitri and Roman are here for a consultation.”
“Kholodov’s stepping on a lot of toes for a new Pakhan,” I say, moving over to the window and scanning the street. “Sounds like he’s been making plans for a long time, aye?”
“I’m thinking he drove his Da to the train station to catch his express train to hell,” Uncle Cormac agrees. “Not that Leonid Kholodov being gone from this earth is anything but a blessing for mankind as a whole.”
“That’s certain. When are Dmitri and Roman getting here?”
“In a couple of hours. Why don’t ye take that pretty new wife of yours home and come seeme?”
“I dinnae like the idea of leaving her alone, even with the guards,” I say. “Not with Kholodov acting like a jilted groom and that arsehole Kyle scrambling to find her.”
“I’m thinking spreading the word about your happy nuptials might be a good start,” he suggests. “I can have our publicist drop a word to a reporter or two, get some stories planted. Ye know your grandmother will instantly demand a photoshoot.”
“Ordinarily, I’d be finding the first point on the map furthest from here at such a suggestion,” I sigh. “You are, however, as always correct, Chieftain. The sooner those fecks find out she’s under our protection, the better.”
Which is how Scarlett and I find ourselves under a huge oak tree on the MacTavish mansion’s grounds two hours later. I had my suit - along with some dresses and accessories for Scarlett to choose from - delivered before we got there.
“How did they put this together so fast?” Scarlett whispers. She’s beautiful - and uneasy - in a forest green silk dress, and she refused the offer of a professional makeup artist and did her own.
“You’re a bonnie thing.” I kiss her, just under her ear. “Everything moves fast with this family.They’re used to MacTavish men tying the knot with impulsivity and usually, with utter lack of forethought.”
“Yeah, I heard some stories from Logan and Kai last night,” she chuckles, looking up at me.
“Perfect! Just like that!” Kieran, the photographer is more relentless than a wasp at a picnic. “Show the love!”
“You look extremely hot, by the way,” Scarlett continues. “You are totally executive porn in that Tom Ford suit. You had to get it custom fitted, though. Didn’t you?”
“Why do you say that?” I kiss her hand, angling her wedding ring toward the photographer.
“Please. With shoulders like these?” She slides her hands up said shoulders, smiling up at me slyly. “You’re built like a bear, though less hairy and somewhat more attractive.”
“I’m humbled by your flattering assessment,” I say dryly.
“Now put your arm around her waist and face the camera,” Keiran says, angling one of his lights.
“Yes, put some warmth into it,” calls Roman. “Where’s all thatfierypassion you were known for at the Academy?”
“Shut up,ty mudak,you asshole.” Dmitri slapshis brother on the back of the head, a practiced motion that tells me it’s happened often. “He’s taking hisweddingphotos. This is hardly the time to be bringing up his sordid past.”
“Thanks for being on my side, Dmitri,” I snarl.
“Of course,” he calls out graciously.
The Morozov brothers were more than happy to postpone our meeting with the Chieftain to enjoy the spectacle of this awkward photoshoot. Scarlett is handling it all extremely well.
“Sordid, eh?” She smiles up at me adoringly for the camera while stepping on my foot.
“I was at the Ares Academy for less than two years,” I say between my teeth, still smiling. “Hardly enough time to develop a grotty reputation, though the same canna be said for Roman.”
“Okay, Wallace, stand behind her if ye will, arm around her waist. Scarlett, can ye please put your arm over his and show off that big, sparkly ring?”
“Why is life lived in MacTavish time speeded up to triple everyone else’s?” she asks, settling against me.
