She accepted that. “I’ll talk to Richard. We really need you on board.”
I walked to the door and paused, looking back at her to make sure she understood my position. “If I don’t get official documentation protecting her, I’ll walk away before I let her walk up that aisle. You’ve got two weeks.”
“I’ll do my best.”
CHAPTER NINE
MILA
I watchedas Axel moved away from me with the grace of an athlete, reminding me of the guy who had gotten me through the Zavidovo obstacle course. That day he had shown me his ruthless, competitive side, all but carrying me through the course. But tonight he was charming and polished in his expensive suit.
I looked around the room. The crowd was buzzing after all the toasts. The restaurant was a mixture of warm lights and elegant furniture, and now staff members were bringing out trays of food to create a small buffet beside the bar. Music played softly from a small band in one corner.
It looked like an expensive, exclusive engagement party celebrating a couple in love. No one would have believed me if I’d told them Axel was a stranger and that marrying him was the least insane option for me.
At least I’m moving back to Canada.
I watched as a blonde woman walked into the same room Axel had just disappeared into. One of them had gone into thewrong restroom. Amused, I kept my eye on the door, wondering if she’d come scooting out.
I swallowed hard when Lena sat down in Axel’s empty chair. “You look so lovely tonight.”
“You too.”
She flashed a big, toothy smile at someone who greeted her as they walked by.
I worked overtime to keep my smile on my face.
Not a single person in this room understood my life.
She leaned close enough that I could see the distinct line of her maroon lip liner. “It’s cute, you know, watching you pretend you’re in control. But the truth is, when you realize exactly who you’ve married, you’ll be far away from home and from anyone who might save you.”
My aunt had put me in this situation when she’d prevented me from returning to Canada by myself. Then she’d escalated things when she tried to marry me off to Sergei. I was doing the best I could with the situation she’d created. I wanted to say all this, but I forced myself to stay silent. It cost me, but I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of seeing any kind of response from me.
She stood up and straightened her skirt before leaning down and whispering in my ear. “We both saw what kind of animal Axel was the night of the fire. Whatever happens in Canada, remember you brought this all on yourself. You made it happen.”
I stared straight ahead, barely breathing.
She stood up. “Suit yourself.”
I watched as she walked away, and then I scanned the crowd for Axel. It’s not like I wanted to be near him, but people stayed away from me when he was close.
And, despite it being my own engagement party, I didn’t know most of the people. There wasn’t anyone else I might talk to.
I shyly got up and made my way to the bar to get a drink. I wasn’t thirsty, but I figured it would make me look busy and give me purpose. The bartender poured me a glass of champagne while I wondered where Axel had disappeared to.
“Excuse me.” Someone jostled me aside as they stepped up to the bar to place their order. I reached around them to get my drink and then walked around the outskirts of the room, between the crowded high tables and the tall, curtained windows.
I paused when I heard someone speak from the other side of the potted ferns. “Does anyone want to tell me why the groom is insanely hot and his bride is not?”
I froze, horrified to hear multiple people laugh in response.
A different female voice. “He’s the most fuckable man here.”
And another. “You just know he’s a hair puller.”
They all laughed again.
A fourth voice, this one male, said, “I give it three months before he’s cheating on her.”
