But something has changed tonight, and those boundaries I want so badly to protect me might be the one thing that holds me back.
Chapter Eight
KATERINA
I wake up in the penthouse bedroom. My room, across the hall from Scottie’s.
For a few slow blinks, my brain is reliving every moment from yesterday.
The wedding. The reception. Scottie, carrying me over the threshold and then helping me undress. And then turning to find his very obvious arousal.
There was an urge to stay with him last night, but it wasn’t stronger than the desperate need for self-preservation.
I glance over to see the wedding dress draped over the chair in the corner, the veil spilling over the edge like a puddle of white, and then I feel the heaviness on my ring finger and remember the diamond he put there.
Scottie’s ring. The one he placed on my hand after our vows. A gorgeous ring I hadn’t expected.
I got married yesterday.
To a man I’ve known for four days.
The wedding had been nice. Okay… More than nice.
It was the first time in months, maybe years, that I didn’t feel like I was waiting for something bad to happen.
I push up slowly, every muscle in my legs protesting. I danced all night in five-inch heels. We walked from the rooftop ceremony to the reception at Oakley’s and then the few blocks to The Commons. I’m no stranger to putting stress on my feet, but my calves are feeling the workout today. They’re begging me for a good stretch, and I’ll need it, especially before the audition I have lined up today.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand.
I reach for it, squinting at the screen.
Irina:Soooo… How was the wedding night? Details. Now. Every last inch of it and him.
I groan and flop back against the pillows.
Of course.
I thumb out a reply.
Me:There was no wedding night. We have separate bedrooms.
It takes her approximately three seconds.
Irina:BORING. That man is sexy, and the way he was looking at you? Are you telling me you didn’t even take him for a test drive?
Me:You know that I’m still a virgin, and sex would just complicate things.
Irina:You’re killing me. Okay, fine. But how is everything this morning between the two of you?
I stare at the question for a long moment.
On paper, I should be panicking. Planning escape routes. Calculating angles and risk, and how fast my father can move his pieces across the board.
But instead, I feel…like I might have a chance to make it out of my father’s expectations.
Me:Good, I think. He carried me over the threshold last night.
Irina:Oh my God, he’s perfect. I can’t believe you didn’t give him your V-card last night.
