Since we wanted the very best for Mila, the party was being held at Liberty House on the water. No expense had been spared for the happy couple. It was also Dima’s and my first chance aspahkanto unite all those in our family and organization and show that the Korolovs were stronger than ever.
That fact alone had me anxiously twisting my cuff links. When you threw in the fact this was also the first time I’d ever introduced my siblings to a woman, I was even more on edge.
When I glanced over at Sarah, she tapped her stilettoed heel on the floor mat. “D-Don’t b-be nervous.”
She flashed me a smile. “Seems like I’m not the only one.”
Even if I hadn’t been stuttering, Sarah would’ve seen right through me. We had that much of a connection. “It’s a b-big step for me.”
“Because you’ve never introduced a woman you barely know?”
“I’ve never introduced a woman p-period,” I admitted.
Sarah’s dark brows shot wide. “You haven’t?”
I shook my head. “My brothers met a few women. But not my sisters. And not my Bratva family.”
“Wow…” Shifting in her seat, she shuddered.
“Are you okay?”
“Just feeling a little pressure after your admission.”
I reached over to take her hand in mine. “I wouldn’t t-take you into a situation where I thought you wouldn’t be t-treated with the respect you deserve. Even with my family.”
She cupped my cheek. “I appreciate that.”
When the car came to a stop outside the venue, I nodded at Sarah. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
“Everyone is g-going to be wondering how I pulled such a gorgeous and sexy woman.”
“And I would say because not only is he the most handsome man I’ve ever met, but he’s got a heart that’s even more attractive.”
With my chest overflowing with emotion, I cupped her cheeks in my hands. Tilting my head, I brought my lips to hers. What started as a tender kiss quickly turned in its ferocity. At Sarah’s moan, I thrust my tongue against hers.
A knock came at the window, causing Sarah to jump away from me. “No,” I growled.
“But we have to go,” Sarah panted against my mouth.
“We’ll go when I say so.”
Her delicious fire sent a smack against my chest. “I’m not meeting your family after you fucked me in the back of this SUV with Vasily and some other dude listening outside.”
“You’re right.”
Sarah grinned. “Of course I am.”
“Such a sassy mouth,” I groaned.
“Speaking of,” she muttered before she started digging around in her purse. After taking out her lipstick, she then flipped down the lighted mirror and started adjusting her makeup from our makeout.
Once she was ready, I threw open the door. Vasily stood with an impassive expression on his face. Giving her my hand, I helped Sarah out of the car rather than him. He then fell in step behind us as we made our way into the building.
After walking through the metal detectors, we headed into the giant ballroom. We’d barely swept through the door when Kira came bounding over to us. “Maks!” she cried before throwing her arms around my neck.
When Sarah stiffened beside me, I fought the urge to laugh. I decided to quickly stamp out her jealousy. After extricating myself from Kira’s embrace, I said, “There’s someone I want you t-to meet.”
