"I may have blown up my Newtown Creek project tonight," I admit, rubbing the back of my neck. "And possibly nine other construction sites around Manhattan."
Ava looks horrified. "Youwhat?"
"Between all that Semtex and destruction and the sound of Will's Jersey accent coming back as he begged for mercy?" I smile malevolently. "I think my demon is going to be sated for a long, long time."
She gives me a dark little grin that is insanely attractive. "I'll bet your demonlovedtonight, didn't he? You losing your cool and blowing shit up?"
Rolling her on her back, I hover over her. "You've just been introduced and already, you know him so well."
Epilogue
In which Russian wedding traditions bring together family for fun, love, and bribery.
Dmitri…
"Where is my BRIDE!" I roar, hearing a theatrical gasp and giggle behind the door.
"You can't have her!" Mother shouts.
"Yeah, what's in it for us?" Alexsey adds.
Roman chokes on his drink. "Remind me never to use our brother for hostage negotiations."
"I'm just getting bored!" Alexsey says. "This is the third goddamn abduction. So, stop with the boxes of chocolate and the jewelry for Christ's sake. Give us something good. Cash. Cash is always good."
"Oh, you romantic, you," Priya says flatly.
My father is lounging in the living room, drink in hand, and positioned so that he can look down the hall. He's watching me pound on the door of his bedroom, trying to retrieve my wife as my cousins Nikandr and Andrey laugh heartlessly. My Uncle Yuri is trying to find something stronger to drink in Father's bar.
"Eto dolzhno prekratit'sya,this must end," Father sighs, rising and buttoning his jacket. Gregor, one of his lieutenants, hurriesover with a satchel. "Here, son." Father hands it to me. "It is not that the old wedding traditions aren't enjoyable but…" He checks his watch. "We have two hours until your wedding party and I'm sure your bride will want to get dressed."
Unzipping the satchel, I find multiple bundles of cash. "You do know how to cut to the chase,Otets,Father, don't you?" Roman says admiringly.
I pound on the door until it rattles on its hinges.
"Easy!" My mother's voice calls. "This door is carved Brazilian Rosewood!"
"Sorry, Mother," I call, "but I do have a ransom that I think you will find appropriate."
The door opens a crack and they crowd into the space. I can just see Ava jumping up and down behind them, flashes of her silver gold hair as she waves at me.
"Hey, honey!" She calls out.
"Hello, love. I'll be right with you." I take a thick stack of cash out of the satchel and slap it in Priya's hand. "Would this be satisfactory?" She stares at it, then me, then back at it.
"What, are you serious?" she asks. "I thought we were just playing around here. Plus, thoseAmedei Porcelanachocolates were amazing."
"Oh, play time is over," I say. "I want my bride."
"She's all yours," Priya laughs, she's hurrying down the hallway without looking back. "Ten thousand… twenty… thirty… f-fifty thousand?He's insane!"
Alexsey is next. "But you gave her $50,000," he pouts.
You're not worth fifty grand," I say, slapping him on the back of the head with his money. "Take the twenty-five and be grateful."
My cousin Dasha and Auntie Tania attempt to look haughty. "I do not want your money," Dasha says with great dignity.
"What ransom will you accept?" I say tiredly.
