“Okay,” Vera said, turning to the group. “We only have a few hours. I say we get everything here.”
“Really, sis?” Kira scoffed. “And what if I don’t find anything?”
“You will,” Vera smirked. “I called ahead. They just got new dresses that aren’t even on display yet. So, ladies, let's get to shopping!”
While the ladies browsed and chatted with the staff, my fingers drifted over the nearest gowns. The price tags made me feel nauseated, ranging from two hundred fifty thousand to ten million dollars. Ten million! Were they sewing these with freaking moon dust? There was no world in which I’d feel comfortable wearing something that expensive. I’d probably spend the entire night terrified of dirt, rips, or stray drinks.
“See anything you like?” Pyotr asked, appearing at my side.
I scrunched up my nose. “I just don’t see why I need to wear a dress that costs a down payment on a house.”
Pyotr chuckled. “You’re the wife of a Bratva man now. You must look the part, especially at events. You’re a reflection of him, and of us.”
“Right. No pressure,” I muttered.
“No pressure,” he echoed, then, after a short pause, continued, “We’re having a gathering soon…perhaps your father could attend? We’d love to meet him.”
My stomach dropped.
Shit.
“Oh…um, he’s away on business right now,” I smiled weakly.
“What line of work is he in?” Pyotr asked lightly, a small smile on his face. But, even though the smile was there, a part of me felt as though he was digging for information.
“Sales,” I answered quickly. “He’s…always traveling.”
“Ah.” Pyotr nodded slowly. “Perhaps when he returns.”
I forced a smile and nodded.
“Where's your ring?” Pyotr asked, gesturing towards my bare finger.
“Sienna!” Kira called from behind me. “I found the perfect dress for you. It’s going to bring out your eyes. Try it on!”
I sighed inwardly, thankful for the distraction.
It was a simple, stretchy blue gown with long sleeves, a turtleneck, and slits on both sides. A diamond-shaped cut at the front teased cleavage.
The tag read seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
“I…I can’t.”
“Why? You don’t like it?” Mariya asked.
“I do, it’s just….” My voice trailed off, staring at the tag.
“Sienna, don’t worry. That dress won’t bankrupt us. Go try it on.”
Kira guided me to the dressing room, and I tried on the dress. When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The dress hugged every curve, and for the first time, I felt sexy.
When I stepped out, jaws dropped.
“Sienna,” Katya said, eyes wide. “Is that what you've been hiding under those baggy clothes? You look drop-dead gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, shy.
“Someone remind me to carry extra napkins to wipe Avit’s drool when he sees her. I have to get that on camera,” Pyotr grinned.
