Katya went and lay back on her sun lounger, picking up her Margarita. “One day when I’m blind and deaf maybe.” She dropped her Chanel sunglasses back over her eyes and sipped her drink. “And even then, I’d have to be forced.”
Nikolai stood staring at her for a moment, a look of annoyance on his face, before turning back to me. “Why does she hate me so much?” He must have recognized his dark tone, because he lightened it with a smile.
“Katya hates everyone,” I replied with a shrug. “I need to go.”
I turned and started to walk away, but Nikolai put his hand on my shoulder stopping me.
“You’ve really met a girl?” he asked, suddenly serious as I turned back around.
What could I tell him that wouldn’t put him in danger? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I couldn't risk dragging anyone else into this sordid affair, but it felt strange keeping things from him. Nikolai was like a brother to me. I told him everything and like he said, we were a team.
His eyes were still searching my face for an answer so I gave him what little knowledge I could.
“Yes, I’ve met a woman,” I admitted, “but I don’t think it will go anywhere. It can’t.”
“Why not?” he asked. “What woman could say no to the great Bratva prince?” he chuckled.
And he was right. No woman had ever refused me, and certainly Marisha wasn’t saying no, but things would keep us apart no matter what. Ivan was a roadblock for one. Our fates were entwined but we were not destined to be. That much I knew for certain. I knew this thing with Marisha was likely going to end in a bloody disaster; we had no future, yet I still couldn't seem to keep away from her. My self-restraint was out of the window where Marisha was concerned.
I sighed, not sure how to answer him.
“If there’s anything I can do, Alexander,” Nikolai offered, his expression still serious, as if sensing my turmoil. “You know I’ll always have your back.”
I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, your loyalty and friendship, as always, means a lot. However, I don’t think anyone can do anything about this though. It is what it is.”
Nikolai pursed his lips, probably thinking the same thing that I had been for the past week…that if I, Alexander Zolotov, couldn’t have the woman I wanted, then something was seriously fucked up.
“If you’re going to disturb my peace can you two do it somewhere else?” Katya sniped from her lounger.
Nikolai grinned at me, his serious expression falling away, before running towards our swimming pool and jumping in. The water splashed out, soaking Katya and making her scream, and she stood up cursing obscenities at him. I laughed as he climbed out and chased her around the pool, finally cornering her by the summerhouse.
“Get away from me!” she yelled, her eyes fierce. “I’m warning you!”
“You’re so rude, little girl. You need to be taught some manners,” he taunted, holding her in his firm grip. Her back was towards his chest, his arms wrapped around her tightly as she fought to be free of him, but there was little point. Nikolai and I worked out every day. He was incredibly strong, his body sculpted to perfection. He could hold her with one arm and she still wouldn't be able to break free.
I laughed and began walking away, listening to the splash of water and Katya’s high-pitched scream moments later as Nikolai jumped into the pool with her.
*
Brooklyn’s Botanical Gardens was 52 acres of stunning vivacious plant life. With gardens set within gardens, it was easy to find a corner to get lost in. A hideaway far from prying eyes. At least, that was my intention.
My mother and sister really were hosting a fundraising event here, it just wasn’t until much later this evening. Which was perfect for me. It gave Marisha the excuse to be here and me the excuse to keep her to myself for a few hours first. When she’d texted to confirm the official invite had arrived, I told her to find a way to meet me earlier, well before the event. It hadn’t even taken much convincing my mother to give me an invite for her, which I was surprised about. It seemed that after our meal at the Willow Tree, she’d begun to grow fond of Marisha. Or maybe it was sympathy for her being married to Ivan. Either way, it worked in my favor.
Marisha’s driver left the car idling by the entrance, insistent that he walk her in and stay until guest services verified the invitation and confirmed that the dinner was indeed a ‘women only’ event. There were two event times listed for the women’s shelter gala—a mixed social brunch for smaller donations, and the black-tie dinner for large contributions. It worked out beautifully for my desires, since guests could arrive at the gardens any time during the day to take advantage of free admission. And Marisha had covered her tracks well, saying she was coming early to tour the gardens with other wives.
I watched from the path outside the pavilion as she made her way through the glass corridor, passing by the information stations and other guests. Many different events were held here on a daily basis and so she blended into the mix of families in shorts and t-shirts and the well-dressed people here for formal events. Not that Marisha could ever really blend in.
God, she looked stunning.
A high collar, dark blue blouse kissed at her neck, flowing down in a loose parachute design. Easy to reach under, and she wasn’t wearing a bra, that much was obvious. Her nipples were hard, pressing against the thin silky material. As the breeze kicked up, the barest hint of her midriff came into view and the nude photos she’d sent, now seared into my brain from looking at them far too often, promised me that the reality would be even better. A cream skirt, tight and hitting at her knees, led down a stretch of pale leg to end in shimmery gold stilettos that matched the delicate bracelets and hoops she wore. Even the tiny purse was coordinated to perfection. A splash of red to catch attention.
Marisha’s hair was loose around her shoulders, but I watched as she stopped to look at her reflection in the smooth glass. She plucked something from her purse and pulled some of her curls away from her face and used the item to clasp the hair into place. I smiled in satisfaction as she smoothed her hands down her skirt and looked around nervously.
After several uncertain moments, she continued moving towards the gardens, and I met her as she passed through the doors outside. Her eyes lit up when she saw me, her cheeks already flushing in anticipation. Smiling back, I jerked my head to one side, and continued to walk, listening to the click of her heels as she followed obediently. We were out in the open and it was a risk that anyone might see us and place us together, so I made sure to keep my distance as we walked.
We passed by the Aquatic House and the Tropical Pavilion before making our way through some of the more popular gardens. There was a large pond to our left and trees overhanging the path as we walked, shading us from becoming too hot in the July heat. Plants colored our way on either side, and the crowds of people grew fewer and more far between as we walked. Finally, we reached a fork in the path and I ducked underneath a braided rope divider that blocked the right path to restrict visitors, bringing us to a more secluded area.
No one would see us here, yet the thrill of being out in public like this, even if we were hidden away from prying eyes, sent an electric current through me. But it did make my mood darken fractionally as a thought occurred to me. I hated that I would never be able to hold her hand and guide her through a sea of people, as Ivan had done at the party. I wanted men and women alike to know that Marisha was mine, not his.
