I wonder if I gave too much away on my wedding day when he kissed me at the altar. I was overwhelmed by the rough, hot sensation of Aleksandr’s lips on mine, the way his hand cupped the back of my head… And after I bit him, the look of surprise in his eyes shifted to something molten.
My own insides somersaulted like crazy for the rest of that ceremony, whenever Aleksandr got close to me. When he grabbed my hand and raised it for the crowd to show our union, I felt the warmth of his grip on me for the rest of the day.
Maybe I was obvious. Well, I’d never been kissed before. None of my previous wedding ceremonies had ever progressed that far — of course I was overwhelmed at my first kiss. It was nothing to do with Aleksandr, it was just the fact that it was the first time I’d been kissed and it was nicer than I expected.
Okay, really nice.
Okay, it was hot and a small, hidden part of me is disappointed that it hasn’t happened again. The way he smiled at me when I accused him of visiting a prostitute was the only thing that came close.
I get carried away in the memory as my father drones on. He’s never been an engaging speaker and I only tune back in to his monotone when he says Aleksandr’s surname.
“…we believe that he’s doing something that goes against the Bratva’s interests. Now, we know he and his friend have their little business down at the port. It’s important work, liaising with the Union, recruiting enforcers, making sure that our cargo is on the ships when we need it, distributing the bribes, keeping things quiet with Customs. All of that is above board.”
“Right… So what’s he doing wrong?”
I might have missed something, but my father doesn’t seem surprised at my question.
“That we don’t know,malyshka. That’s where you come in. Given your history with your fiancés, Natalia, I have full faith that you will be able to do this. What we need is a file on Aleksandr’s activities, much like the ones that you have so diligently prepared in the past.”
Finally, Papa is acknowledging that I have been right about the men he’s tried to marry me off to. Even acknowledging that I have some kind ofskillwhere this is concerned.
I think of all the times that I begged Papa to be more involved in the family business, wishing that there was a way I could inherit his seat instead of my husband. And now he’s asking for my help.
I feel a little rush of excitement. Of course, I can investigate Aleksandr and his business at the port. Finally, my papa trusts me to contribute to his important work.
“I can do that, Papa.”
“You’ll have to get access to the work that him and his accomplices are doing, of course.”
I think about it for a second. “Aleksandr can be kind, Papa. I’m sure if I ask him for something to do to fill my days, he won’t refuse. He can’t expect me to sit around the apartment all day.”
My father nods, his eyes narrowing. “That’s a good plan,malyshka. You must be bored out of your mind.”
It’s strange to realize that I’m not. The space and freedom at Aleksandr’s place has been a big change from living in the shadow of my parents, but I don’t hate it.
“Do you have note-taking equipment at his place?”
“I’m not a prisoner, Papa. I can ask him for whatever I need. A pen and paper shouldn’t be too much to ask.”
My father clearly thinks I’m living in poverty. Aleksandr has made clear that no request is too much for him — the way he treats me, it’s like someone has told him I’ll be dissatisfied with anything less than being showered in gifts.
Iwouldlike to invest in a lot of artwork for him, but I don’t think he’d appreciate it.
“You don’t think he’ll notice?”
I shrug. Aleksandr may not like me much, but the idea that I would be reporting back to my family on his activities probably hasn’t occurred to him. People tend to underestimate me. Especially men.
“I’ll try to check whether he seems suspicious of me.”
My father nods, seemingly satisfied by that.
“Each visit here, you can update me on your progress and hand over whatever files you have. The more hard evidence, the better.”
I feel a little tug of sadness at this. Aleksandr is only allowing me one visit a week. I won’t really be able to spend time with Papa and Mama. Instead of a taste of home, my visits will be like this — business-like. Information exchanges.
Still, I’m being included as an equal.
“And Natalia?”
