Annika
“Annika. Annika? Are you feeling alright?”
“Hmmm?” I hum, my eyes still fixed on Kirill’s possessive stare.
Valya shakes my shoulder, forcing me to come out of the daze Kirill’s eyes have me locked in. They’ve been on me all day. Through the ceremony, and now throughout the reception. Even as we stand on opposite sides of the room, I find his intense gaze on me every time I look over. With effort, I force my eyes away from his, and turn to my sister. I feel a deep red blush bloom in my cheeks when I see she’s not alone, but with a beautiful woman. Both are staring at with wide, knowing grins.
“Oh, gosh, I am sorry,” I laugh, “I seem to not be able to keep my eyes off my new groom.”
Value’s brow raises in amusement as her grin widens, and this other woman gives me a soft laugh.
“It’s okay. I would be having the same problem if Kirill Pavlovich was my new husband too,” the woman giggles. “He’sthecatch, you know. Not just for power, but looks.”
To my surprise, I feel a tremor of jealousy pass through me at the woman’s words, but before I can figure out what to do about it, the woman keeps talking.
“I was just telling your sister here that I wanted to come over and introduce myself. My name is Viktoryia Abakumov, my husband Mikhail is your husband’s lawyer.I know what it’s like to be arranged married into the family, so I wanted to come offer my support and friendship.”
I relax instantly, and smile genuinely at Viktoryia as we shake hands.
“Oh, I would like that very much, Viktoryia,” I eagerly reply. “There is so much for me to learn about this world. I would appreciate any help I could get.”
“It’s nowhere near as scary as the rumors make it out to be,” Viktoria assures me. “Our men are demanding and fierce, yes. But they are also very protective and passionate. Just you wait and see.”
I don’t have to wait at all to ‘see’ the passion part. If my one night stand with Kirill hadn’t proven that already, the kiss he gave me at our wedding ceremony earlier certainly did. Even now, I still feel the lingering heat and intensity of his lips. Not just on mymouth, but throughout my entire body and deep into my mind. It's as if he’s branded me; leaving a mark that will never fade.
“Is that true for all of them?” Valya asks, then points to the man who had almost been my husband. We all directed our gaze to Pyotr.
Valya told me how the man acted in the waiting room, and I had to admit that even though I was nervous about marrying thePakhan,I was relieved to know that I was no longer marrying Pyotr. He's handsome, there's no doubt…but he seems hostile. Unsteady. Even now, I shiver as I look at him.
“Pyotr is a very different story,” Viktoryia replies, glancing to the floor.
“And that story is?” Valya asks.
Viktoryia shakes her head, her smile gone. “Not mine to tell.”
“Well, whatever that story is, that doesn’t stop him from being hot,” Valya replies.
She then gives a sultry grin in Pyotr’s direction, and when he looks over at her and she wags her pinky at him, he winks before turning his focus back to his conversation.
“Valya!” I whisper loudly.
“What?” she laughs. “It’s not like he’s yours anymore. Who knows? Maybe Papa will marry me into the Pavlovich family too. We could always use more alliances, right?”
“I’m sorry for my sister,” I apologize to Viktoryia, but the woman only laughs.
“Don’t apologize, your sister is right,” she replies. “He is hot. And probably a fun, albeit slightly scary ride. I prefer my husband, though, and he certainly prefers me.”
She adds the last bit with a wink, and I relax again. At least it’s good to hear that there are some faithful marriages. After all, men in power are notorious for affairs. Even if I barely know Kirill, I don’t like the idea of being cheated on. In fact the thought of it sends a sudden ache through my heart.
“Pardon me ladies,” a familiar deep voice comes from behind me. I feel a delicious shiver run up my spine as Kirill makes himself known, and I can’t help but smile as I turn to face him.
His piercing blue eyes burn into mine, sending another wave of relaxing warmth through my body.
“Congratulations,Pakhan,”Viktoryia says, her tone respectful. “This has been a beautiful wedding.”
“I’m so glad you are enjoying yourself, Viktoryia,” he states, not looking away from me. “But I’m going to have to steal my wifeaway from you. It is time for the first dance, and you know how I don’t like to break away from tradition.”
“Steal away,” Viktoryia replies, then nudges her arm against mine.
