Page 8 of Savage Pakhan

“Alek. It’s good to see you.” His hand slaps against mine is a firm shake and he tries to be the one to apply more pressure, but he doesn’t expect me to pull him in and squeeze his shoulder.

“Gregory. Thanks for coming.” I turn to Belinda, dropping my hand to Mia’s waist again so she doesn’t feel alone. “Belinda.” I press a kiss to her wrinkled cheeks. “Lovely to see you. You look marvelous.”

And she did. Her long grey hair is styled with volume, her heavy oversized sunglasses atop of her head as if she’s ready to step into the sun and walk the red carpet. Her dress hugs her lean frame, a slinky silk dress paired with a large pearl necklace.

“Thank you, Darling. And you must be Mia,” Belinda bends down and kisses her cheeks too in greeting. “Aren’t you just so sweet. You’re beautiful. Congratulations on your wedding. I bet you’re so excited. Have you found a dress?”

“Thank you so much. I love your necklace,” Mia compliments.

I make note. She likes pearls. Good to know.

“And yes, I did find a wedding dress.”

I notice the tight smile she forces, pretending to be happy. Does she not like her dress? The wedding is only a few days away. There’s no time to replace it. I’m sure I could call in some favors but by then, it would be too late.

“Well, I can’t wait to see it. You’re going to be stunning. Ivan is a lucky man.”

Mia’s entire face flushes and if I’m not mistaken, her eyes well. “Oh, you’re so sweet. Thank you. I’m so excited. A little nervous, of course, but excited.”

Lies.

“Nothing can compare than spending the rest of your life with your best friend. You’ll love it. Marriage is fun. If you do it right, it keeps you young.”

I check my watch, noticing it’s time to get the bridal party started. “Looks like it’s show time. We’ll see you two later. Thank you again for coming and showing your support for Mia.”

“Yes,” Mia hurries to chime in. “Thank you.”

I guide Mia toward the room her shower is in and whisper into her ear, “I don’t know what’s going on with you. What I do know is that I don’t like it. I will find out the truth. I always do.”

She peers up at me with her sad brown eyes, melting the brutal man I am inside. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

More Lies.

“That’s okay, Mia. You don’t have to tell me the truth. I’ve built an empire on lies. You’d be foolish to think I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference when someone isn’t being forthcoming to me.”

“I—I—” she stammers, and I press a finger over her mouth to silence her.

“No need to explain. Let’s get through this shower and we’ll figure out everything else, okay?” I can’t help myself. I drag my knuckles across her cheek, her skin sparking against mine like a match trying to catch aflame.

She flinches again, stepping away with a curt nod.

There it is again. The fury.

“I’m taking the seat next to you since Ivan isn’t here. Food will be served as we open gifts. So, people aren’t sitting there staring at you. I didn’t think you’d like that.” I take her hand and walk away, only to be tugged when she doesn’t follow.

This time, her smile is real. It’s genuine. “How did you know that?”

I gently pull her down the main aisle, passing tables covered with light purple tablecloths, her favorite color.

“And how did you know my favorite color?”

I pay attention.

It’s impossible not to know. She finds a way to wear purple every single day.

The chairs in the middle of the room surrounded by gifts are like thrones, custom made for this even so Mia feels like a queen.

Her throne is white with purple velvet cushions while the one for Ivan is black on black.