26
Aleksandra
The moment I return with the children from school, Mikhail is on me like I’ve just robbed a bank and taken hostages. “You left the compound without my permission?”
I remove my jacket and then my gloves. The items dried in the vehicle on the way back from the preschool, and parking in the garage helped keep me from getting a new dusting on my clothes.
My boots are still soaked, and if I track the mess through the compound, I’ll never hear the end of it.
I help Sophia and Liam remove their wet winter gear before they hurry up the stairs together to play in their bedroom.
After the children are out of earshot, I finally answer Mikhail.
He’s standing there, tapping his foot on the wood floor, waiting for my response. His arms are folded across his chest, and he is every bit terse and uptight, worse than Antonio.
“I brought a guard with me,” I say, as if that doesn’t break the rules. “You can’t keep me locked up forever.”
He can, and will, if he wants to, but I don’t think that’s what he desires, or I’d be tossed out on the street. He is looking out for me in his strange way, but it doesn’t mean that I have to bend to his will and do as he commands of me.
He grunts and shakes his head. “That engagement party that I had planned, you can bet your ass that it’s going to be a wedding. And you’re not leaving the house until there’s a ring on your finger.”
“What?” I can’t believe him. “Mikhail, no, that isn’t fair.”
“I’m done with your childish antics. Running off, refusing to follow my direct orders. Your husband will get the privilege of disciplining you and believe me when I say it won’t be soon enough.”
My mouth is dry, my hands tremble, but I ball them into fists, not wanting Mikhail to witness my displeasure and discomfort with his threats.
“You’re going to force me to marry Luka?” He isn’t the worst choice. There are men whom I despise who work for my brother, but he isn’t the warmest and most considerate man, either. He’s also not particularly great with children.
“That isn’t a surprise, little sister. Yes, you will marry Luka, and you will join him with your children in Russia.”
I can’t. I won’t do that. “No, please don’t do this,” I plead with him to change his mind. An engagement gave me time to stall, to devise a plan to get out and away from Mikhail. I had thought that there’d be months until the actual wedding day and moving out of the country.
“It’s already done. I decided while you were out gallivanting with your children. The arrangements are made.”
I purse my lips and need to devise a plan fast. I told Antonio that I would try to make the engagement party a costume ball.
“If it’s my wedding, then do I get a say in the dress, the attire of the guests, the theme? I’d love to do an old-world theme with guests in elegant costumes.”
Mikhail chuckles and shakes his head. “Sister, this wedding is for you. I’m glad you’re coming on board, but no, your fiancé and my men will handle all the necessities. You needn’t worry about a thing,” he says, and his gaze tightens. “And there is no way in hell my men are dressing in anything other than a tuxedo. The last thing I need is you trying to dress up one of the maids to marry Luka.”
“I wouldn’t do that. I want to help plan my wedding,” I say. If he disagrees with the costume party, how will Antonio sneak inside the compound?
“No!” Mikhail is firm and commanding, making it clear that he’s the one in charge. “You will let Luka and my men deal with the arrangements. If I hear a word that you’re involved in anything, I will lock you in the dungeon until you’re wed. Is that clear?”
“Crystal,” I seethe between gritted teeth.