“Couldn’t tell.”
She giggles. “He’s a man of steel.”
“More like a robot.”
“Stiff as a board.”
I chuckle while standing up. “Thanks. This is all happening so fast. In two days, I’m going to be married and I just never thought it would be…that it would happen like…”
Tears sting my eyes.I never thought it would be like this.
“How about we try the satin?” she suggests. “The texture is nice. And it’s an off-white.”
I snort. “Does that matter?”
“Sure, everything matters in an Orthodox wedding.”
“A traditional wedding. That’s just wonderful. Not like I’m underenoughpressure already.”
She snickers. “You’ll be fine. I promise. We’ll review all the steps before we have to do it.”
“We should get a low heel. Last time I tried to wear anything higher than two inches, I fell flat on my face.”
“I’m not sure how the Bratva would react to their queen eating the carpet during the ceremonial walk. But it would be funny.”
“Theirwhatduring thewhatnow?”
She gives me a reassuring smile. “There’s an intricate series of ceremonies that I’ll explain to you later. Let’s get you set up with a dress first.”
Despite my flat tone, my rotten attitude, and my sour expression, Karina carries me forward. She’s not unhinged like her brother, so much softer that it’s hard to believe they’re related. Were it not for their eyes, I wouldn’t have guessed.
Pavel is angular, while Karina is a smooth oval. Physicallyandemotionally. They’re nearly polar opposites. Yet they get along.
Things could have been different if Jonas had taken over the Citta Nostra, I think while sifting through dresses.Hell, he’d probably be the same if he were in that position. I don’t think anything could change our relationship.
My phone chirps while I balance a few dresses on my left arm. Excitement bubbles in my gut when I notice Willow calling. Seconds later, I’m giving her directions to the shop. It’s a dream come true when she walks through the door and joins us.
I hug her tightly. “I’m glad you could make it.”
“Not a chance in hell I would miss your dress fitting.”
“Willow, come meet Pavel’s sister.” I take her hand and lead her into the heart of the shop. “Don’t worry. She’s not a jerk like him. She’s actually really nice.”
“You sure about that?”
I ignore her sarcastic tone in favor of introducing her to Karina.
Karina beams while extending her hand. “I’m delighted to meet you, Willow.”
Willow smiles while shaking Karina’s hand. “You keeping her afloat?”
“Doing my best.”
“That’s good. That’s…” She huffs and studies me for a moment, emotions fluttering across her face like images from a projector. “I was worried. I’mstillworried.”
Karina nods. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“Oh, I beg to differ,” Willow snaps. “I have plenty to worry about. You know, since your brother thinks it’s adorable to snatch up an unsuspecting girl for his own private entertainment.”