Page 11 of Devil's Bride

Maybe I’ll run to Sicily. I’ll be surrounded by Alexei’s enemies, so finding me there won’t be an option. But the thought of him hurting my family to get back at me has me struggling into the white wedding gown I’m supposed to wear today.

It’s beautiful, adorned with tiny crystals which glitter when they catch the light. My mother had it custom made within six days. It’s crazy what having more money than you can spend does for you.

I glance down at my finger where Alexei will be putting a ring on an hour from now. The finger where the engagement ring he’d given me fitted for a couple of minutes before I sold it and donated the money to the animal shelter. A smile plays on my lips as I imagine how pissed he’ll be when he finds out.

A knock on the door startles me. I turn around and lock eyes with my mother as she enters the room with a big smile. I don’t bother to return her smile, I’m not as happy with this wedding as she is.

“You look so beautiful, Irina.” The bed dips as she sits next to me and places her hand on mine, her smile fading. “You’re upset.”

“You’re marrying me off to a monster, do you expect me to be happy?” I retort. “You’re happy enough for both of us.”

“Hey,” she whispers, rubbing the back of my hand. “I know this is not what you wanted, and I promise I didn’t want this for you. But your father had no choice, trust me.”

I’ve heard that too many times already, that my father didn’t have a choice and that is why he’s allowing this marriage, but no one cares to tell me why. I’ve spent the last few days asking questions that no one deems worthy of an answer. “Why doesn’t he have a choice?”

My mother’s shoulders sag. “I don’t know, Irina. Your father never discusses things like that with me, but I’m certain it is something really serious.”

Which is why I’m bothered. My father hates the mafia, he leads an organization which fights against them. There’s no logical reason as to why he’s letting me get married to the head of the very group of people he detests, unless he’s under some serious threat. One I would assume is from Alexei.

But Alexei denied it, and if it truly isn’t him, then I can’t think of anyone else who would do this.

The door opens again and my brother saunters inside. He looks at my gown as if it’s the ugliest thing he’s ever seen. Despite refusing to let me in on why my father made the sudden decision for me to get married, he’s the only one who seems reasonably pissed with the idea.

“Hey,” I say, blinking up at him.

He swallows. His eyes water. With guilt? Remorse? Maybe both. “I hate this, Irina. Maybe I should’ve just killed that bastard.”

“Damien, watch it,” my mother warns.

We both ignore her. “What do you mean by that? Am I right that Alexei threatened Dad into this?”

“I’m sorry, Ri. I can’t tell you much, but I want you to be happy.” He pauses as if inhaling deeply. “Even if I want nothing more than to rip that dress to shreds right now.”

“Damien, your father will be angry if he hears you.”

My brother frowns at our mother. “Who cares how he’ll feel? Irina is the victim here.”

“We’re not allowing because we hate her.” My mother sniffles, but rather than cry, she flattens a hand on her chest and draws in a breath. She’s always the epitome of class and elegance, so much so that even crying in front of other people is such a big deal for her. Even her children.

I roll my eyes and groan with anger. “Mom, can you stop talking about me like I’m some prized possession?”

“I’m sorry, Ri. It’s just…you’re the best thing that has ever happened to your father and me. We’re sorry we couldn’t be better parents to you.”

That sentence alone, and the guilt on her face, melts some of my anger away. How can I be mad at her when it’s not like she made this call? My father always has the final say on what happens, it’s been that way since I was little.

A part of me ponders on whether or not that’s the life that awaits me. A future where I’ll be nothing but a piece of furniture in Alexei’s home. My father is not part of the mafia and I consider him decent yet he’s that way, I can only imagine what a nightmare marrying Alexei will be.

Damien sighs and leaves without saying another word. My mother opens her mouth to say something but the door flies open and Arielle walks in. She’s wearing a silky, silver dress which looks perfect on her. I have a chief bridesmaid when I don’t even want to get married. Perfect.

Considering her crush on Alexei, I know Arielle would be a lot happier if she were the bride.

“Hello, Mrs. Volkov,” she says politely to my mother.

My mother smiles at her. “Hi, Arielle. It’s good to see you, and you look beautiful in that dress.”

“Thank you, I had it ordered as soon as I heard about Irina’s wedding.” She smiles at me. “Congratulations, bestie.”

I don’t answer. They’re other things I’d rather be congratulated for.

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