Page 128 of Sweet Animosity

“Easy for you to say. You’re not the one whose blood they’re after.”

He placed his hand over mine. “They're not after your blood… but just to be on the safe side, stick close to me, don’t look them directly in the eye, and try not to make any sudden movements.”

I smirked as we stepped into the elevator. “Very funny.”

I took a deep breath as we stood just outside the ballroom.

Var reached down and clasped my hand. “Ready?”

With my nod, he opened the doors.

Between the massive crystal chandeliers, the black velvet chairs around tables topped with gold-rimmed crystal dishes and large vases filled with white roses, the room was beyond stunning.

While the music from the orchestra played on, the conversation dimmed as the guests turned to greet us. It wasn’t a large gathering, maybe fifty people, but it was still intimidating as fuck.

Fortunately, I quickly spotted Michelle and Stacey in the crowd as well as Barb and Millie.

Traitors, all of them.

Not one of my friends was the least bit upset, or worried, or anxious that I had married a man I’d known for a barely a week, let alone who was also a Russian Mafia boss.

They were sickeningly happy for me.

Even going so far as to say I never appeared happier to the point I was glowing.

Rubbish friends.

I figured I could at least count on them to give me a good slap and ask what the hell I was thinking, but no, they had to be all supportive and thrilled about the match.

Despite my annoyance at their cheerful acceptance of my fate, I smiled and gave them a small wave before smoothing my hand over my teal taffeta Caroline Herrera shirt-collar gown.

Then the other women caught my eye.

They moved toward me in one large mass.

Like a twisted sorority parade.

They were all beautiful and each with a different yet classic style.

This must be them.

The girls.

The ones who would judge me worthy of joining their little clique.

I mentally ticked off the advice I’d gotten all week.

I’d already been warned of the dangers of pissing off Mary or Dylan.

To not worry if Phoebe didn’t say much, because she was the shy one.

That Dimitri’s wife Emma and Damien’s wife Natalia would likely be the nicest and most welcoming.

That Carinna and Brynn would try to get me to invest in their businesses.

And that Katia and Yelena would likely ignore me since they were still fine-tuning the plans for tomorrow’s photoshoot on Michigan Avenue.

And there was one more…

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