Page 19 of Sinful Lies

“Of course, I did.” Her smile broadens.

“She’s here to see me, Dimitri.” Bianca narrows her eyes at me.

“I think Alexei might need some help with the baby.” I offer my sister-in-law a wicked smile, and she rolls her eyes.

“You’re probably right.” Bianca chuckles. “Behave.” She points her finger between Zaraand me.

I sneak a glance at Zara, and she’s nibbling on her lower lip again—a tell-tale sign that she’s worried.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” My eyes flick to the blonde-haired girl beside her whose eyes look as if they’re about to pop out of her head as she takes in the vast living space.

She’s the spitting image of Zara, with the same blonde hair and green eyes, though she’s a few inches taller.

“Dimitri, this is my little sister Emily.” Zara wraps her arm around her sister’s shoulders.

“Pleasure to meet you.” I hold out my hand.

Emily blushes as she takes my hand, and I flash her a grin.

I gesture inside. “Why don’t we get you both a drink?”

Once the drinks are flowing and everyone has fallen into easy conversation with one another, I approach Zara at the drinks cart.

“We should do it now.” I reach for the bottle of vodka to refresh Zara’s drink. “Before everyone gets too drunk to remember.”

“I feel like I’m going to be sick.” She shakes her head. “This was such a stupid plan.”

“We can do this.” I hand her a drink.

“You’re doing the talking.”

I chuckle under my breath and glance sideways at her. “Ready?”

She lets out a breath before tilting her head back and downing her drink in one. She shudders as she sets the empty glass down on the cart. “Ready.”

I hold out my hand, and Zara slips her fingers through mine before we turn to face the room.

Mikhail and Danil are lounging on the couch on eitherside of Emily, and Bianca and Alexei have just reappeared after putting Leo down for a nap.

“Everyone!” I call out. “Can I have your attention for a minute?”

All eyes turn to us, and Zara tenses at my side.

I look over to Bianca and Alexei and Bianca’s eyes have narrowed as she takes in our joined hands.

It’s now or never.

“Zara and I have some news.” I lock eyes with Alexei.

He looks pissed as hell, as if he’s already guessed what is about to come out of my mouth.

“We’re getting married.”

The room is deathly silent for a heartbeat before Danil jumps to his feet and fist bumps the air. “Fucking knew it! Mikhail, you owe me a thousand bucks.”

Bianca’s face is a picture of shock, and Alexei looks as if he wants to smash a bottle of vodka over my head.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother so furious.

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