Page 54 of Dancing With Desire

Alexandr disappears. “Not a chance,” I say firmly before he’s had a chance to plead with me.

“It’s your role now,” he says, wincing.

“No, Dmitry.”

“Not even for me?”

I cry out dramatically. “This has been the worst holiday ever.”

He smirks, running a finger along my collar bone. “That’s not true, mykrasota. Besides, it was a business trip.”

“And that business is sorted, right? So, can’t we just go home?” He pulls the cup of my bikini down, taking my breast in his mouth and sucking it in. “You’re not playing fair,” I whisper, running my fingers through his hair.

“You have been amazing lately,” he says, covering my breast and moving to the other to repeat the treatment. “And I promise, after today, I’ll spend an entire day by the pool, just the two of us, and then we’ll fly home.”

“Promise?”

“On my life.”

I groan. “Fine, but I am not happy about it.”

I spend almost halfan hour searching for an appropriate outfit. Marshall waits patiently outside the room so I can show him each one. We eventually agree on a summer dress, and I keepmy bikini underneath, just in case we have an impromptu pool party. I snigger to myself as we head downstairs. They don’t seem like the type to let loose and have fun.

I’m surprised to see the women have already gathered around the kitchen worktop, chopping the fruit I’d left unattended. When they spot me, they each take turns to approach me and hug me, kissing each of my cheeks in greeting. I frown, glancing back at Marshall, who is smirking, probably knowing how uncomfortable I feel right now.

“I’m Ania,” the first introduces. “My husband is Matvey, but there’s no point us all throwing our husband’s names at you, you’ll only forget. So, that’s Daria, Maria, Polina, Kira, and Anastasia.”

I give a small wave, feeling my anxiety in my throat choking me. I cross my arms and dig my nails into my flesh, trying to find some calm. As if Marshall senses it, he steps forward. “Tori?”

I bring my eyes to his and inhale sharply, suddenly remembering my role. “It’s lovely to meet you all,” I say, my own voice sounding foreign to me. “Can I get drinks?”

Ania laughs, shaking her head. “Please, we don’t bother with any of that bullshit when our husbands aren’t around. We can get our own drinks. Now, let’s sit by the pool and you can tell us everything.” She grabs me by the hand and begins to lead me outside. I glance back at Marshall, who’s smirking again. I narrow my eyes as he gives me a little wave.

“I got you non-alcoholic sparkling wine,” Ania goes on to say, pointing to a cool box by one of the sunbeds. “I know Dmitry will have fully stocked the bar,” she adds, pointing to the bar in the far corner, “but I bet he didn’t think ahead.”

I smile weakly as she drops my hand and points to one of the beds. I lower onto it, Ania takes the one beside me, and the other women seat themselves, a few chatting quietly to one another, leaving me under the curious gaze of Ania and Daria.

“We’re the younger wives,” whispers Daria. “And we’re so glad you’re going to join our circle. Lord knows we need younger blood.”

“The others are lovely, but they don’t gossip,” adds Ania.

“And we want to know everything,” says Daria eagerly. She removes her shirt, revealing a stunning white bikini.

Ania removes her top too, so I quickly whip off my dress and lay my arms to my sides, hoping to hide my scars.

“There’s not much to tell,” I mutter, shrugging.

“Are you kidding me?” screeches Ania. “Dmitry is the most eligible bachelor to ever exist.”

I force a smile. “Yes, he is.”

“And you’ve snagged him,” adds Daria, fixing me with wide eyes. “From that witch, Vivian, of all people.”

This time, I give a genuine smile. “You don’t like Vivian?”

“God, no. She’s a complete cow,” says Ania. “We were praying for a miracle, and then you came along.”

“So, how did you do it?” asks Daria. “Please tell me you punched her in the face.”

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