Page 61 of Dancing With Desire

I take a seat at the table and Rachel follows, bringing her notepad with her. “Did you settle on flowers?” she asks.

I nod, pointing to the picture. “I love these.”

“Great choice. Dark red and white roses will go perfectly with everything. What about the bridesmaids?”

“I was actually thinking of a small corsage with a red rose, maybe with a diamanté bracelet so they can keep it after. And I was thinking we could wrap my bouquet in diamonds too, so we’ll match.”

“That’s not a problem at all. I have a jeweller on standby.”

“Erm . . . I have a bit of an odd request,” I add, and she stops scribbling to look at me.

“You won’t believe the things I’ve had requested, so hit me with it.”

“I’d really like a small dagger in the centre of my bouquet. I know it’s unusual, but it’s something for me to keep as a reminder of our day, and it means something to me and Dmitry. If I could have our initials on the handle, that would be even better.”

“Nothing is too much trouble for you, Victoria.”

Dmitry specified that none of the guests should bring weapons, and that only his security detail will be armed, but he never said anything about me. I smile to myself. The dagger signifies so much more in our relationship. He saved me from myself on so many occasions, and he showed me a better way to deal with my emotions. It signifies the bond that we have, that we are bound together by bloodshed and scars.

DMITRY

Who knew that weddings could be so . . . stressful? Victoria has spent the last few days meeting various people to secure the final arrangements that all lead up to this day. Our wedding day. I’m buzzing with nervous energy. Not because I’m about to secure my biggest deal yet and claim Victoria forever, but because today is the day my father will meet his end. I haven’t worked out the finer details yet, but I know he will take his last breath before I whisk my new wife off for our honeymoon in the Maldives.

Marshall enters, fixing his cufflinks. “You changed the Champagne order to non-alcoholic for the bridal breakfast?” he queries.

I smirk. “If mykrasotadoes not drink, then no one will.”

“Phoebe was not impressed.”

“And how would you know that, Marshall?” I ask, quipping a brow.

He grins, brushing his hands over his grey jacket. “Having us all stay in the manor was a bad idea,” he says. “I told you so.”

“I wasn’t allowed anywhere near the upper floor where Victoria slept, so how were you?”

He grins wider. “That’s the perks of being the bodyguard-slash-friend.”

I roll my eyes, but secretly, I’m getting used to Victoria and Marshall’s close relationship. Besides, he’s clearly hung up on her best friend.

“Are they all up there now?”

“Yes, but I’ve put one of your men on the door, and Victoria gave him strict instructions to pull a gun on you if you tried to enter.”

I laugh, already heading out my office. The need to see her is too overwhelming right now.

I take the stairs two at a time, and when I get to the upper floor, I make my way along the hallway until I am face-to-face with Albert. “Boss, don’t make me look like a fool,” he groans, and I pat him on the shoulder.

“Move.”

“She was very adamant.”

“Move. Don’t make me ask again.”

“Can I at least tell her you’re here?”

I give a nod, and he taps on the door. It opens just enough for Phoebe to stick her head out. Her eyes find me and narrow. “No, Dmitry.”

“I’ll close my eyes,” I promise.

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