Page 58 of Dancing With Desire

“You’ve booked it?”

“I’ve provisionally pencilled us in,” I say carefully, realising she doesn’t seem as excited as I thought she would be.

“Dmitry, this isn’t a business transaction,” she says, bracing herself as the plane begins to climb into the sky. She squeezes her eyes closed, and I try to take her hand, but she pulls it free. “Why does everything have to be on your terms?”

“You want to get married, no?”

“That’s not the point.”

“Then what is, mykrasota?” I ask, my voice clearly exasperated. “I love you, and I want us to be a family when our son arrives.”

“Daughter,” she snaps.

“Child,” I say with a smile. The seatbelt light clicks off, and she opens her eyes as I reach for hers to unfasten it. “The longer we drag this out, the longer we have to spend watching our backs because of my father.”

“You have the go-ahead now, just do what you have to do.”

I trail my fingers over her thigh. “You want him there, remember?” I remind her. “And so do I. He should watch us and know that he lost.”

She stares at me for some time. “Okay,” she eventually says.

I frown. “Okay?” I repeat.

“Next week. If it’s what you want, we’ll get married.”

I pull her close, kissing her hard. “Thank you, mykrasota. I love you.”

“Ya tebya lyublyu,” she says, her Russian almost perfect, making me smile wider. “Now, you just have to tell your father.” And she sits back in the chair, looking smug.

DMITRY

I’d arranged to meet with my father before Victoria had even agreed to next week’s wedding. I’m so keen to get this whole thing done with so I can concentrate on Victoria and our child, that her not agreeing never really entered my mind. But thankfully, she did, and now, as I wait in my office for him to arrive, a nervous energy is building. This is where our plan begins.

When he barges in looking irritated, I have to hold my smile back. I love that I’m getting under his skin. “Is this meeting really necessary,moy syn? Could we not have spoken over the phone?”

I stand, loosening the top button on my shirt before pouring us each a whiskey. As I approach him, he shifts uncomfortably,hardly meeting my eyes. He takes the offered glass, and I lean against the edge of my desk. “What the fuck is this all about, Dmitry?” he spits, taking a seat.

I take a small sip before offering a smirk. “I’ve been to see the families.”

His brow furrows. “And why did you do that, Dmitry?” He’s rattled, and I can practically hear his mind racing with questions.

“To discuss my marriage to Victoria.”

He scoffs, shaking his head. “I have already told you that I will not back this marriage, and therefore, neither will they. Your marriage to her will be over my dead body.”

I grin, giving a slight nod. “That can also be arranged.” I push off the desk, and he flinches slightly at my sudden move. I head back to my seat, fixing my eyes on him. “The families have already approved our union, and there is nothing you can do about it. The wedding will be next week. The families will be there, as will you.”

The frustration is evident on his face. He clearly didn’t expect me to approach them directly, especially without his blessing. If he chooses not to show now, the families may take offence, accusing him of not trusting their decisions to do what is best for the families. And in turn, that will bring his judgement into question.

He leans forward, knocking his drink back and slamming the glass on the desk. “Well, I hope you know what you’re doing, Dmitry. Because I warn you now, this will end in disaster. She cannot take our world, and she does not bring anything to it. Therefore, your wedding is pointless.”

“You’re wrong,” I say simply. “Victoria has already shown she can handle our world. She took everything Nik threw at her.” My father visibly swallows. “And she came back fighting. In fact, she seems more determined than ever to stay by my side.”

“I’m sure she does,” he spits angrily.

“And she is bringing my child into this family. What can be more precious than that?”

He stands. “She will be your downfall, Dmitry,” he declares and heads for the door.

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