Page 6 of Till Death Saves Me

But as my lips meet hers, something unexpected happens. The softness of her skin catches me off guard. Her lips arelike silk against mine, warm and pliant. The faint scent of her perfume envelops me - jasmine and vanilla, with an underlying note of something uniquely her. It's intoxicating, clouding my senses in a way I'm not prepared for.

For a split second, I forget where we are. I forget why we're here. All I can focus on is the warmth of her breath mingling with mine, the slight tremor that runs through her body as I place my hand on her waist to steady her.

The kiss lasts no more than a heartbeat, but it feels like an eternity. As I pull away, I catch a glimpse of Virginia's face. Her eyes wide with surprise and she looks like she might lean back in. Fuck, if I don't want another taste.

I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. What the fuck was that? It was supposed to be nothing, a mere formality. Instead, it's left me feeling off-balance, unsure.

The crowd erupts in applause, but it sounds distant, muffled. All I can focus on is the lingering sensation of Virginia's lips on mine, the ghost of her scent still clouding my senses.

4

GINNY

Iscan the opulent ballroom, my eyes darting from one unfamiliar face to another. The chandelier's light catches on diamond necklaces and gold watches, a dazzling display of wealth and power. But beneath the glitter, I sense an undercurrent of danger.

"Mrs. Kozlov, congratulations," a heavyset man with a thick accent says, grasping my hand. His meaty fingers linger too long, and I fight the urge to pull away.

"Thank you," I manage, forcing a smile that feels brittle on my face.

As soon as he moves on, another takes his place. And another. And another. Each greeting, each false smile, each thinly veiled threat disguised as a compliment chips away at my composure.

I catch sight of Ivan across the room, effortlessly charming a group of men I vaguely recognize from my father's business dealings. His easy confidence only serves to highlight how out of place I feel.

The air grows thick, stifling. Sweat prickles along my spine, dampening the delicate lace of my wedding gown. My chest tightens, each breath becoming more labored than the last.

I need to get out. Now.

My eyes dart around the room, searching for an escape. There—a small door partially hidden behind a thick velvet curtain. Heart pounding, I wait for a lull in the constant stream of well-wishers.

When it comes, I don't hesitate. I slip away from the crowd, my steps quick but measured. Can't draw attention. Can't let them see how desperately I need to flee.

The click of my heels on the marble floor seems deafening. Surely someone will notice. Surely Ivan will materialize, his strong hand clamping down on my arm, dragging me back to play my part in this farce.

But no one stops me. I reach the curtain, my fingers trembling as I push it aside. The door handle is cool beneath my palm. I turn it, praying it's not locked.

It gives way, but I don't get the chance to step through.

I freeze, my heart leaping into my throat as Ivan's hand closes around my arm. His touch sends an electricity shooting through me, a mix of fear and something else I don't want to examine too closely.

"And where do you think you're going, Virginia?" His voice is low, meant only for my ears.

I turn slowly, meeting his piercing gaze. The usual coldness is there, but there's something else, too. A flicker of... understanding?

"I... I just needed some air," I stammer, hating how weak I sound. "It's a bit overwhelming in there."

Ivan's eyes narrow, searching my face. I expect him to drag me back inside, to berate me for abandoning our guests. Instead, he releases my arm and takes a step back.

"Five minutes," he says, his tone clipped. "Then you return to the ballroom. Understood?"

I blink, caught off guard by his unexpected allowance. "Yes, of course."

He nods once, then turns to stand guard by the door. I hesitate for a moment before slipping outside.

The cool night air hits my heated skin, and I take a deep, shuddering breath. The garden stretches out before me, a dark oasis away from the glittering chaos inside. I move further from the house, desperate to put some distance between myself and the suffocating reality of my new life.

But Ivan's presence lingers, a palpable weight even out here. His momentary flash of empathy replays in my mind. It doesn't erase years of contempt, but it cracks the image I've built of him as a heartless monster.

I close my eyes, willing my racing thoughts to slow. When I open them again, I'm startled to find Ivan standing beside me.

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