Page 156 of Deceitful Vows

The raunchiness of their exchange doesn’t contribute to its scorching-hot rating. It is how Maksim is unashamed to show how much he loves his wife even when they’re in public. Their relationship isn’t a hidden dirty secret. It is love not cloaked in shame.

After breathing in the scent of Nikita’s hair, Maksim locks his eyes with mine. He doesn’t speak. He just gives me a look I’ve mastered deciphering over the past month. It is one that announces we need to speak, but it won’t occur until whatever surprise he is organizing for Nikita is over.

I nod, happy to leave the awkwardness of our exchange on the back burner for a few hours.

I’m too confused to answer the numerous questions he and Nikita are silently bombarding me with since my introduction to Aleena’s fiancé. I’d leave it on simmer for eternity if that were an option.

Regretfully, it isn’t.

The groom-to-be’s arrival is meant to fuel the flames. Kazimir’s appearance douses them so well that dessert isn’t even served before the hotel staff commences packing down the room for tomorrow’s even bigger festivity.

“We can stay, if you want,” Nikita offers when I peer back in the direction of the ballroom, my steps to the elevator slow and reserved. “You hardly saw Aleena, and I don’t see it improving tomorrow. Kazimir’s relatives are very…imposing. They don’t seem willing to share him with anyone. Not even Aleena.” Although she is giving me an out, she stabs the elevator call button with her finger, eager to find out where her husband disappeared to.

Nikita will never admit it, but she suffers from jealousy more than Maksim does. Her possessiveness could give Andrik’s a run for its money.

When the elevator dings and we enter, I select the floor for the penthouse suites before asking, “Did you meet anyone in his family?”

Nikita moves in close to allow her bodyguards to ride the elevator with us before shaking her head. “There wasn’t a chance. Things were a little tense.”

Tense is an understatement. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable, and I let a stranger strap me to a sex swing in an underground sex club while heavily intoxicated. We won’t mention anything I’ve done with Andrik, as I’m not sure I would survive the guilt it usually entices this time around.

I’m as convinced that Aleena’s fiancé is Andrik as much as I am that Ano is Bayli, but where were his tattoos and unapproachable cocky demeanor? Kazimir could be Andrik’s twin, but why wouldn’t Mikhail mention him? Why would he make out as if it was solely him and Andrik against the world when they were kids? There couldn’t have been a third wheel. Mikhail would have told me about him. Our friendship formed fast, but it was founded on honesty.

My interest is piqued when Nikita says, “The woman next to us said his family is extremely powerful and politically motivated. It kind of makes sense. That was…” A million words roll through her head, but none leave her mouth until we’re halfway down the corridor of the penthouse suites. “Have the Galdeans met Kazimir previously?”

“Who?” I ask, still deep in thought about my many conversations with Mikhail concerning his family and striving to work out that if Kazimir is Andrik, why the hell wasn’t Mikhail and Ellis a part of the rehearsal dinner?

Nikita scans her key card over the lock of the suite she’s sharing with Maksim before repeating, “Kazimir. Aleena’s husband-to-be.”

“Oh… yeah. Him.” I try to keep anger out of my voice. I miserably fail. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

My stomach gurgles when the movie playing on repeat in my head returns to the start of the rehearsal dinner. The welcome sign outside the ballroom confused Nikita because Aleena is using her middle name for the wedding festivities. Who’s to say Andrik isn’t doing the same?

As I shadow Nikita into the foyer of the penthouse, I run my theory through my head on repeat.

I also give Andrik’s possible full name a whirl.

Kazimir Andrik Dokovic.

Kazimir Andrik Dokovic.

K. A. D.

My eyes pop when I recall the last time those initials turned my world on its head.

KADOK Industries.

KazimirAndrikDokovic.

They’re the same person. My sister’s fiancé and the man who drafted a contract to ensure his wife-to-be knew their union wasn’t about love are the same person.

But that isn’t the catalyst of my anger.

He lied.

Dr. Hemway said Aleena wasn’t on Andrik’s list. That she would never be on any list where she was valued for her fertility.

He lied straight to my fucking face, yet I bet he will receive Aleena’s forgiveness long before me. I slept with her fiancé—more than once.

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