Page 64 of Poisoned Roses

“To Tatiana Romanov.” Ana says with pride and as Grace Romanov enters the room, she wipes a tear from her eye and whispers, “Welcome to the family, Tatiana.”

We eat a wedding breakfast of smoked salmon, toast, pancakes and porridge, along with fresh fruit and yogurt.

The company is light and exactly what I need to take my mind off the day ahead. For somebody who is used to living life alone, their acceptance of me means more than they will ever know.

CHAPTER 35

TITUS

I’m not sure what a wedding is supposed to feel like, but today is important for one reason alone.

Unfinished business.

It’s always business. It was business that brought Tia into my life and it is business that will assure our future is a bright one.

The rest can wait. Revenge is what’s important now and as I pull on my suit and adjust my tie, I stare at the man in the mirror and set my mood accordingly.

Simeon is watching and I catch his eye in the reflection and nod. No words needed as he turns and leaves, the battle lines already drawn.

I make my way to the car, my brothers already in place and if I have any nerves, they are left firmly behind me.

When I reach the Kremlin,I am shown through to a chamber where Boris Fedorov is waiting, unusually alone.

“Titus.”

His warm smile belies the madness it disguises, and he clenches my hand in an iron fist and says in a low voice, “I am pleased. The plan is working. Your name has already been selected as the candidate in the next election. You will be assured of victory.”

I smile, acting happy with the outcome of his plotting, and he pours a shot of vodka into two glasses and hands one to me.

“Zanas to us.”

I repeat the toast, downing the shot of courage in one gulp.

He nods with satisfaction and points to the closed door.

“We should take our places. The world is primed and the cameras are rolling. It’s time.”

As I follow him through to the great hall where the guests are waiting, my heart is heavy with the thirst for revenge. We will have one shot at this and I am assured of our success because we have planned it right down to the last detail.

As I wait, I have no nerves. Why would I? Marriage is merely another contract and I’m well acquainted with them. This oneis no different. I have planned for it, thought it through and carried out the relevant risk assessment. My bride is perfect and a delightful surprise. My family is in position and all that I’m waiting for now is her arrival.

Exactly on the hour, there is a general hum of excitement as the music chords reveal the bride is imminent. I wait by the doorway, my men stationed around me, the security of the Kremlin also alert to hostility. This is the most closely guarded fortress and now the threat has been extinguished concerning Tia, I can relax knowing she is going nowhere.

However, there is still my father’s revenge. My family’s revenge and that ends today.

I note the softening of the priest’s expression and turn, eager for the first glimpse of my wife. I am not disappointed.

Tatiana Pavlov is a star. A beautiful glittering star, and that is exactly who walks toward me now. Her blonde hair is pulled loosely behind her, held together by diamond clips. She walks with confidence and none of the fear she should and her gown sparkles as if the fairy godmother herself bestowed her magic on it. It’s a beautiful white silk creation that has a life of its own as it swirls around her shapely waist. Intricate white embroidery is studded with diamonds, and the matching pendant that drops between the valley of her breasts catches the lights as she walks.

I have never seen a more beautiful bride and I swallow the surprising lump in my throat. It’s as if nothing else matters but this moment.

Our moment.

Her eyes are fixed firmly on me as she draws close and they shimmer with unshed tears of happiness, judging by her soft smile.

I reach for her on autopilot and breathe a sigh of relief when my hand closes around hers, drawing her toward me, keeping her safe.

Her gentle smile is rewarded by a similar one from me, and the staring crowd ceases to exist. It is only us in the presence of God’s servant now and as he hands us both a lit candle, the flames flicker between us, dancing with delight at something that was always meant to happen.

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