Page 27 of Bound to a Monster

But it feels like heaven.

Then he pulls away, right as our kiss teeters on the edge of inappropriate.

I’m swept into the reception. Luca shoves a glass of champagne in my hand, and I discreetly leave it on a table without drinking any. The men and their glittering wives congregate and tell loud stories as I’m passed from group to group, my brothers at my elbows like a couple of guards. And who knows, maybe they really are? It should be my husband showing me off, but Lev’s somewhere else. I don’t know what he’s doing, and I don’t care.

“You make a lovely bride.” Valentin Zeitsev smiles at me. His beautiful wife, Karine, hangs onto his arm.

“Congratulations,” she says and gives me a quick hug. “You did great.”

“I assume this wasn’t easy for you, but I want you to know how much this means to me and my family.” Valentin’s young and very good-looking. I’m actually shocked at how handsome he is.Everyone says Adriano’s the most gorgeous man in the city, but I don’t know about that. My cousin’s kind of a prick.

Lev might outshine them both, though.

Another young woman appears at my elbow. She’s blonde and chic, beautiful even, and gives me a massive hug. “I guess it’s time we met,” she says, forcing herself to smile. “I’m your sister-in-law, Natalya. And this is my husband, Alex. He’s good friends with Lev.”

“Oh,” I say, surprised, as Alex gives me a friendly nod and stands possessively close to her. “I didn’t know he had a sister.”

She scowls and holds one of my hands in hers. “That sounds like Lev, but don’t worry. He’s a decent person.”

“I’m sure he is,” I say vaguely.

“It’s just hard for him, that’s all. And I know it’s hard for you too, and I just—” She softens slightly, and I can tell she’s struggling with something. Is that guilt? I can’t tell, and I find it hard to care right now. “Anyway, thank you for doing this. I’ll make sure Lev treats you well.”

I doubt that’ll happen, but I thank her anyway since I don’t want to be rude, and I’m swept off as Luca inserts himself again. There are more people to meet, more hands to shake, and congratulations to handle. I’m given another glass of champagne, and I manage to ditch that one in the bathroom.

When I don’t think it can get any worse, it’s time for the dances.

“Can’t we skip this?” I hiss at Luca as he escorts me center stage. Everyone’s watching with those fake smiles, and all I want to do is run. My husband’s nowhere to be seen.

“You’ll be fine. Just get it over with.” Luca looks around, frowning. “Where’s Lev?”

“That's exactly what I've been wondering all night.”

I'm left alone in the middle of the dance floor while the crowd settles into their chairs. The band seems as confused as I feel, and Luca lingers by my side while I scan the faces for my husband.

“Maybe we can skip this part,” Luca murmurs.

Shame floods me. I shouldn't feel embarrassed right now, but I can't help it. Everyone's staring. I know what they're thinking. Poor, pathetic girl, forced to marry a man she barely knows for political reasons. I bet the women pity me, and the men all think it's great that Lev is getting a young and pretty bride to hump whenever he pleases.

The longer we stand here, the more my head fills with dark and horrible thoughts. Seconds drag on, and the lead singer of the band calls Lev's name over the microphone. Luca's grip on my arm tightens. His face falls into a scowl.

“Let's just sit down,” I plead with my brother. “This doesn't really matter, right?” I glance at the tables, searching for a friendly face, but they're all strangers. This is a business meeting for my father and the Russians and not a wedding to celebrate an actual marriage. My cheeks turn crimson as tears fill my eyes. I bet these people don't even know me.

“Fuck it,” Luca snarls and turns to drag me away.

When Lev comes striding out from the crowd, everyone's looking at him, and there are even a couple of cheers like he's some kind of hero come to save me from a bad situation. Except it's a badsituation of his own creation. I'm beyond livid when he offers me a hand, and the band begins to play “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

Luca walks off reluctantly, and I'm stuck with my bastard husband.

“Where were you?” I hiss as we sway uncomfortably to the beat. Lev's hands linger lightly on my hips like he's afraid to touch me.

He's looking everywhere but at me.

“I was busy. Nobody told me this was happening.”

“It's your wedding. Shouldn't you be a little more aware?”

“Like I said, I was busy.”

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