Page 86 of Brutal Promise

I raise an eyebrow at him. “The chip in the ring is your backup plan?”

“Kind of. I’m hoping we’ll figure it out before then. We have tons of men working on the situation. We’ll have men all over the venue.”

“Fine.” I sit and pick up, texting Alena.

“My mother will be coming to town. She’s staying with Dmitry, and you’ll meet Roman soon.”

“Is it a good idea to have everyone at the wedding?”

“You have a point, but I can trust my brothers, and it would be noticeable if my mother were missing,” he says as he reaches for his glass of vodka.

“Right, the family. Will I like your mother?”

“She can be reserved, but don’t let it throw you. Do you like your dress?” He sets his glass on the coffee table and sits. I return to my seat and put my phone in my lap.

“Oh, yes. It was a gift from Anya and Nikolay. I hope it was all right to accept.”

“Yes, it is. That’s very nice. I’ll be sure to thank him.”

“Great.” I yawn.

“I think it’s time for bed. Tell Alena I said hello,” he says, getting up. Then he waits for me.

I whip one last text to Alena and follow my husband-to-be to bed, and he cuddles me as I drift off.

Morning came too soon. I open my eyes. It’s later than usual. I lean as if to get up. I’m so tired and feel like I have the flu.

Dmitry breezes into the room, back from the gym by the looks of his sweaty tracksuit and sneakers.

“Are you okay? I was worried about you.” His eyes take me in.

“Feel my head. Is it warm?”

He approaches me and puts the back of his hand on my head.

“Normal. Should I get the family doctor for you?” He sits on the side of the bed. The mattress dips under his weight.

“The vet? No, thank you,” I reply sardonically.

He chuckles. “Fine, it was a situation we didn’t foresee that day.”

“It seems like it was so long ago,” I add wistfully.

“All the same, I think we should have you checked out.”

“I’m fine. I’m sure.” I move to get up, but my head is off balance.Maybe my equilibrium is off.

“Do you think someone drugged me?” I ask.

Dmitry’s face turns white. He pulls his phone out, calls the guards to the room, and he mutters the doctor is on his way.

I lie back on the bed. Dmitry takes my hand. Milan and Erik are beside him.

“Has anyone been here? Anything unusual?” He’s barking at them like a ferocious Rotty.

“No sir,” Erik says.

“Nothing, Dmitry,” Milan states.

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