Page 29 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

“What does he want?” Gwen asks before my phone is even on the table.

“He wants me dressed and ready to leave at six,” I say calmly.

“It's a date,” Gwen says excitedly. “He's taking you out on a date.”

“Gwen, don't get so excited,” I tell her. “He probably just wants to run errands or something and doesn't want me to stay home alone.”

“No, he would have asked one of us to stay with you then. No way does he want to run errands. Come on, finish your drink. We're going to get you home and ready.”

“It's four o'clock,” I laugh. “He only needs me at six.”

“Exactly. We need to pick out the perfect outfit still. Hurry.”

We down our cocktails and Gwen leaves a tip for the server before we rush out. Martin hurries after us and gets into his car. Gwen pulls into traffic and weaves in and out. “You're going to give poor Martin a heart attack.”

“I know for a fact he can keep up,” Gwen says. “Oh, I'm so excited. Have you got a nice dress at all?”

“I have one, Viktor bought it. It's emerald green,” I comment. “I guess I could wear that. But what shoes do I wear? What if we are running errands and I put on heels and it kills my feet?”

“Walk barefoot if it turns out to be errands. Or make Viktor stop and buy you flats.” She seems to have all the answers.

We arrive back at the mansion, and she shoos me upstairs. She goes into my closet while I shower and wash my hair. Once I'm done, I dry my hair and let it hang over my shoulders. I start applying some light makeup. Gwen's enthusiasm is contagious, and I can feel my heart racing in my chest. Gwen pulls out the dress and lays it on the bed alongside some sexy underwear.

“Gwen, I can't wear that…”

“Why not? You're a married woman now. You need to always look your best.”

“You sound like Viktor now,” I say, pulling a face.

“Just put it on. I'll find you some small heels that won't hurt your feet,” she says, returning to my closet.

I get dressed in sexy underwear and then the dress. I check myself in the mirror and fluff my hair up a little, scrutinizing myself until Gwen comes back with small heels. There's a knock at the door and we both look toward it.

“Who is it?” I call.

“It's Roman, are you decent?” he calls through the door.

“Yes,” I say, slipping on the heels.

He walks in and smiles warmly at me. “You look lovely. Are you going out with Viktor?”

“You didn't know?” Gwen asks. “I thought you were together.”

“He left before me,” Roman says, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “Hello, Beautiful. Rigor's driver dropped me off. I thought we could go home together.”

I look at my watch. “Viktor wants me at the door in ten minutes. We can walk out together.”

I grab a black purse and lead Roman and Gwen out. They hold hands, and I feel a pang of jealousy. I wish I could have what they have. We reach the front door, and Roman and Gwen stop. Gwen hugs me tightly. “Enjoy your date.”

“It's not a date,” I say again.

She grins and takes Roman's hand again, leading him out. I wait by the door for the last five minutes before it opens. Viktor steps through dressed in a suit and I'm floored. He looks so handsome. “Are you ready to jet off?”

“Jet off?” I ask.

“Private helicopter,” he says. “We're going to an exclusive location. It's a short flight.”

“Okay,” I say slowly. “How are we getting to the helicopter?”

---