Page 17 of Forbidden Vows

The guy who looks like a slightly younger version of Anton clears his throat, a weak smile on his face. Does he know about Anton and me? Do brothers gossip the way sisters do? Then again, I never told Ciara about that night. Clearly, I never will.

“Right. This is my brother, Andrei Karpov. And this is his wife, Laura,” Anton says.

“You look stunning,” Ciara says to Laura, shaking her hand. “I love what this silver silk is doing for your figure.”

“You can’t even tell I just had twins, can you?” Laura chuckles softly, then glances my way. “Maroon does wonders for your complexion, Eileen. A Donovan through and through.”

“Actually, my mother was Russian,” I reply. She shakes my hand with a firmness that surprises me. “From the Fedorov dynasty.”

“Dynasty,” Andrei laughs lightly. “You could say that. They are royalty within our organization, I suppose.”

Anton gives him a hard look. “Genealogically speaking, the Fedorov family are the closest relations to the Russian royal bloodline.”

“They are? Well, then, that explains their entitlement,” Andrei shoots back.

Clearly, these two like to poke each other, and it makes my father laugh wholeheartedly as he pats Anton on the shoulder. “Eileen is right. Her mother was a Russian beauty. A goddess in my eyes.”

“My mom had big shoes to fill, but she rose to the occasion, didn’t she?” Ciara cuts in.

I can hear the hurt in her voice. It’s a touchy subject, our mothers. Mine died. Hers ran off. Hard pills to swallow for both of us. Maybe that’s why I let Ciara sting me whenever she feels the need. She’s got quite a lot to carry on her shoulders, whether she’s excited about this wedding or not.

“I have to say, Ronan, this is quite the party you’ve put together,” Anton says, steering the conversation away as he looks around, his gaze lingering on the glass doors that lead into the ballroom. “It’s going to be an interesting evening, to say the least.”

“And your home is absolutely beautiful,” Laura adds. “I love the details on the woodwork. Don’t think I didn’t notice the staircase and the wall paneling.”

“My splendid wife is an interior designer,” Andrei says, one hand resting on the small of her back. “And she has excellent taste. I can only agree with her observations, Mr. Donovan. Truly a beautiful home.”

“Please, call me Ronan,” my father replies, then looks at Anton. “And you’re right. It is going to be an interesting night. Sergei was unable to join us, however. He’s busy scouting the West Coast for the perfect wedding location.”

Anton gives him a curious look while stealing a glance at me. Ciara is practically nonexistent to him, but she’s too excited to even notice. I feel awful. “Sergei? You mean Sergei Kuznetsov?”

“Yes,” my father says.

“Such a shame,” Andrei replies, but I can tell from the tone of his voice that he’s elated by Sergei’s absence.

“What involvement does Sergei have in my wedding?” Anton asks.

“Oh, not for our wedding,” Ciara chimes in as she smiles at me. “His wedding to Eileen. They’re not getting married until later next year, but the man wants what’s best for his big, beautiful bride.”

There it is. Another jab. I could call her out, but given that I’m pregnant by her future husband, I decide to let it go. It’s bad enough as it is. The shame slowly eats away at me, but I keep my game face on and my chin up.

“You’re marrying Sergei Kuznetsov?” Anton asks me.

“I am, yes.”

“Another strategic agreement?” he asks my father.

“Precisely. My counselors advised me about it,” Daddy replies. “The Kuznetsovs will support our alliance in the future, and it’ll strengthen your lead in the Bratva, too.”

“It will also give the Donovans a louder voice at the big boys’ table,” Andrei says, nodding with genuine appreciation. “Smart move, Ronan. I’ll give you that. Bringing two Russian families into the fold.” There’s something in Andrei’s tone I don’t quite like, but I can’t explain why.

“Shall we head into the ballroom and have a few drinks?” Ciara asks, ever the gracious hostess. “We’ve got a few exquisite vintages for you to try.”

“Oh, do lead the way,” Laura says excitedly.

I smile and let the ladies go first, while Andrei sticks to my father’s side. Anton lingers, still looking at me. My skin burns all over. My heart’s wrestling against my chest.

“After you,” he says.

---