Page 130 of Vendetta Vows

"A stunning bride," he says, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. "And such a modest dress too. You've done well, Ruslan Vitalyevich. You've doneverywell."

My molars grind together. Every muscle in my body tenses with the desire to tear his throat out. I could do it right here. One quick motion across his jugular. The knife in my ankle holster would make quick work of him.

"Thank you," I manage instead, my voice controlled despite the rage burning through me. I place my hand at the small of Aurora's back, a silent promise of protection.

Alexei leans forward, breath reeking of vodka, and takes Aurora's free hand. Then, he presses his lips to the back of her hand in a kiss that lingers for far too long.

I imagine the look of blood soaking the front of his shirt.

"Lovely," he says as he releases her hand reluctantly. "Eleonora and I would be honored if you visit us at our home someday. I had a lovely new pool installed for her. Perhaps with your encouragement, she'll actually choose to take a dip in it."

To her credit, Aurora rises to meet the challenge. "Perhaps I will."

She gives Alexei a polite nod before stepping toward Eleonora with open arms and holds her in a full embrace. Shock flits across Eleonora's eyes at the decidedly open gesture, and for a moment, she doesn't know how to respond.

Then, her hands slowly rise, and she hugs Aurora back.

"I find swimming more enjoyable when the company is refreshing," Aurora says when they part. Her gaze flicks meaningfully to Alexei before returning to his wife. "Perhaps we can arrange an afternoon just for the two of us? I'd love to learn more about you without..." she pauses delicately, "distractions."

Alexei's face darkens as he realizes she's politely declined his presence while simultaneously offering his wife an escape.

Aurora continues, her voice light but her words precise as a surgeon's scalpel. "After all, it's not every day I meet a man who needs a pool just to get his wife wet."

For a fleeting moment, I glimpse something on Eleonora's face that I've never expected to see before: amusement. It's like watching a captive bird remember that it once had wings.

But just as quickly, the light in her eyes extinguishes when Alexei's meaty hand circles the back of her neck. It's not quite a grip, but a clear reminder that he holds her leash.

"Come. There are other guests to greet," Alexei says, his voice strained as he steers her away. His knuckles whiten.

I watch them retreat through the crowd. The way he parades her before the other men like a prized thoroughbred makes my stomach turn.

Nineteen years away from this world weren’t enough to forget these sights.

Aurora leans close, her lips nearly brushing my ear. "That man is a monster."

"One of many in this room," I murmur, steering her toward a quieter corner where we can speak without being overheard. "You did well."

"I shouldn't have said that about the pool." Her voice carries a thread of worry. "But I couldn't help myself."

I take her hands in mine, running my thumb over Liliya's ring on her finger. "Those men expect wives to be silent ornaments. You looked him in the eye and cut him down without raising your voice or making a scene."

"I made an enemy. I'm afraid he's going to hurt her."

"He will. But he was going to do that whether you insulted him or not. You offered Eleonora something she hasn't had in years. A reminder that she's a person."

"I hadn't realized just what you were saving your nieces from until today." she asks softly. "The awful world that you're protecting them from."

"Yes." The word comes out rough as sandpaper. "If not for you, Mikayla would be promised to someone just like him within the month. Stella and Sofia would follow as soon as they're old enough."

Aurora's eyes meet mine, fierce and bright. "I'm glad I'm here."

I bring her hand to my lips, kissing her palm rather than the back of her hand.

"So am I,zarechka." I touch her chin gently. "So am I."

I guide Aurora to our seats at the center table, my hand pressed firmly against the small of her back.

Around us, the other pakhans settle into their places. The air feels charged. Everyone waiting to see how this unexpected union will reshape the power dynamics they've grown comfortable with.

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