Page 61 of His to Ruin

“It’s perfect, Mamma.” I bend to kiss her cheek.

“Not too much?”

“No, it’s wonderful.”

Taking my words as the peace offering they were meant to be, she visibly relaxes.

“Where’s Boris?” Piotr asks.

“He’s with Lara.”

I’ve only met Boris’s goddaughter once, but she seemed like a sweet girl.

“There seems to be some tension between them.” My mother lowers her voice to avoid being overheard. “I think it’s over some boy.”

“Ah,” Piotr grimaces. “Then I’ll leave them to their discussion.”

“Don’t you want to step in and do your big, bad Pakhan thing?” I tease.

“Not on this occasion. Lara is my uncle’s responsibility, not mine.” He seems relieved about that. “Come on, let’s say hello to your brothers’ wives.”

Leaving my mother to mingle with other guests, Piotr and I walk to the table on the edge of the dance floor where my sisters-in-law are all sitting. He greets them politely as he pulls out a chair and helps me to sit. Then he excuses himself to go to the bar where my brothers are standing, keeping watch over everyone.

“You look amazing,” Isabella says.

“Thank you. So do you.” I glance around the table. While Isabella is in a classic black dress, Giulia has opted for a shimming silver gown and Emilia is wearing blue. “Where’s Vinnie?”

“Leo made her stay home. She’s sick.”

“I think she’s pregnant,” Isabella says.

“Of course she is,” Emilia agrees. “At least four months, though they’re not admitting to anything yet.”

“I suppose they want to keep it to themselves for a while. You know what my mother will be like when she finds out.”

Emilia nods. “Perhaps I can distract her with my news.”

“You’re pregnant?” I grin as she nods her confirmation.

“Three months today.”

“I am so happy for you,” Isabella says. “Antonio and I are hoping to be pregnant soon.”

“It’s going to be baby central around here.” I can’t decide if this will take the heat off me or if my mother will nag me to join the baby club. I look across the table. “Giulia? Anything to add?”

She shakes her head, and a strand of her vivid purple hair flops over her face. “I’ve only been married a week longer than you have.”

“Tell that to my mother. The woman’s a nightmare when it comes to babies.”

“When the time comes, you’ll be glad of her help,” Isabella says. “You’re the only one of us who has a mom to support you.”

Shit, that’s true. Isabella hasn’t forgiven her mother for not trying to contact her when Antonio sent her into exile. Giulia, Emilia, and Vinnie all lost their mothers when they were kids. I suppose, on reflection, I am lucky. My mother can be a pain in the ass, but she’ll probably be an incredible grandmother.

“So how’s married life?” Emilia asks as Isabella and Giulia chat about something else.

“It’s good, but I wish I was more experienced. I feel incredibly naïve around Piotr.”

Emilia nods. “I was the same with Alessandro. I didn’t know what I didn’t know until he taught me.”

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