Page 31 of The Russian's Kidnapped Bride
It’s a possessive instinct, yes, and certainly more twisted than I anticipated, but it isn’t as shallow as it might seem.
Regardless of not looking too closely at it, there’s something almost sentimental boiling beneath the surface.
I remember what it felt like to touch her before all of this came together. How simple that night at the club had been, and the way she looked at me like a mystery instead of a killer.
Now, she can’t even bring herself to look at me.
But I want that ice to melt between us, and I want her attention on me like she can’t get enough. I can only hope she survives dinner with my siblings.
I stay close to her while we enter the restaurant, both to keep an eye on her and just because I want to be. The place is a bit old-school and full of dark hardwood and warm lighting, but there’s also something familiar about it. It’s homey, in a way.
We own it, of course, and every detail is intentional.
Even if my family left Russia for a reason, there are still pieces of those roots that call to us often.
The very moment my hand meets the small of her back, Lily flinches.
It isn’t visible enough for anyone else to notice, but I feel it, and it stings more than I’d like to admit.
As if the contact is completely foreign to her, she doesn’t seem to relax, but I keep my hand there anyway despite the twinge of irritation it brings me.
Whether she believes it or not, I’m trying. Not just for me, but for both of us.
Ridding myself and my family of her after she witnessed our business unfolding in real-time in the alley would’ve been easier. If it wasn’t for our code, she would already be gone.
But that wasn’t how I wanted things to go down. I chose this, and I chose her.
She doesn’t want to see the declaration in that fact yet, but I certainly hope she will eventually.
After everything we did together, after all of the feelings we exchanged, I’d never forgive myself if I hurt her. I know that won’t matter to her right now, but with time, I want my actions to speak for themselves.
Moving through the main doors, it takes no time at all for the hostess to recognize me and usher us through the establishment towards the private patio section out back. It’s tucked out of sight and offers us more than enough space away from the patrons.
Familiar scents of rich meats and warm bread flood the place, reminding me instantly of all the meals we’ve shared here. And now, I’m about to bring Lily into the fold with me.
I glance at her, and immediately, I catch how tight her jaw is and the way she hesitantly scans her surroundings.
Instead of being curious, she just looks nervous, like she needs to watch her back. But that’s a ridiculous notion here, with her by my side.
My eyes linger on her, and I just barely lean closer. “No one’s going to hurt you tonight. Relax.”
Hardly even blinking, she doesn’t answer. Instead, she continues walking as if that’s using up more than enough of her energy already.
Fine.
I push out a discreet breath and keep moving.
As we reach the back room, the usual laughter from my siblings fills the space as expected. The long table is already covered in appetizers, glasses, and pristine silverware.
“There he is,” Roman says with a grin at the far end, while he lazily rests his arm over the back of Victoria’s chair, with the little one sleeping in her arms. “Now who’s the late one?”
Everyone looks over at us then, and I feel Lily tense up even more.
I don’t miss Nikolai’s knowing grin, as if he’s already coming up with some way to tease me. He’s planning to make my night harder on purpose, and I have the feeling the others will be right behind him.
Sergey rises from his spot, pulling back a chair for Lily. His eyes gleam with his typical amusement. “And this must be the bride.”
Before he can get carried away, I swat his hand, getting him to move before I take his place. “Watch it.”
