He rolled his eyes and waved a hand in the air."Eta malen'kaya veshch'? Dmitriy vse yeshche plachet ob etom?"That little thing? Is Dimitri still crying about that?
What little thing?! Dimitri crying?! What the fuck was going on?!
Illayana tensed, her entire body going rigid. Anger poured off her in waves, the veins in her neck pulsing with rage. I had no clue what exactly was going on here but the fact this dude was upsetting her was seriously pissing me off.
"Perhaps we should move along? This Italian dog is getting hungry," I smirked.
Dominik's face filled with surprise as he realised I could understand every word that was being spoken in their native tongue, before he managed to mask it. His expression turned stoic as he extended his hand to me. "Dominik Volkov, Illayana's uncle."
"I gathered as much," I replied bleakly, shaking his hand.
His jaw clenched and he squeezed my hand. . . hard. But I didn't react. Just gave him a cocky smile.
He turned to face the young woman who had accompanied him. "This is my daughter, Rayna."
Before I could say a word, the little woman stepped forward, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. For a moment I stood frozen in place. Why does this feel super fucking weird? Like I shouldn't be touching her. My question was answered when I pulled back and caught a glimpse of Illayana's face.
Oh shit. She was pissed.
"Pleasure to meet you, Arturo. Welcome to the family," she said seductively, batting her eyelashes and biting her lip.
Seriously?
She was an attractive woman, sure. With her shoulder length brown hair and those signature bright blue eyes most of the Volkovs seemed to possess, she would please any man. Her features were soft and delicate, like a porcelain doll.
"Congratulations on your wedding, cousin." She took a step toward Illayana, preparing to hug her as she did me, but Illayana immediately raised a hand in the air, halting her.
"Rayna," she greeted coldly.
Ouch.
Rayna narrowed her eyes, taking a step back. Embarrassment flowed off her at having been dismissed in such a way.
Dominik looked between the girls and cleared his throat. "Well, it seems we've worn out our welcome already," he laughed.
"You were never welcome to begin with," Illayana replied, lifting her chin defiantly.
Dominik smirked. "Perhaps. But I'm here nonetheless." He titled his head to the side, his blue eyes dancing with mischief. "Unless, you plan to have us removed?"
Illayana scowled, her gorgeous face scrunching up in displeasure, but remained silent.
Dominik chuckled, straightening his tie. "Didn’t think so. Don't look so worried, my darling niece. I'm not here to cause any trouble. Now, where is that brother of mine?"
Without another glance in our direction, he strode off towards the tents set up in the backyard for the reception. Rayna winked at me before turning to face Illayana.
"I wish you nothing but happiness on your special day, my dear cousin." Her eyes darted between Illayana and I before a sly smile graced her lips. "I sure hope you don't run into any. . . problems."
With that, she turned and followed after her father.
"Okay. What the fuck was that?" I asked.
Illayana's eyes were glued on Rayna as she walked away, fury burning through her. "That, is a long fucking story," she grumbled.
"I look forward to hearing it." I leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
She immediately melted into my arms, leaning into my embrace and taking comfort in the support I was offering.
"Later," she mumbled, tension slowing seeping out of her. “When we don’t-”