Page 3 of The Payback

My new husband grips my chin and then takes my lips in a fierce kiss. Time seems to stand still for a moment. Then, he steps nearer, causing me to crane my neck because even in heels, I’m five inches shorter than him.

He wraps his free hand around my waist, hauling me closer still and giving our audience a show.

His tongue teases my bottom lip, and the taste of mint and the scent of his cologne overwhelm me. He strokes into my mouth as my lips caress his, and my hands land on his rigid arms.

When was the last time I was kissed like this? Like I was the centre of someone’s universe, even if only for a moment?

My body reacts instinctively, and I part my lips to let him in more fully. But as I do, he ends the kiss.

Keeping a hand on my waist, he steps back and unconsciously, my body leans forward, wanting so much more.

This is not how it was supposed to go.

Applause sounds from both sides of the aisle as we part. Dimitri slides his hand down my arm, gripping my hand in his, and turns us towards the congregation.

My eyes are immediately drawn to the back of the church and the figure sitting in the last pew.

Nik.

He stands with the rest of the attendees as Dimitri and I start down the aisle, heading for the exit.

Dark hair, a five o’clock shadow, and dark-as-night eyes are the only things I see as my vision tunnels. My steps falter, but Dimitri keeps a grip on my hand, and he also focuses on my former partner from Interpol.

Who knew I would find the father of my child in the middle of a Bratva wedding?

Me. That’s who.

And soon, he’ll learn that payback is a bitch.

CHAPTERTWO

Eleanor - Two months ago

My daughter,Bella, sits on my hip, wearing a little life jacket and watching wide-eyed as Rory steers the boat. We’re headed to Ekuverikan Island—the little hideaway Olivia bought and outfitted as an impenetrable safe house.

“Did Via tell you about everything we’ve put into place since you called last month?” he asks.

“Like what?” I ask warily. “She was talking about building a massive ball pit on the island’s west side, but I hoped one of you would rein her in at some point.”

My best friend has more money than she knows how to spend, but not for lack of trying. Hell, just a few months ago, she’d sent stripper grams to my home every day for a week singing a dirty version of “Sugar” by Maroon 5, my favourite band from our school days. Though these days, I’m ashamed of the frontman too much to keep listening.

Rory laughs, a love-sick grin brightening his bearded face as he fiddles with something on his phone. “Just wait.”

I roll my eyes, already dreading how spoilt Bella will be after her time here. Olivia’s known for her eccentricity, and nothing is off-limits for her goddaughter.

My boss thinks it’ll be three to six months, and I’m hoping the job is on the shorter end of that spectrum. Being away from Bella will be difficult, and the faster it’s over, the happier I’ll be.

The island is in view, and the spire of a pink-and-purple castle emerges from the canopy in the centre.

“Whoa,” I breathe. “Are you serious?”

We burst into laughter because, of course, he is.

“Oh, yeah. Princess Bella deserves her own castle, so naturally, Olivia spent an exorbitant amount of money on something I’m ninety per cent sure is more for her than Bella. In fact, I doubt we’ll be able to get the two of them out of there once they start.”

Rory sighs in equal parts exasperation and awe at Olivia’s ways. “But I promise you can trust us with her, and we’ll send updates often. I’ve already got a burner ready for you to take so we can keep you updated on everything.”

Leaving Bella here and walking away from her might be one of the hardest things I’ll ever do. For nine months, seven of which I knew about, Bella was my constant. My ride-along passenger. Then, we had almost an entire year together, just her and me.

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