Page 81 of The Mistake

“Sometimes.Not often.”

I couldn’t help but wonder what Aurora and Adelaide were like. They had both been smiling and seemed happy at the wedding.

Ive picked up my hand. “You need to stop worrying.”

“You can tell?”

“You have sworn your loyalty to Ivan, and in doing so, he will be loyal to you. A couple of years ago, Ivan had picked some fiancées out for some of his brigadiers. It wasn’t confirmed and it was only merely a hint, but they treated Aurora terribly, these women did, and in doing so, Ivan removed them and their families from any position of power.”

“Ivan could do that?”

“Yes, he knows a lot ofpeople, and, well, he doesn’t like it when people hurt his own.”

I knew Ivan was a powerful person. He was still the only person to scare my father. After meeting him, I could understand why some people were afraid of him. There’s a darkness within him that he tried so hard to hide. He doesn’t do it very well. I didn’t tell Ive this. Instead, I kept my thoughts to myself.

“Loyalty and trust are two things Ivan values more thananything else, Charlotte.”

“Why don’t you ever call me Lottie?” Now that I think about it, Ivan stopped calling me Lottie and so has Cassie.

“Lottie is not your name. Charlotte is.”

I didn’t bother to ask any more questions, and we had arrived at the restaurant. There was a man waiting and he opened the car door for Ive. In the main car mirror I see Hubert’s irritation. He climbed out of the car but Ive had already stepped out. He held out a hand for me, which I took without hesitation. I slide across the seat, and Ive steadied me. The shoes were not a great idea. They are a little too high for me, but I didn’t say anything. Just kept a smile on my face, and kept walking. I didn’t think I would have been quite so graceful if I didn’t have Ive’s arm wrapped around my waist.

I love it when he holds me close.From kidnapper to lover, that was Ive. And of course my husband. Yep, I had the rings on my finger to prove it as well.

The restaurant is busy. I’m tense because the last time I stepped into a restaurant, well, we got to the dinner being delivered and then all hell broke loose. I hoped this one went a little better, otherwise I wouldn’t eat out again. Not ever.

I spot Ivan in the middle of the restaurant and I see Slavik and Aurora as well as Andrei and Adelaide. My heart is pounding but I hope it doesn’t show. There is one other man at the table, but I cannot remember his name.

“Ah, Charlotte, you look stunning,” Ivan said.

All eyes turn toward me, and I hate being the center of attention.

Thereare two seats remaining. Ivan pulls me into an embrace and I hug him back. He puts me in the seat next to him, and Ive is right beside me.

“Let me introduce you to the table,” Ivan said. He goes around the table and I smile at each person. The last is a man called Victor. I remember he’s the one who’s helping Ive so that we can have a honeymoon. I offer him a smile. “And your husband, you know.”

This makes me chuckle.Beneath the table, Ive takes hold of my hand and I’m so thankful. Can he see me visibly shaking? I’m so afraid of messing up right now. I don’t have a single clue as to what I’m doing. His fingers lock with mine.

I expected the conversation to turn to business but it wasn’t long before Ivan asked Adelaide what she wouldlike to eat. Much to my surprise, Adelaide was a vegan, and this restaurant had been chosen so she would be able to eat.

There were times I couldn’t quite follow conversations because I was out of my comfort zone.

The conversation seemed to flow, bouncing from one person to another, talking aboutthe weather, which was insane to think of these scary men talking about something so mundane. Adelaide talked about a trip to one of the islands and then to England, which sounded lovely.

Aurora talked about herson, Slavik Ivan. I watched the couples. While Aurora talked about her family, Slavik wrapped his arms around her waist. It was a simple action many might see as possessive, but I watched the tips of his fingers. They stroked her arm. It was subtle, but I saw it. Slavik was very much in love with his wife and even while they were out in the open, he offered her comfort, showed her love and affection, and it was disguised as possessive.

“I cannot wait to come for a visit.”The moment I spoke, I saw,Slavik didn’t like my words. His lips pursed.

Turning my attention to Adelaide, I also saw that Andrei had moved his chair closer. The distance between the chairs was exactly the same, but Andrei had made sure he was close to his wife. They also kept drawing closer, almost like a magnet. I wonder if they even realized that. They were both in love and very happy.

Ive’s hand tightened on mine.

“What about you, Charlotte?” Aurora asked.

I’d been so distracted by watching everyone, I turned to Aurora. “I’m sorry?”

“What would youlike to be when you’re older?”

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