AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s definitely surprising.” Massaging her temples, she lets out a weak laugh. “Not that I hate the idea of getting out of this mansion for a bit. Where are we going?”
Quickly, I begin to make a plan. A hundred possibilities shift in my head. Only one of them feels right.
“It’s a surprise. Trust me.” Striding toward her, I enjoy how she inhales sharply at my nearness. Galina is the most animated person I’ve ever come across. “You’re going to love it.”
18
GALINA
I’ve created a trench in my bedroom carpet from pacing back and forth. It’s impossible to hold still. I’m going to leave the mansion! I’m ... going on a date with Arsen.
What a strange thought. I’d never have predicted I’d go out with him willingly a week ago, but things have changed between us. Not drastically—but enough. The gnarled weed grown from hatred has been trimmed down to reveal the fresh, spring green beneath.
And with enough nourishment, it might even blossom into a garden.
Running my hands over the silky, burgundy gown with its high slit on my right hip, I check myself out in the full-length mirror again. I’m not sure where Arsen is taking me tonight. Out of caution, I’ve dressed in something formal without being pretentious. For all I know, he could be dragging me to a bar like Tsar’s.
Right. Don’t get too fuzzy-headed, Galina. This could be another one of his plans.
Frowning as some of my giddiness fades, I retrieve the black clutch I’ve stuffed my phone and wallet inside. I doubt I’ll need either, but I’m the type to be prepared.
On impulse, I check my phone. Mom still hasn’t messaged me. She’s been giving me the cold shoulder since the time that I picked out my wedding dress. I have to tell her eventually. It’s easy to ignore …
I mean, Arsen hasn’t even picked a day for the ceremony.
Nothing is set in stone.
And yet …
My fingers wind together until I’m rubbing the engagement ring. I’ve adapted to the feel of the large diamond quicker than I want to admit.
“Galina,” Arsen calls, tapping on my door. I whirl around as he opens it. I’m quick enough that I catch the way he ravages me with his eyes. They rake over me, absorbing how my dress clings to my curves, lingering on the hint of cleavage before reaching my face. He sees that I’ve seen his desire and smiles.
“You look incredible, ptichka.”
Swelling at his compliment, I grab the hem of my dress, giving it a little swish. “Thank you.” You’re not so bad yourself, I think as I eyeball him. He’s dressed in black trousers that grip his muscular thighs. His jacket is the same gray as a thundercloud, the shoulders accented by strips of brown suede. He must have everything tailored, because there’s no way any store sells clothing that can fit his wide shoulders without hanging like a tent on his slim waist.
He checks his watch, and I glimpse the now familiar sight of his prayer beads. “We need to go; the show starts soon.”
“Show?” I ask curiously.
Grinning slyly, he motions for me to follow him out of the bedroom. “Keeping the details of our date a secret wasn’t my intention, but now, I think I’m enjoying it.”
“How about that,” I tease. “The man who blindfolded me for fun enjoys keeping me in the dark.”
I almost bite my lips as soon as the words leave my mouth. Flirting with him feels shockingly easy.
Arsen stops short, giving me a long look that sets the hairs on my neck into prickling rows. But the look is different now. Where he once looked at me with the blank concentration of a lion stalking his prey, there’s something else in his gaze. Something that reminds me of that kiss in the kitchen.
“I thought we’d moved on from that,” he says.
“You didn’t exactly apologize.” I swallow.
“I’m not going to now either.” He shows his back to me as he descends the stairs to the first floor. Pouting at his attitude, I follow him while keeping my thoughts to myself. Poking the bear isn’t wise, I know that … But as much as things have shifted between us, I can’t forget the terrible things Arsen has done.
Forgive them, maybe.
But never forget.
