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“I move as silently as a cat, you know this.” I sit beside her. “You look troubled. What’s wrong?
“What’s wrong? Apart from marrying you?” she jokes.
“Ouch.” I pretend to clutch my heart. She rolls her eyes a little, giving me a glimmer of her old playful self.
“It’s just…the dress,” she explains.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. It was an honest mistake.” I nudge her playfully. “But carry on if you must, no one looks as beautiful as you do when sad.”
A real smile tugs at her mouth now and she shoves me back. “Oh stop. Always the flatterer.”
“It’s true! Why do you think I call yougolubka, little dove? With your big eyes and pouty lips.” I demonstrate anexaggerated sad face and she finally laughs, light returning to her eyes. The sound warms my heart.
Our laughter draws the attention of Sergei, who watches us from across the room with amusement. Though we grew up as brothers, his mischievous nature often leads to trouble. Judging by the glint in his eye, I suspect he knows more about this dress fiasco than he’s letting on.
I excuse myself from Caterina’s company and make my way over to Sergei. He greets me with a grin.
“Sergei, what do you know about this situation with Vanya, Caterina, and the dress?” I ask pointedly.
His grin only widens. “Maybe I forgot to give Caterina an important note from Vanya. Maybe the note explained about the dress.”
I clench my jaw, understanding dawning on me. “So this is your doing. You and your foolish pranks.”
Sergei holds up his hands. “I meant no real harm, brother. Only having a bit of fun.”
“Your idea of fun causes trouble for others,” I say sternly. “It’s time you grew up and acted responsibly, Sergei.”
His face falls slightly at the reprimand. Before he can respond, a sudden burst of gunfire erupts across the hall. Chaos descends on the gathering. I immediately look to Caterina. A crimson stain spreads across her dress. She’s been hit.
My heart drops as I see the blood rapidly spreading across Caterina’s abdomen. She sways on her feet, face drained of color. I rush to her side just as her legs give out. I catch her in my arms before she hits the floor.
“Mikhail…” she gasps, clutching at my suit jacket.
“I’ve got you, I’ve got you,” I assure her, though my voice shakes. Applying pressure to the wound, I frantically scan the hall for the shooter. Guests are screaming and fleeing in all directions. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Caterina’s father grabbing his granddaughter Emiliana protectively.
Caterina’s breaths come in short, pained gasps. “Emiliana…I need…”
“Shh, save your strength,” I tell her, scooping her up in my arms. I make for the exit, cradling her trembling body against my chest. Her blood stains my shirt and hands crimson.
I reach my car and carefully set Caterina down in the back seat. She’s barely conscious. “Emiliana…” she mumbles deliriously. “I want Emiliana. Now.”
“She’s with your father, Don Genovese,” I explain.
“Bring her to me, now!” she screeches, trying to sit up and get out of the car.
“Okay, okay, I’ll bring her,” I say. “Just stay here, please.”
Though it pains me to leave Caterina’s side even for a moment, I know I must retrieve her daughter. I race back into the chaotic scene. Fighting through the panicked crowd, I wrest Emiliana from her grandfather’s grasp.
“She needs her mother,” I state firmly before carrying the crying child out.
I settle Emiliana next to her mother in the back seat and speed away, focused solely on getting Caterina medical attention. Fear and fury war within me. I clench the steering wheel, determined to protect Caterina and her child, no matter the cost.
I race through the streets, one hand on the wheel, the other grasping Caterina’s hand in the back seat. Her breathing is becoming more labored and her face is deathly pale.
“Stay with me, Bunny,” I plead, using my old nickname for her. “We’re almost there.”
Emiliana sobs, clutching at her mother’s skirt. My heart twists at the sight.
