Page 55 of Betrayal and Vows

I make my way back toward the house, careful to keep my expression pleasant and relaxed. Just a bride stepping away for a moment. Nothing unusual.

I smile and nod at my mother who is still watching me. Her and my father are so afraid I’m going to do something to make Mikhail not want me.

If only that was an option.

I step onto the cobblestone with grass and what I think might be thyme growing between the cracks. When someone steps on it, I’m certain I smell something herbaceous.

I don't hear or see him, but I feel him. That familiar presence that makes my skin prickle with awareness.

And then he’s there.

Anton falls into step behind me, close enough that I can smell his aftershave. It’s very unique. Eucalyptus. He’s always clean-shaven.

Just thinking about that square jaw has my heart racing.

"You shouldn't have left the garden alone," he says quietly.

"I'm not alone," I murmur without turning around. "You're here."

I can practically feel his jaw clench at that. Good. I'm not the only one struggling with this impossible situation.

The powder room is just ahead when disaster strikes. My heel catches in the hem of my dress—this ridiculously long, flowing thing that cost more than most people's cars. I stumble forward, my hands reaching out to break my fall.

But I don't fall.

Anton grabs my elbow with his hand on my lower back. “Solnyshko,”he whispers.

His sunshine. I’m his sunshine. His pet name for me almost has me weeping.

I turn to face him. I just need one look.

His hand stays on my back, his other sliding to take my hand.

I see a flash. And then the photographer. He snaps a picture.

And then another.

Anton turns and sees the man. He immediately drops his hands away and steps back.“Govno.”

Shit is right.

I turn and act like nothing untoward has happened.

Anton says nothing as he follows me to the bathroom and then waits outside.

When I emerge, I feel like I’m put back together.

I return to the party and once again, Anton fades into the background, but I know he’s there.

An old childhood friend, Lev, approaches.

He wraps me in a warm hug. “I knew you were going to grow up and be pretty.”

I laugh and slap at his chest. “You made fun of my big teeth and skinny legs.”

He winks. “I was testing you. Building character." His grin is infectious. "Look how well you turned out."

I feel genuinely happy for the first time in weeks.