“I’m sure she isn’t,” I bite out.
From the door came two knocks, and I let out another breath of relief as our ‘bonding time’ came to an end.
“Come in,” I call, already knowing who it is.
A second later Edik Tsarsko Igorevich, my most trusted man in the ‘family’ and my best friend, walks in. Like us, he’s dressed in a Versace tuxedo, his black hair neatly combed back.
“Everything’s ready,” Erik states. “Time to go stand with the priest.”
I nod as Pyotr lets out a bored sigh.
“Hey, don’t look so glum,” Edik says, his tone cheerful as he pats Pyotr on the back. “It’s your wedding day!”
“Have you seen her yet?” is Pyotr’s only reply.
Edik chuckles.
“Look you’re not the first man to be arranged. Don’t think about whether she’s ugly or not. Think of the good work you’re doing for the family.”
Pyotr’s lips curl in chagrin as he lowers his head and walks like a condemned man out into the hallway.
“Yeah,” he sighs, “That means she’s ugly.”
I only roll my eyes and shake my head, but before I can follow my brother, Edik puts up a hand.
“Pahkan,”Edik says, his tone low as he spares a quick glance toward Pyotr’s retreating back. “You know I trust you. You’ve held this family together like a fucking god since your father passed. But are you sure this is a good idea? Letting Pyotr be the face of this alliance? The kid is still a little unhinged.”
I let out a weary sigh as I follow Edik’s glance to Pyotr. The truth is, I’m starting to doubt the decision myself.
“This will help him grow up,” I murmur back. “Make him feel important to us.”
Edik looks unsure, but he nods his head and steps aside.
“Whatever you say,Pakhan.”
I reach for Edik’s shoulder and give it a squeeze.
“This is a blessed day for our family, Edik. Try to smile.”
Edik’s face remains in his usual mask of calm detachment as he opens the door that leads to the prayer hall.
“I’ll smile when this is over. For now, your brother still needs to prove he can do this for us.”
“He will,” I assure. Though as I say it, even I’m not sure if it is true.
Chapter Seven
Annika
“Annika, what’s wrong? You’re look like you’re about to-”
I shove Valya aside and barely make it to the trash bin before I taste acid and start to vomit.
“Gross!” Valya groans, pinching her nose as she frowns. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I don’t know,” I groan, clinging to the waist-high trash can as if it’s my lifeline.
I've been nauseous all week. Tired, too. And everything smelled awful; even the new bottle of designer perfume my father had bought me.
