Page 75 of Then We Shatter

“Oh, I intend to.”

The only way I can stop Vasili from taking Katarina back to Russia now is by lethal force. I use the remote to activate a low-level explosion of butter cream inside the marquee. Distant screams erupt as I’m detaching a smoke bomb from my utility belt. If the Moncriefs’ security do their job, guests will be evacuated away from danger. I was originally going to use the exploding cake as misdirection so I could escape with Katarina, but escape with her I will. It’s time to get my woman back.

“This could be the start of something special, Kitty,” I call out as I roll the primed smoke bomb towards the edge of the viewing gallery.

I don’t see the canister detonate, but I hear the gunfire erupting below as I race along the viewing gallery towards the exit. I don’t use the hidden passageways. I’m done hiding.

As I leave, I’m relieved to hear Katarina yelling, thwarting the Bratva’s attempt to drag her out of the hall. I don’t hear Grace. I just have to hope Duke got to her in time because my priority is and always will be Katarina. I need to get to the foyer before Vasili and what’s left of his men escape with the woman I’d die for.

Chapter 28

Katarina

Now

Emily pauses her pacing to stop at a window and glare at the approaching storm. I wouldn’t be surprised if the housekeeper’s will alone forces it into retreat, but my will must be stronger because those dark clouds draw nearer, promising a premature end to what’s left of the day’s light. And possibly my life too, or what’s left of the parts that weren’t buried with Killian.

“We need to go,” Emily complains. “We’re already ten minutes late.” She chews her lip as she watches Vivienne’s frantic attempts to fasten the meringue skirt to the crystal-encrusted bodice. “That’s enough. It looks fine.”

The comment is directed at me since I’m the one who made Vivienne alter the fastenings. Again.

“And do you think Eric will be satisfied with his bride being just fine?” I demand. “It seems to me he’s very particular about my appearance. If my dress isn’t to his liking, will he take it out on you? Or me?”

“He can be a bit of a perfectionist,” Emily reluctantly agrees, “but you’ll see how generous and considerate he can be once you understand how to fulfill his needs. He really does want this marriage to work. And I’ll do all I can to help you settle into your duties.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Are you offering to fuck him for me?”

Sasha laughs from the chaise long where she’s sipping a mimosa. My maid of honor’s off-the-shoulder dress is ivory satin, with beading to accentuate her curves and an elegant fishtail hem. Understated and stunning. I’ve almost made it too easy for her to outshine the bride.

“She already does fuck him, don’t you, Emily?” Sasha sniggers.

Emily’s face turns crimson. “We should… should go. Please, Katarina.”

“Why don’t you scurry off to calm Eric down?” I suggest. “Tell him I’ll be no more than five minutes.” When Emily goes to object, I turn to Alexei who looks like he could do with some excitement. “Either you make her leave or I’m going to tear this dress to shreds and we won’t have a wedding until after midnight. At which point all the contracts my uncle and Eric have been poring over will have to be redrafted with a new date.”

Emily holds up her hands as my bodyguard takes a step towards her. “I’ll go and speak to him. But I’m coming straight back.”

The housekeeper practically breaks into a run.

It’ll take her four minutes to reach the floral arches where the groom and assembled guests are waiting in front of the main villa. And she’ll need another four to hurry back after Eric screams at her to go fetch the bride. Time’s ticking.

I slap Vivienne’s hand away. “Stop fussing and leave. Your job here is done,” I say. “I need to use the bathroom and I’ll refit the skirt myself.”

Vivienne looks relieved by her dismissal and doesn’t argue when I start unfastening the ties she’s sewn and adjusted multiple times.

As I head for the bathroom, I pause near Sasha. “I don’t suppose I can persuade you to fuck off too?”

“Not a chance,” she says, draining her glass. “It’s my duty to make sure the goods arrive in one piece.” She drags her gaze over my body with a barely disguised sneer. “I hope you’re not going to disappoint us.” Before I can reply, she adds, “Now get your ass moving. In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a storm coming.”

Once I’m alone in the bathroom, I let the heavy-as-fuck skirt drop to the floor. I swap the lacy thong Eric had chosen for my wedding day for simple, black panties before pulling on my black cycle shorts. I fix a black sports bra around my waist to pull up later. If there is a later.

Before I reattach the skirt, I open the drawer where I’ve been keeping the toys Sasha brought with her to Blackwater Rock. I just know Grace crocheted the eggplant pouch, and I’d love to know what conversations had to happen to get her creation and its contents into Sasha’s hands. Despite the pain of seeing Killian’s gifts again, I’m grateful to have them back and I won’t leave them behind this time.

“I hope you’re wearing your toy,” Sasha shouts from the dressing room.

I shake my head. A bitch to the end.

When I reappear, Sasha gives me the once over. Unlike the other harpies who’d been bustling around me, she doesn’t care that I’m wearing white sneakers instead of those stupid kitten heels.