Page 250 of Lethal Obsession

Zinaida laughs again. “Take it from someone who has watched it unfold from the inside—it was too late seven years ago,” she says. “And much as I hate to break it to you, Alexei Naryshkin is one of the few men who isn’t ever likely to crave your approval, Roman.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” he says feelingly. “And on that topic, if I fancy getting through today without his blade at my throat, we’re going to need to get moving. I’d like a moment alone with my daughter first.”

“Of course.” Zinaida moves back into the room. “Okay, everyone out,” she says briskly. “Father-daughter time.”

Darya kisses my cheek. “I’ll see you in church, darling. And if you need me before that, just text Poppins, and I’ll be right there.”

I nod, swallowing hard on a sudden attack of nerves.

“Don’t you ruin her makeup,” she tells Papa sternly, kissing him as she leaves.

He waits until they’re all out to close the door and finally look at me.

The moment he does, and I see the emotion in his face, I know that Darya’s warnings about my makeup are wasted.

“Oh, Papa.” I move toward him, and his arms go carefully around me. We stand like that for a long time, until he finally moves back.

“I hope that’s fixable,” he says gruffly, eyeing my makeup. “Or Darya will kill me.”

“It’s fine.” Sniffing a little, I turn to the mirror to repair the damage. “To be honest, I’m grateful for a moment’s quiet.”

“No kidding.” Papa smiles wryly. “I just handed all the boys off to Dimitry and the nannies. At least I have an official excuse. Father of the bride and all that.”

“Oh, I’m an excuse now?” I say jokingly.

“You’re the ultimate excuse.” His eyes rest on mine. “My goddaughter, who turned out to be my own daughter. The first baby I ever held in my arms.” He touches my face, gently brushing away a stray flower petal. “You’re not an excuse, Ofelia. You are the greatest gift any father could ever ask for, and I thank God every day for allowing me that privilege.”

“Don’t.” My voice cracks. “I’ll cry again.”

“Right,” he says briskly, despite the hoarse note to his voice. “No more dawdling, then. And I suspect your husband-to-be won’t cope especially well if we keep him waiting.”

“Are you really okay with this, Papa?” I pause at the door, searching his face.

He laughs hollowly. “Would it matter if I wasn’t?”

“No.” I shake my head slowly. “But it would mean a lot to me to know that you are.”

He meets my eyes, and his own soften. “I’m not sure there’s a father alive who truly rejoices on his daughter’s wedding day, Ofelia. Although Darya would likely laugh at me for saying that.” He smiles gently. “But much as I hate to admit it, Alexei Naryshkin isn’t just a good man, Ofelia. Far more importantly, he’s good for you. You’re definitely good for him,” he says dryly.

I give a choked laugh.

“But seriously, darling.” He kisses my cheek. “Even I can see that the two of you belong together. So yes, Ofelia, my beautiful girl, I really am okay with this.”

“Thank you.” I briefly lean my head on his shoulder. “I don’t think I could have done this without knowing that.”

“Oh, yes, you could have.” Papa laughs as I look up at him. “You’re my daughter, Ofelia,” he says, as he opens the door. “And that means there’s nothing in this world you wouldn’t do for those you love.”

Putting his arm out, he gestures toward the car in the forecourt. “Now let’s go and get you married, before Alexei decides to come looking for you.”

52

Alexei

The Bellinis have decorated the church in rich autumnal hues, with the same deep dahlias, dusky roses, and burnt-orange ranunculus as the bridal bouquet, which, in the Russian tradition, I’m holding until Ofelia’s arrival.

I know the flower names because Benny spent days insisting I learn them as he bombarded me with choices.

Speaking of the little prick, I think, looking around, where the fuck is he?