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Like I’ve done almost every night since I was a teenager, I create a fake scenario in my head so my mind will stop racing and I can fall asleep. This time Armani is the star of my fantasy.
Wishing we had met under different circumstances, I picture us running into each other at a bakery. I’m the owner and have just placed a fresh batch of muffins on the display counter.
Armani comes in, and his eyes are drawn to me. It’s love at first sight.
A shy smile spreads over my face as I imagine what it would be like to be kissed passionately by him.
When I think about our wedding night and consummating our marriage, my face goes up in flames, and I bury it in the pillow.
Will the sex be clinical, awkward, or both? Having zero experience, I don’t know what to expect.
I actually don’t care because whatever happens during your first time together will be infinitely better than sleeping with Karlin.
I force my thoughts away from Karlin and think about how kind Armani has been.
With the man I’m crushing on filling my mind, I finally drift off to sleep.
Chapter 14
Armani
Tension is running high at St. Monarch’s as we wait for Misha to arrive.
Yesterday I got Tiana a couple of outfits, and once I’m free to take her home, I’ll fill up her closet.
She’s been a nervous wreck, and nothing I say can calm her down. I understand why, though. Her entire life hangs in the balance, and she has no say in what happens. It fucking sucks, and that’s why I’ll fight for her.
I’m sitting in the dining hall with Tiana, where we’re having brunch, when Mr. Aslanhov walks in. The moment his eyes land on Tiana and he starts to walk toward us, I rise from my chair.
“Aslanhov is here,” I murmur to Tiana.
Her head snaps to the side, and she quickly scrambles to her feet.
When he reaches her, and his arm rears back, I dart forward. My hand clamps around his wrist, effectively stopping the slap he was going to give Tiana.
Our eyes lock, and the air tenses.
Shaking my head, I say, “No one will touch Tiana. She’s under my protection.”
“Not for fucking long,” he hisses at me, a storm brewing in his eyes.
Alek is a good friend, but so help me God, I will knock his father on his ass if he tries to touch Tiana.
Aslanhov rips his arm out of my hold and glares at Tiana. “I took you in when you had no home. I fed and clothed you. This is how you repay me?”
“I’m sorry, Papa,” she mumbles, her features tight with guilt.
“Don’t call me Papa. You’ve disgraced me.”
Without another word, he turns around and stalks out of the dining hall. Tiana slumps down in her chair while covering her mouth with a trembling hand, absolute devastation on her face.
Taking the seat next to her, I wrap my fingers around the back of her neck and pull her to me. Holding her tightly with my mouth by her ear, I say, “I’m sorry, bella. Misha will be here soon.”
Just then, we hear Misha roar, “How dare you fucking pawn my sister off to that fucker?”
Rushing to my feet, I yank Tiana up by her hand. We jog out of the dining hall, and the instant she sees her brother, she pulls free from me and runs toward him.
“Misha!” she gasps before throwing herself at him.
My friend's eyes burn with barely controlled rage on Aslanhov while he hugs Tiana tightly.
Aslanhov glares at them, but not staying to face Misha’s wrath, he walks away, heading toward Director Koslov’s office where Viktor and Luca are waiting.
Alek and Aurora stand by the castle's front doors, watching the shit show go down. Misha probably asked him to stay with Aurora while he deals with the problem.
I agree. It would be better to keep Alek out of the meeting. The last thing he needs right now is another reason for him and his father to have a go at each other.
Misha frames Tiana’s face with his hands, his eyes scanning over every inch of her. “Are you okay?”
She nods quickly. “Thank you for coming.”
Misha pulls Tiana out of the castle and bums a cigarette from Alek. I know he only smokes when he’s stressed.
As he exhales a cloud of smoke, he looks at Tiana. “Why did you wait a week before calling Armani?”
She gives me a guilty look before answering, “He’s not in the bratva. I didn’t want to cause trouble.”
Misha shakes his head at her. “So you let a man hurt you? You know better than that, Tiana. What have I taught you? If you can’t win the fight, you fucking run.”
“I know.” Frustration forms a frown on her forehead. “I was thinking of you and Aurora, as well. I didn’t want to ruin your honeymoon.”
