AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Before anyone can step up to fill the awkward void, Misha waves us all towards the dining room. “It’s almost time to eat.”
I release the wall reluctantly and shuffle along with the others at the back of the herd. As we make our way there, I drift to his side. He takes my hand and squeezes just once before letting go. It takes me by surprise, actually.
I expected to need him tonight.
I never even considered the possibility that he might need me, too.
“You okay?” I whisper as Agnessa and Nikita walk ahead of us into the dining room.
“Fine,” he answers curtly.
I don’t take it personally. I understand my new husband enough to know I shouldn’t expect a vulnerable, emotional outpouring. The man makes boulders look expressive.
“I have to say, I never thought I’d see the day when the great Misha Orlov gets scolded by his own mommy. If I’d known a littlepow-powin the face would set you straight, I’d have tried it out a long time ago.”
He scowls, playing at annoyance. But there’s a reluctant smile working at the corners of his mouth.
That’s good enough for me.
We emerge into the dining room. The table has been set for four with the finest china in the cabinet, at my request. My exact words to Jace were: “Make it nice. Fancy. Really, really fancy.”
Thankfully, he knew just what to do.
“You’ve gone all out, Paige,” Nikita croons, taking the seat directly opposite me. “Trying to impress us?”
She isn’t afraid to make me uncomfortable. I decide to meet her head-on.
“Actually, yes,” I say bluntly. “I am. I almost worked myself up into a panic before you guys walked in. Misha barely talked me back from the ledge.”
“There’s no reason to be nervous, Paige,” Agnessa interjects kindly.
Nikita doesn’t take her eyes off me as she sips her bourbon. “Or maybe there is lots of reason to be nervous. What do you think, Paige? Care to share your secrets, dear sister-in-law? This evening is all about getting to know you, after all.”
This is the closest I’ve ever been to being heckled. Misha drums his fingers on the table, and I know he’s about to step in. But I squeeze his leg under the table and take a deep breath.
“You want to know why I was nervous?” I ask. “It’s simple: this world is new to me. I’m not used to spending time with people like you. I’m not accustomed to wealth or privilege. I don’t know the first thing about managing a house like this or the staff that comes with it. I have no idea how to dress for a fancy cocktail party, let alone throw one.” I grab the three forks from around my plate and fan them in front of myself. “I have no idea why there are so many damn utensils, and I feel like an imposter. I was nervous that you would take one look at me and see all of that.”
My confession sits on the table between us, a feast in its own right. I feel lighter for having laid myself bare, but as the silence stretches, I worry I was a little too much myself.
Then Agnessa gives me a soft smile. “I’m not judging you, my dear.”
Nikita doesn’t respond, and it’s clear Agnessa doesn’t speak for her daughter. But a win is a win.
“I appreciate that, Mrs. Orlov. Thank you.”
“It’s Nessa,” she says with a wink. “Just call me Nessa.”
59
MISHA
From the terrace, I can see my mother and Paige sitting on the sitting room sofa. They laugh and chatter like old friends. I’m not sure if I should be proud…
Or very, very afraid.
Nikita steps into the doorway, blocking my view. She’s silhouetted by the chandelier in the dining room, but I see her hand reaching towards me. “Hand it over.”
“Smoking is bad for your lungs,” I warn as I pass the cigar over to her.
