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“I called ahead. They’re preparing a room for me,” Viktor parried back.
That formed a telltale pinch on my mother’s lips.
“Not shacking up, I like that.” My father swept his hand to the side, gesturing for us to follow. “Let’s get you kids your room keys.”
Viktor didn’t leave my side through the whole ordeal, although my mother kept trying to pull me aside with pointed looks. I navigated the situation from under the protective arm of my Slavic brute, so it was with a heavy weight in my gut that I let him go to his own room after dropping me at mine.
I slipped inside, going to my suitcase, which the valet had brought in. I grabbed my toiletries kit and went to the mirror.What did dear old dad see? Turbulence, my ass.It was just like my father to spot a single strand of hair out of order and make comment on it. Still, I threw on fresh deodorant and took out the powder for my nose and cheeks. The knock I was expecting came before I could do any more.
Knowing I was going to get an earful from my mother didn’t make the walk to the door easy. I plastered a smile on my lips and threw the door wide.
“Oh, it’s you!” I gasped. Sweet relief rushed through me.
“Who did you think it was? Your real lover?” Viktor teased, stepping into the room.
“I would bet good money that even though we’re in a fake relationship, you’d beat the shit out of anyone else,” I grumbled, closing the door behind him.
“Ah, good; my jealous reputation precedes me,” Viktor chuckled.
The dark undertone of that laugh had a shiver rippling down my spine.
“Sorry, my room’s not ready, and I really need to use the facilities,” Viktor shot over his shoulder as he beelined for my bathroom.
“That was surprisingly polite of you,” I laughed. “I’m shocked.”
“Why? I told you I could be polite,” he called out, shutting the door.
And yet you look like a criminal.I laughed. Part of his appeal was the bad ass, rough-around-the-edge-but-still-suave look. Yes, his hands looked like they could break an arm like a toothpick, but he was a respectable construction worker, not a secret serial killer.
Yet, even as the devil, I would have gladly made the deal to have him here; it was already more tolerable, and the day hadn’t even started.
I wandered around the living space of my suite, not venturing into the bedroom. I wasn’t about to let the beast catch me inthere.
A second knock fell on the door. I winced. This was unavoidable.
Big fake grin back on my face, I opened the door to the storm that was my mother. “Hi, Mom—”
“Have you lost your mind, Briana? I can’t think of any other possible explanation for this brash lapse of judgement. This was supposed to be a family event!” my mother snapped, scowl in place.
I sighed. “I’m sorry for the last-minute change. But since I’m not in Bridgit’s wedding party, I thought I could sit in the back with my boyfriend.”
“What were you thinking by bringing him here and trying to steal the attention? It’s your sister’s day. There are far more appropriate ways to handle such introductions.”
“Oh, good grief, Mom! There was no ulterior motive,” I said, throwing up my hands. Well...there was. But it wasn’t to steal the bride’s spotlight.
Before my mother could tear me a fresh hole, the bathroom door banged open. My mother froze. Viktor stepped back into the sitting area of the suite and wrang the towel between his hands. Going by the dangerous look in his eye and the way his forearms flexed, he’d heard everything. Of course, at the volume my mother had spoken with, the neighboring suites probably had as well.
“She brought me because it was time your family knew that Briana found a suitable mate,” Viktor replied pleasantly enough.
“Oh, I didn’t know you were here, Mr. Markovich. I apologize if you find this conversation distasteful, but you must understand how our world works if you’re considering joining us.” There was a bite in my mother’s tone.
It was so mean that it was funny. I knew she would react poorly...just not tothislevel. The remaining buzz from the wine had a laugh bubbling in my throat. When it whispered between my lips as a giggle, my mother glared.
“I understand how finding out like this must feel,” Viktor began, turning to me and pulling me under his muscular arm, “but underestimating our Bri isn’t the smart bet.” He pressed his lips onto the top of my head.
For a split second, my heart stopped. And then it exploded back to life, pushing that sharp stab of lust through my veins. The desire felt real.
I should have been angry, but the look of shock on my mother’s face and her flustered speechlessness was so damn perfect. My familyneverdid public displays of affection. Hardly did private ones, either. That was why I’d put it in the fucking contract. But here was Viktor, going off script.
