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CHAPTER 21
Anastasia
Ifelt a light tap on my shoulder, and as I turned, I found Ivan Morozov standing there with a warm smile. “May I have this dance, Anastasia?” he asked, extending his hand. I couldn’t help but be surprised, but I accepted with a nod, allowing him to lead me to the dance floor.
As we swayed to the music, Ivan’s gaze held a mix of pride and admiration.
“Anastasia, you’ve proven to be quite the leader. The men are impressed with you. You’ve more than earned their loyalty,” he commented, his Russian accent bleeding through his words.
I arched an eyebrow, curious about the connection he saw. “My father was a force to be reckoned with. I can only hope to live up to his reputation,” I replied, a faint smile playing on my lips.
Ivan chuckled, the sound rich and deep. “You’re a credit to the family, Anastasia. I’m proud to know you.”
Then, all of a sudden, everything stopped.
A hushed whisper swept through the room as the lively atmosphere at the reception came to an abrupt pause. Every head in the room swiveled to the entryway as the room fell silent, and all eyes fixated on the imposing figure in the doorway.
It was Eduardo Ramirez.
He stood with an air of confidence, his scarred face betraying no emotion. I swallowed hard. Why was he here? Did he intend to attack us again? The room seemed to hang on edge waiting for the cartel leader’s next move.
Connor and Caden exchanged a glance, a silent communication passing between them. They straightened in their seats, preparing for whatever curveball Eduardo might throw their way, and I did the same. I put on a brave face and kept my head held high.
We’d face whatever this was with pride.
Kieran stood up from the table where he was sitting with my husbands and strode through the room. Using his body, he put himself between the cartel leader and our guests, his expression darkening dangerously.
“What can I do for you, Ramirez?” he spat, his authority practically dripping from his every pore. The rest of the Murphy brothers stood up and gathered behind him. Shane and Ada stood among them too, gathering together as a united front.
Ramirez cleared his throat, a smile that I couldn’t quite read playing on his lips. “I’ve come with a wedding gift for the newlyweds,” he declared, his voice cutting through the tension in the room.
Kieran’s eyes narrowed, his hand subtly gesturing for his brothers to stand down. “What kind of gift?” he retorted, his tone laced with skepticism.
The cartel leader smirked, producing a small, ornate box from his coat pocket. He extended it towards Kieran, who eyed it warily before accepting the unexpected offering.
“It’s a token of goodwill, Kieran. A gesture to solidify our newfound understanding,” Ramirez explained, his words dripping with veiled intentions.
Kieran opened the box cautiously, revealing a key inside. Ramirez continued, “That key unlocks a gift on the outskirts of the city.”
The room held its breath as Kieran studied the key, his mind calculating the potential implications.
Ramirez’s voice cut through the hushed room. “That key unlocks a private yacht, fully staffed and prepped for an extravagant honeymoon on the seas. It’ll be ready to leave port by tomorrow.”
The revelation hung in the air, and the room, once filled with celebration, fell silent. Kieran’s brow furrowed as he processed the unexpected gift, and I stepped forward.
“Thank you,” I said, bowing my head a little to show my gratitude.
“You’re welcome. I’ll take my leave now. I’ll have my new second in command contact you with further information,” he replied, making a swift exit after that.
The room seemed to collectively let out a held breath, and I signaled for the music to begin again. In an instant, thetense moment was forgotten, and all at once, I found myself surrounded by two pairs of arms.
“You were brilliant,” Connor exclaimed as he pressed a kiss to my cheek.
“We’re so lucky to call you ours,” Caden added, kissing my other cheek.
“That you are,” I sassed, and the two of them chuckled.
“You’re in for a long night, babygirl,” Caden warned lightly, but his tone was thick enough to make my stomach flip with anxious arousal.
