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I might not always agree with my brothers, and I might even resent them more than a little bit, but I do consider us close. I know they want what is best for me. I know they love me.
My grip tightens on Calla’s waist. “Thank you,” I keep my voice neutral with a hint of boredom as I address Pavel. I glance down at Calla and my eyes soften with the way she leans into me slightly. “Come,zhena, we should dance before we head back home.”
She nods and doesn’t put up a fight when I lead her away from her brother and to the middle of the dance floor. When I turn and pull her gently into my arms, I stifle a groan because of how damn good it feels to have her body against mine. Calla doesn’t look at me as she allows me to lead her through the steps.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue,” she murmurs and glances up into my eyes. There’s a resigned sadness in her voice and it feels like a knife slicing into my skin, “You didn’t have to.”
“This might have been arranged, but the vows we exchanged today are sacred.” She looks up at me, surprise in her eyes as I stare down at her intently, hoping she can see exactly what I mean by my words. “I will honor them,” I promise her.
She nods slowly and then glances away. I don’t have to look to know she’s looking at Hazel. I can practically hear the gears in her head turning and the questions briming on her lips. I’m not sure what to feel when she doesn’t ask any of them.
Even though I’ve only spent a limited amount of time around her, I’ve come to find her voice soothing. It slides along my skin and caresses me. I don’t fully understand what it means.
Most of the expected traditions are out of the way and I’m more than ready to call it a day. When Nikolai catches my eye, I lead Calla over towards him. She just goes along with me. I’ve caught glimpses of fire in her eyes. I want to see more of it.
Nikolai gives Calla a soft smile. “If I haven’t told you, you make a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you,” she murmurs.
When Mistie wraps an arm around Nikolai’s waist, I see the first genuine smile on my wife’s face today and it makes my heart clench in my chest. I want to be the reason she smiles. I don’t even care if that makes me an irrational asshole.
“The performers are going to start. If you two want to head home, this would be a good time to slip away,” Nikolai murmurs gently while looking between us.
Calla glances around, her face paling a little. “Won’t that be a problem? We should probably stay?”
She says the words, but she sways on her feet slightly and I tighten my grip on her waist. The way my brother’s eyes fill withunderstanding has me respecting him a little more and washes away a bit of the resentment I’ve been holding onto for the last two weeks.
“It’s fine,” he reassures her. “You don’t need to stay. Today has been a long day.”
She gives a nod and then looks at me expectantly as if she’s waiting for me to make the final decision. When has anyone looked at me like that?
“I think we will head home,” my voice is a little gruff as the weight of the responsibility I have in regard to this woman hits me.
My wife.Moya zhena.
Nikolai gives a nod and then signals the DJ. His voice booms over the sound system. “Before we’re graced with some traditional performers, let’s give one more big congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Orlov.”
The people around us start to cheer and Calla’s cheeks turn a shade of pink I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from. We wave and smile as we head out, the sound of boisterous applause following us. When we’re outside, I breathe a sigh of relief.
I’m not the only one either. Calla does the same and when our eyes meet, we both start laughing.
Maybe at how ridiculous this whole situation is. Maybe at the way people were cheering for us. Maybe because we’re in this together.
I don’t know and I don’t particularly care. It feels good to laugh with her.
After I grab her hand, I lead her to the limo waiting for us. Only when we’re settled, my wife’s cheeks flushed with humor, do I murmur, “All of your things were moved over from the guest room today. If you’re more comfortable, I can take the couch in my room.”
Her face falls and I feel like an ass. When she looks into my eyes, I watch with horror wrapping around me as the spark of hope I just saw dancing there fizzles out. “I won’t take your bed from you, Viktor,” her voice is soft, but firm. “I’ll take the couch. I’m smaller.”
“We’ll,” I pause, unsure of what I should say exactly before I sigh heavily, “figure it out.”
She nods but looks out the window as the scenery passes us by. I don’t stop staring at her though. She is a beautiful bride and there’s a little voice in my head telling me she’s all mine. I might not have wanted her at first, but, if I’m honest with myself, I do now.
I’m not sure where that leaves us, but we will figure it out.
CHAPTER 5
CALLA
