Page 4 of Velvet Chains
“Laura,” she says, her tone clipped and businesslike. “It’s time for breakfast with the family. We have a busy day ahead of us.”
I stare at her, my mind reeling.
How can she act like everything is normal? Like the world hasn’t just been turned upside down?
“I… I can’t…” I whisper, my voice cracking. “Victor… he might be…”
Ksenia’s eyes flash with a warning, her jaw clenching.
“Not another word,” she hisses.
Eli’s little hand clutches Ksenia’s, her eyes darting between her mother and me. The concern on her face is heart-rending, twisting the knife of guilt that’s already buried in my chest.
Fuck. She knows something’s wrong. She can see it written all over my face, no matter how hard I try to hide it.
“Mama?” Eli’s voice is small, uncertain. “What’s going on? Why does Laura look so sad?”
Ksenia’s grip on Eli’s hand tightens, her knuckles turning white. She shoots me a look that could cut glass, a silent warning to keep my fucking mouth shut.
“Nothing, milaya,” she says, her voice saccharine sweet. “Tetya Laura’s just a little nervous about the wedding, that’s all.”
Bullshit. Complete and utter bullshit.
I’m bursting to yell it out, to tell Eli the brutal truth.
That her uncle might be dead, that this whole fucking wedding is a sham, a twisted play put on for the benefit of the Bratva.
But I can’t do it. I can’t crush her innocence. She’s the only one good thing here.
I force a smile, feeling like my face might crack from the effort. “Yeah, just nerves,” I manage, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears.
Eli frowns, her brow furrowing. She’s too smart for her own good, too perceptive. She knows something’s not right, even if she can’t put her finger on it.
Please, Eli. Please don’t ask any more questions. I can’t take it, can’t keep up this charade.
My heart is pounding, my palms slick with sweat. I feel like I’m going to be sick, the bile rising in my throat.
I have to get out of here. I have to—
“Come on, Eli,” Ksenia says, tugging on her hand. “Let’s let Tetya Laura finish getting ready. Nana will take you down to breakfast so you’re not late, okay?”
Eli hesitates, her eyes still locked on mine. For a moment, I think she’s going to protest, to demand answers.
But then she nods, allowing her nanny to lead her out of the room. The door closes behind them with a soft click, leaving me with Ksenia.
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Ksenia turns to the maids bustling around the room, hanging up dresses and arranging jewelry. Her face hardens, lips pressing into a thin line.
“Out,” she snaps, jerking her head toward the door. “All of you. Now.”
The maids freeze, eyes wide. They glance at each other uncertainly, then back at Ksenia.
She arches a brow, impatience flashing across her features. “Did I stutter? Leave us.”
They scurry out without another word, the door closing behind them with a muffled thud.
Ksenia turns back to me, her smile sharp and lacking any sign of warmth. “You will come down to breakfast, and you will act like the perfect bride-to-be. Do you understand?” Her voice is cold, her eyes hard as they stare into mine.
