Page 27 of Velvet Chains
He nods curtly, releasing my hand. “Of course. It’s tradition.” There’s a flicker of something in his eyes—sympathy, perhaps, or understanding. But it’s gone before I can fully decipher it.
“Malyshka,” he says, turning to his sister, “why don’t you help Tetya Laura with her dress so we can get going?”
“Oh, can I?” Eli asks, practically vibrating with eagerness.
I laugh, turning so she can gather up my train. “Of course, honey. I’d be honored to have your assistance.” I chuckle, warmth blooming in my chest at her innocent enthusiasm. “Well then, lead the way, my little fairy. Let’s not keep the kingdom waiting.”
Yuri’s lips twitch, a hint of a smile softening his stern features. He gestures down the hall. “After you, Tetya.”
As we walk toward the elevators, Eli chattering excitedly as she carefully holds my dress, I can’t help but feel a flicker of gratitude.
Thank you, Eli, for making this whole crazy situation a little more bearable.
We make our way down the hallway, with Yuri keeping a respectful distance, his posture perfect and his expression neutral. I remember Eli telling me a little about him, how he’s the quiet one in the family, the one who always seems to be carrying some unseen weight on his shoulders.
The crackle of a walkie-talkie interrupts my thoughts. “Bring the bride down now,” a gruff voice commands.
Eli bounces on her toes, her excitement palpable. “Hurry, hurry!” she urges, tugging on my hand.
I smile down at her, struck by a sudden memory from my childhood. “You know, Eli, you remind me of the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. Always rushing about, checking his pocket watch, and crying, ‘Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!’”
Eli giggles, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Does that make you Alice?” she asks innocently.
I tap my chin, pretending to consider it. “Hmm, I suppose it does. But let’s hope this wonderland isn’t quite as crazy as the one in the story.”
Eli grins mischievously. “But I like crazy stories! And Alice is so brave, just like you, Tetya Laura!”
I laugh, touched by her sweet comparison. “You think I’m brave like Alice?”
She nods vigorously. “Yes! You married Uncle Victor, and he’s the scariest man in the world! That’s really brave.”
I feel a pang in my chest at her innocent observation, but I quickly push it aside. “Well, if I’m Alice, then you must be the Cheshire Cat. Always appearing out of nowhere with a grin and a riddle.”
Eli’s eyes sparkle with delight. “The Cheshire Cat is my favorite! He’s so silly, isn’t he? Always talking in circles and making jokes.” Eli giggles. “I wish I could disappear like he does! Wouldn’t that be cool?”
“It would,” I agree. “But I’d miss seeing your pretty smile if you disappeared.”
She beams up at me, hugging my leg.
Yuri chuckles softly, and I glance over to see a hint of warmth in his eyes as he watches his little sister. It’s clear that he adores Eli, that he would do anything to protect her from the harsh realities of their world.
The elevator arrives with a soft ding, and the bodyguards usher us inside. Eli insists on pushing the button. As we descend, she sings softly under her breath. “Twinkle, twinkle, little bat, how I wonder what you’re at. Up above the world you fly, like a tea tray in the sky…”
I join in, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Twinkle, twinkle, little bat, how I wonder what you’re at!”
As Eli hums happily and classical music fills the space, I find myself wondering once again where Victor is.
What is he doing? Is he thinking about me? About the way we left things? Or has he already pushed me from his mind, focusing on whatever Bratva business he’s attending to?
Urg. Stop it, Laura. Stop obsessing over him like some lovesick teenager.
Love?
You’re an idiot, that’s what you are. A hopeless, naive idiot who’s in way over her head. He’s a ruthless criminal, for God’s sake. He’s not capable of real feelings.
Chapter 12
Laura
