Page 20 of Merciless Union
“Mrs. Petrov.” He nods at Arina, who gives him a tight smile. “You are a vision as always.”
Arina tilts her head. “Thank you.”
His eyes linger a little too long on Arina for my liking before he turns back to me. “I was wondering how being the boss is going? I’ve noticed that I haven’t been invited to many of the meetings to discuss business. Was my invitation lost in the mail?”
I force out a laugh. “It’s been an adjustment. I’ve been taking my time getting to know everyone who works under me. And that includes you, Stepan. I’ll make sure your invitation to my next meeting isn’t lost. I can assure you.”
He smirks. “You do that. I’ll be checking my mailbox every day.” He pats the table before he walks away. Fucking bastard. But I need to play nice. I can’t risk anyone trying to kill me and take my place.
The band playing soft music next to the dance floor announces it’s time for the bride and groom’s first dance.
“Good timing,” I murmur, holding out my hand. “Shall we?”
Arina looks at me with a stoic expression before taking my hand a little too roughly.
I guide her to the dance floor and pull her tight against my body. She lets out a huff. I lead, forcing her to follow me. She stumbles at first before she steadies her feet under herself.
Eventually, we find a solid rhythm and glide smoothly across the dance floor. Arina is stiff in my arms. I’ll have to make sure I loosen her up before I take her tonight. I don’t want to hurt her physically. I’ve never desired to give people unnecessary pain. My father did that to me. I refuse to do the same.
When we end our dance, the crowd applauds. People ding their champagne glasses, the signal for the bride and groom to kiss.
I raise an eyebrow. “Shall we give the people what they want?”
Arina stands on her tiptoes and plants a quick kiss on my lips before pulling back. “There? Was that good? Since I’m your trophy and all, I might as well put on a good show.” She extracts herself from my arms, returning to her seat.
I follow behind, hiding how stunned I feel. So, Arina thinks she can wield power over me? She’ll have a harsh awakening when she realizes I’m a man who doesn’t go down without a fight.
Least of all to a young woman who doesn’t even know what game she’s playing.
CHAPTER6
Arina
Isit down so hard that I wince. I keep my eyes averted as Maxim follows me back to the table. Why did I think when he first told me he wanted to marry me that this would be some kind of fairytale?
I’m starting to learn my new life will be anything but.
If Maxim wants me as a trophy, I’ll give him what he wants. I’ll smile and play the part, but I won’t be happy about it. My fingers itch to return to my home, stand at my easel, and paint, washing all this anxiety away.
But I won’t ever live in that home again. Instead, I’ll live somewhere else. Over the past month, I’ve had time to adjust to the fact that my life is changing, and yet, now that it’s become a reality, I still don’t feel ready for it.
I look away as Maxim takes his seat next to me.
My mother leans over. “How are you, honey?”
I try my best to smile. “I’m married.”
“Yes, you are.” She cups my cheek. “You’re such a beautiful bride.”
Beautiful. One of the only reasons Maxim wants me.
She pats my cheek before dropping her hand. “I’m just glad I got to see you married before …”
Before she dies.
Tears prick at the backs of my eyes, but I refuse to cry on my wedding day. I don’t want to give Maxim the satisfaction. Though, he’d probably just get angry at me for not being his little trophy and falling in line.
“You still have many months,” I remind her. “Please don’t talk like that.”
