Page 27 of The Russian's Kidnapped Bride
Without another word, Lily storms off before I can give an honest attempt at stopping her. She disappears out of sight with those furious steps, and after a few moments, the spare bedroom door slams shut.
I move to the bottom of the staircase and go to follow her, but I hesitate.
As much as my ego is telling me to go up there and do what I can to salvage the situation, I stop myself and run a hand down my face.
Don’t…let her have this.
It’s infuriating for some reason, but I can’t crowd her further. She’s already adjusting to enough, and I know I shouldn’t make it worse.
I need to let her sulk and scream, and maybe even throw something if it makes her feel better.
Given how quickly this has all unfolded, I need to give her time. She’ll come around eventually, even if it takes forever.
And when she’s too exhausted from resisting me, I’ll be here.
Even with acknowledging all of this, I don’t like how empty the room seems. Even if she wasn’t exactly the ideal image of warmth just a moment ago, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
The living room feels cold, becoming a difficult pill to swallow.
I don’t know what it is about her. She isn’t the first woman to challenge me, or to put me on edge, but for some reason, she’s different.
Maybe it’s because she saw me before she knew everything and accepted the outward image I put on. Before she knew I was a Lukov, and before all the baggage that comes with being in my family settled into place.
I had seen her too.
I saw how unsure she had been standing near the bar, and how she seemed almost uncomfortable in her skin despite how willing I was to surround myself with her. I had the feeling she wasn’t used to receiving that kind of direct attention, but I couldn’t help myself. She was too appealing to ignore, and that remains true.
She folded for me, even if her head was surely telling her to do the opposite. She touched and kissed me like I was no different from any other man in the room. Like I wasn’t a threat to her life.
During that time, I was just Mikhail, regardless of the luxury around us.
Something like that is rare, but also dangerous. Maybe that’s exactly why I can’t get her out of my head.
She’s a temptation far more sinful than anything I’ve ever had before, and I’d be an idiot to let that go.
Glancing down at the new gold band around my finger, it feels foreign and odd. I twist it once, wondering just how much meaning is truly behind it.
With a sigh, I head over to the liquor cabinet and pour myself a drink. It’s still early enough, but I don’t care—it’s mywedding day, after all. Capping the bottle, I glance out at the city below.
Out there, the clubs are still operating, deals are being made, and with mine or Roman’s blessing, blood is surely being spilled.
But from up here, everything is still and quiet.
And behind the spare bedroom door, I’m sure my new wife is crying and cursing me for ruining everything.
I let her for now.
She may not know it yet, but I always take care of what’s mine, and she is no exception.
Chapter 9 - Lily
I never intended to become anyone’s wife, and especially not in these circumstances. Not to a man like Mikhail.
Certainly not before I even finished med school, acquired my residency, or walked across the stage with my degree in hand.
And yet, here I am. Sitting on the edge of the bed in a near stranger’s spare bedroom.
Looking down at the wedding ring makes my stomach turn, yet I can’t pull my eyes away from the way it glints.
