Chapter 14

TORI

I lie on the sunbed, enjoying the sun warming my bikini-clad body, with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore calming my nervous disposition. Last night went without a hitch, but being in the presence of the families brings this underlying anxiety, and I honestly can’t wait to get back to London.

Poppy sent through some pictures this morning, and she truly seems settled. In every selfie, she is smiling so wide, and it’s a stark reminder that I haven’t seen it for so long.

Placing my hand against my stomach, I smile, feeling a slight fluttering which I’m pretty certain is an early sign of movement. It gives me a fresh wave of hope that everything I am doing is going in the right direction and that our little one is growing strong, just like I’d prayed.

A shadow casts over me, and I look up, gazing into Dmitry’s eyes. His eyes roam my body, landing where my hands are still resting on my small bump. He perches himself on the edge of my sunbed and places his hand over mine.

“I think she’s moving,” I whisper.

“You mean he?” he teases playfully.

I roll my eyes, smirking. “What will you do if it’s a miniature version of me?” He arches an eyebrow and leans in, placing a tender kiss on my lips.

“Then she will be the strongest motherfucker out there and she won’t let any man control her,” he replies as his lips linger a breath away from my own.

“You’d better believe it,” I reply, grinning. She’ll be raised to be strong and independent, and she’ll definitely never fear any man.

He sighs, sitting straighter and caressing my stomach thoughtfully. He looks troubled, an expression that hasn’t left him since last night’s meal. “Everything okay?”

“I wish I could stay here with you all day, but the families have called another meeting to discuss the figures.” He runs a hand through his hair, and I notice it’s more dishevelled than usual, proving he’s more worried than he wants me to believe. “I don’t want to subject you to more stress by taking you along, so I’ve arranged for you to visit a very popular boutique in the hope you can perhaps choose a wedding dress. It’s extremely popular and very hard to book an appointment with a lead designer there, but I called in a favour.”

My heart swells at his uncertain expression. How can I be mad when he’s being so thoughtful? “Thank you,” I whisper, grabbing hold of his hand and resting it against my cheek. “I appreciate that so much. I don’t think I can take being surrounded by women who really don’t want me there.”

“Anything for my queen,” he replies, kissing the palm of my hand. “I promise they will accept you, and you’re the one they’ll turn to?—”

“I don’t need their acceptance,” I tell him honestly. “As long as I have you and this little one,” I add, placing his hand back on my stomach, “that’s all I need.”

Dmitry stands, bending to place a gentle kiss on my head. “Marshall will take you, and I’ll see you later.”

As he walks away, he stuffs his hands in his pockets. He doesn’t look his usual confident self, and I frown. “Dmitry?” He turns back to look at me. “Everything will be okay, right?”

His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes as he nods. “Of course. I love you, my krasota .”

Marshall is just as quiet on the drive to the boutique. Eventually, I huff so loud that his eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror. “What?” he asks.

“Why do you and Dmitry look so . . . thoughtful?”

He laughs. “We do?”

“You’re both quiet and it’s annoying.”

“I thought I was more annoying when I was chatty?”

I roll my eyes. “What are you both hiding? Is Dmitry okay? Is it the families?”

His eyes go back to the road. “It’s a tense time for him.”

“Meaning?”

“He’s spoken out against their boss, their leader. That’s a death sentence itself. If they decide that Dmitry is a traitor, it won’t end well.”

Panic grips me as I lean forward. “What?”

“Relax,” he says calmly. “He’s got it under control.”

“What if he’s wrong? What if they decide to end him instead of Vladimir? Why aren’t you with him right now?”

“Because,” he says, making eye contact again, “I trust my boss, and he knows what he’s doing. He went to a lot of trouble to get you this appointment today, and I have strict instructions to make sure you have a good time. So, relax, and let Dmitry deal with the families.”

Marshall pulls up outside the storefront minutes later, and I stare in awe. It’s all glass, with the most beautiful designs adorning the windows. Flowers line the display, and the realisation that I am actually going to get to marry the man I love after all the heartache and trouble fills me with joy. I’m finally living out my dream.

When Marshall opens the door, I’m hit with the sudden urge to cry with happiness, and he frowns as I step out. “Everything okay?” he asks.

“Of course. These fucking hormones are driving me crazy.”

“You don’t need hormones to drive you crazy, Tori, there’s already enough of that in you.” He laughs, and I punch his arm playfully.

“Are you going to open the door for me or not?” I demand, because he’s usually rushing ahead of me to do all the shit I hate.

He grins, pulling it open and bowing slightly as I pass. “You’re losing your touch,” he mutters, and I arch a brow, waiting for him to explain. “You never let me open the door for you.”

“I’m your new queen, didn’t you get the memo?” I tease.

He laughs harder. “There’s the Tori we all know and love.”

We’re met by an elegant-looking woman who shakes our hands. “You must be Victoria.” I wonder to myself whether she can smell the money on me as I return the smile. “I’m Amara Sakkari, one of the lead designers here. I will be looking after you today. Can I get you a glass of Champagne?”

I shake my head, and Marshall leaves us, taking his place by the door, ensuring my safety. It really is something I’m becoming accustomed too.

“Fresh orange juice, please,” I reply as I rest my hands on my stomach. “I’m pregnant.”

“Wow,” she gushes. “That’s amazing news. Congratulations.”

She goes off to fetch the drink, and I move towards the rail of wedding dresses in the centre of the room. My eyes land upon the most exquisite dress I think I’ve ever seen. I carefully run my hand over the intricate lace design decorating the bodice of the A-line dress. There are small diamantes sophisticatedly woven throughout. I’m so lost in its beauty that when Amara places her hand on my shoulder, I jump slightly.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” She hands me the juice and smiles at the dress. “It’s stunning, isn’t it?”

“I love it.”

Her smile widens. “Why don’t we try it on?”

I pinch the silk material that forms the skirt and pull it out. “I’m not sure it will accommodate my growing stomach,” I say thoughtfully.

She takes my glass and places in on the nearby table. “Nonsense,” she says firmly. “We can make adjustments. We have a London store to help with that and think how amazing you will look with your beautiful bump on show. It’s a timeless piece and perfect for you.”

She directs me into the changing room, which is big enough for an army of people, and instructs me to strip down to my underwear. A few minutes later, she enters, carrying the gown like it’s a masterpiece, with an assistant following behind holding shoes and various bags.

They help me into the dress, making sure to cover the mirror so I can’t see. They tuck me into it expertly, tying ribbons and hooking things at the back until I’m cinched in slightly at the waist with my breasts pushed up to give the perfect look.

She turns to the assistant, speaking in Greek, and she then rushes out, returning seconds later with white pumps. I smile, glancing at the discarded heels she originally brought in. “It’s your choice,” she offers, “but if you’re planning on a later wedding, I think heels would be a mistake. You’ll want to wear something comfortable on your feet while pregnant, trust me.”

I nod, slipping my feet into the silk pumps. Then I turn to the mirror, and they remove the cover. I gasp at the sight of myself. I look beautiful. The material hugs me in all the right places, and even with a larger bump, I think it’ll look perfect. The silk pools at my feet, and I swish it slightly. “I feel like a princess,” I whisper, smiling.

“It was made for you,” Amara says proudly. I turn slightly to admire the button detailing at the back of the bodice. The lace runs down my arms, and the entire thing screams luxury. “It’s one of a kind,” she adds, as if she needs to convince me to buy it. She reaches up to pin the veil in place, pulling a few sections of my hair forward. “Imagine loose curls with some sections pinned up at the back.”

“I love it,” I whisper, still smiling at my reflection. “It’s the one.”

Amara gives a satisfied smile. “Let me grab my tape and I’ll take some measurements. It needs taking-in an inch or two at the back, but that won’t affect growing room. If you find it needs taking-out later on, just call me and we can sort that with our London store.”

She goes off to grab her tape measure, leaving me to stare at myself some more. Dmitry will love this dress, although I’m certain he’d marry me in a bin liner if I demanded it. After everything, he’s making up for the past few weeks. I can see how hard he’s trying and how much he regrets what’s happened. He’s promising me forever, and we deserve it.

DMITRY

I arrive fashionably late, which is intentional. A lot of the families’ business is more about how you play the game, and I play it better than anyone, including my father. To them, I appear cool and calm, just like a leader should. And now they’ve had time to look over the figures, they’ll see how hard I have worked to bring them this.

As I enter the room, the men rise to their feet. The fact they’re still showing me such respect is a tell-tale sign they’re happy with my offering.

I take my place at the head of the table, sitting down and nodding for them to do the same. I click my fingers for the waiter to bring me a drink, which he does immediately. “I trust you’ve had a chance to look over the figures?”

“We have, and we all agree they’re impressive, Dmitry. It’s clear you’ve been working hard,” says Aleksandr.

“I appreciate it is difficult for all of you to accept my father is conspiring against us. But the families mean everything to me, and I have always strived to make London work for us. I can take us to much higher places, places my father could never reach because of his old ways. I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your observations that my father has been . . . lacking lately.”

I eye the room, taking in everyone’s reaction while looking for a weakness in their kinks, someone who is hungry for my offer. I find Matvey making eye contact with me. “Matvey? Don’t you agree? You know him well. Has he been open with you about his most recent dealings?”

He places his glass on the table and grips the arms of his chair. “Vladimir has been elusive since he ventured over to London,” he agrees.

Akim narrows his eyes, and I catch it. “Do you disagree?” I ask him.

“We shouldn’t be speaking like this when he is not here to defend himself.”

I arch a brow. “Do you think he would be honest if he’s already kept so much from you? My figures speak honesty. Where are his? We can speak freely in this room,” I add. “That’s how we work. It is how we have always worked. I could not involve my father in this meeting because I do not trust him, and without trust, how can we believe in him to do the right thing by us? I suspect Vivian has a lot to do with his downfall. She more than likely is after revenge for the death of her father,” I lie, “but if she has so much power over him already, we’re at a huge disadvantage.” I take a deep breath. “If we continue to let him lead, he will take us down with him. We have all invested so much into London, I refuse to lose it to a woman.”

“Is this revenge speaking?” questions Andrei.

“I understand why you would think that,” I say, nodding, “but if I was solely out for revenge, I would have ended them both the second I found out. Instead, I have bided my time. I have brought my concerns to you while making sure I have the ability to take over fully once they step away. You lose nothing if we go ahead with my plan. If you choose to back my father, you lose everything.”

Aleksandr holds up his hand. “We are not disputing what you have told us. You’re right, we have noticed Vladimir slipping and we have had several meetings trying to work out if you were somehow involved. You approaching us like this is unexpected but welcomed. The figures speak for themselves, and we recognise you are in a position to take over from your father. It is a natural progression, one which we are all in agreement with.”

“With Victoria by my side,” I add.

“Of course,” he says, holding up his glass. “To new beginnings,” he toasts, and the men follow suit, raising their glasses.

I give a stiff nod, also holding up my glass before taking a drink. The deal is done, and my father’s future has been decided. It gives me deep satisfaction knowing I have won. It’s everything I have ever wanted and more. With Victoria secure at my side, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

I push open the bedroom door to find my krasota illuminated by the moonlight shining through the cracks in the curtains. I smile to myself, dropping onto the seat to remove my shoes. I loosen my tie, not taking my eyes from her sleeping form.

As I strip out of my clothes, I’m reminded of how far we have come. We’ve overcome problems most couples will never have to face. Her nightmares have lessened, and she seems much more relaxed, even in sleep.

I crawl into bed, fitting my body around hers. She automatically pushes back against me, and I bury my nose in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply. Peace washes over me, and I relax as she begins to stir. She turns in my arms, stretching out and yawning before letting her eyes flutter open. She smiles when she sees me looking down at her. “Evening, Mr. Volkov.”

“I missed you,” I whisper. “How was your day?”

“Perfect,” she whispers back. “How did it go with the families?”

I place a gentle kiss to her mouth. “They have agreed.”

Her eyes widen, and her mouth drops open in surprise. “Really?”

I smirk. “Did you doubt me, my krasota ?” I roll onto my back and place my hands behind my head. “I’m offended,” I tease.

She straddles my waist, her sweet spot resting over my cock. “Never. I knew you’d have them eating out the palm of your hand.” My cock grows hard, and she glances down between us, arching a brow. “Would you like some assistance, Sir?”

“It’s been a long day.”

She fidgets, sending a thrill through me. I close my eyes and enjoy the feel of her against me. “Are you too tired, Sir?” She pouts playfully.

I grin, gripping her hips and spinning her until she’s on her back and I’m prowling over her. “I have the stamina of a lion,” I whisper against her mouth. “I can smell your arousal,” I add, gently biting her lower lip between my teeth. “I need to be inside you.”

“Again?” she quips.

“I could spend every hour of every day inside you, my krasota , and it still wouldn’t be enough to quench my thirst.” I slide down her body and settle between her legs, swiping my finger through her wet folds. She arches her back from the bed, groaning in pleasure. I place my hand on her abdomen to keep her in position as I swirl my tongue in circles over her swollen clit.

“Watch me, my krasota .” She pushes up onto her elbows to watch as I taste her pussy. I blow gently on her pussy, and her eyes flutter closed. “Eyes,” I demand, and they shoot open instantly.

My tongue makes quick work to bring her to the edge as I insert two fingers, bending them slightly to reach her sweet spot. It’s minutes before she’s clenching around me. “Fuck,” she cries, shuddering as her orgasm rips through her.