Chapter 17

DMITRY

W ho knew that weddings could be so . . . stressful? Victoria has spent the last few days meeting various people to secure the final arrangements that all lead up to this day. Our wedding day. I’m buzzing with nervous energy. Not because I’m about to secure my biggest deal yet and claim Victoria forever, but because today is the day my father will meet his end. I haven’t worked out the finer details yet, but I know he will take his last breath before I whisk my new wife off for our honeymoon in the Maldives.

Marshall enters, fixing his cufflinks. “You changed the Champagne order to non-alcoholic for the bridal breakfast?” he queries.

I smirk. “If my krasota does not drink, then no one will.”

“Phoebe was not impressed.”

“And how would you know that, Marshall?” I ask, quipping a brow.

He grins, brushing his hands over his grey jacket. “Having us all stay in the manor was a bad idea,” he says. “I told you so.”

“I wasn’t allowed anywhere near the upper floor where Victoria slept, so how were you?”

He grins wider. “That’s the perks of being the bodyguard-slash-friend.”

I roll my eyes, but secretly, I’m getting used to Victoria and Marshall’s close relationship. Besides, he’s clearly hung up on her best friend.

“Are they all up there now?”

“Yes, but I’ve put one of your men on the door, and Victoria gave him strict instructions to pull a gun on you if you tried to enter.”

I laugh, already heading out my office. The need to see her is too overwhelming right now.

I take the stairs two at a time, and when I get to the upper floor, I make my way along the hallway until I am face-to-face with Albert. “Boss, don’t make me look like a fool,” he groans, and I pat him on the shoulder.

“Move.”

“She was very adamant.”

“Move. Don’t make me ask again.”

“Can I at least tell her you’re here?”

I give a nod, and he taps on the door. It opens just enough for Phoebe to stick her head out. Her eyes find me and narrow. “No, Dmitry.”

“I’ll close my eyes,” I promise.

“No. It’s bad luck.”

I hear Victoria’s light laugh. “It’s fine, Phoebs, we’ve already had all our bad luck.”

The door opens wider, and she steps out wearing a white silk dressing gown, and I know beneath it is the underwear she’s been telling me about to tease me. I tug her to me, wrapping my arms around her waist. “I miss you,” I whisper against her lips.

She giggles. “It was one night,” she reminds me.

“One night too many.”

“Yuck, you two, get a room,” says Poppy.

“Good idea,” I say, sweeping Victoria into my arms and marching towards our bedroom, ignoring calls of protest from Phoebe.

I slide Victoria down my body, kicking the door closed with my foot while pulling the robe open. She’s wearing nothing but a pair of white knickers, and I frown. She laughs, wrapping her robe back tightly. “I was not risking my new underwear knowing you’d prowl into that room and steal me. I won’t put it on until it’s almost time.”

I kiss her, tilting her head back and cupping her face. “You know me too well,” I whisper against her lips. “I hate being away from you.”

She laughs again. “Dmitry, we were in the same house because you refused to go and stay in a hotel. Now, you’re supposed to be overseeing everything downstairs. I want that white tent sparkling in fairy lights, and I hope you haven’t tampered with the Champagne order for all of our guests.”

I smirk. “Didn’t I hire a very expensive wedding planner to deal with all that?”

She sighs, a mischievous smile still playing on her lips. “I have five minutes until hair and makeup arrive. What can you do in five minutes?” She arches a challenging brow.

I grin, dropping to my knees and hooking my fingers in her knickers. “Let me show you.”

I shake hands with Aleksandr and kiss Anastasia on the cheeks. The rest of the families have already arrived and are seated, so I point them in the direction. Marshall nudges me, and I glance up to see my father approaching looking flustered. “Glad you could make it,” I say, arching a brow. He’s never been one to show up late for anything, especially with the families around to notice.

“Have you heard from Vivian?” he spits, taking his pocket handkerchief out and wiping his sweaty brow. “I’ve been trying to contact her for the last two days.”

“The families are already seated,” I tell him coldly. “Your late show won’t help matters.”

“What matters?” he snaps.

“You won’t mind if my men check, no?” I ask, changing the subject. He frowns as one of my men steps forwards holding a body scanner.

“Seriously?” he hisses.

“No weapons, remember,” I state, holding out my hand.

He growls, pulling a gun from his jacket and dumping it in my hand. I check the barrel and empty three bullets into my palm, arching a brow. “It’s ridiculous that you want us all to be unarmed,” he snaps. “Have I taught you nothing?”

“Father,” I say, my voice laced with amusement, “who would possibly want to hurt you at my wedding, in my own home?”

He scoffs and holds his arms up while my man scans him. Security gives the nod, and I smile. “Your seat is up front with me,” I tell him.

“Where else would it be?” he snaps, shaking his head and stomping off.

“Delightful mood as ever,” mutters Marshall.

“Shouldn’t you be with my future wife?” I ask, checking my watch.

He gives a nod, but before he leaves, he turns to me and holds out his hand. I eye it for a second before placing mine in it and we shake. “Congratulations, sir. I’m so happy for you both, and although it’s not been a smooth ride, this is exactly where you were both supposed to end up.” And then he gives a stiff nod before heading back into the manor so he can walk my bride down the aisle.

I make my way down the aisle, nodding in acknowledgment as I pass certain people and shaking the hands of others. My father is at the front, tapping away on his phone, and I notice Vivian’s name at the top of the screen. “Maybe she’s tired of you already,” I suggest, smirking.

“I’m sure this is all very amusing to you, Dmitry, but I have things to discuss with her.”

“I’m sure they can wait until after your only son’s wedding.”

He glances up. “Aren’t you concerned?”

I scoff. “About Vivian? No.”

“She was once the love of your life, the woman you were set to marry. It should be her walking down this aisle.”

“I never said she was the love of my life, because she wasn’t. Victoria is the only woman I have ever and will ever love.”

“I should’ve known you’d end up like this,” he mutters, stuffing his mobile into his pocket.

“Happy and in love?” I ask, smiling.

“When will you realise that love doesn’t work for men like us, Dmitry? If we marry for love, we’re putting ourselves out as a target. She will be the one your enemies come for to get to you.”

“Like Nik?”

“Exactly.”

“Only Nik wasn’t my enemy. At least, I didn’t think he was.”

“You’ll never know your true enemies,” he says.

I give a nod. “You’re right,” I agree. “That might just be the most honest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

The vicar appears and greets me with a handshake. He does the same to my father. “Victoria is ready,” he tells me, taking his place at the front.

I straighten my jacket and take a deep breath as music begins to play from the harpist. My father takes his seat while everyone else stands. I turn back to him, leaning close to his ear. “You’re wrong, by the way,” I whisper, and he frowns. “I know all about my enemies.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Vivian is dead,” I say with a smile. His eyes widen, but he contains his anger. “I cut her open on my office desk after she tried one last time to seduce me.” I glance past him to see Victoria standing at the end of the red carpet. She looks breathtaking, just like I knew she would. “I know, Father,” I whisper. “I know what you both did to Victoria.” Realisation passes over his face. He pushes to his feet, and I slam my hand on his shoulder, taking him by surprise as I shove him back into his seat. He won’t go anywhere because I have men at every exit point ready to keep him here until the end. “Stay and enjoy the celebrations.” And then I stand tall, smiling as the woman I love begins her walk towards me.

TORI

I don’t remember a time I ever felt so beautiful. The second I stepped into my dress, I felt like a princess, and as Phoebe pointed out through her tears, every woman deserves to feel like that on her wedding day.

Dmitry is watching my every step, his eyes full of love, and I have to fight the urge to run the last few steps and throw myself into his arms.

Marshall slows to a stop and turns to me. He kisses me on the cheek before shaking Dmitry’s hand, and then he carefully places my hand into Dmitry’s. I pass my bouquet to Phoebe, and she takes a seat beside Poppy.

“Ready?” whispers Dmitry.

“Ready,” I confirm as we face the vicar.

The vow exchange feels like it lasts forever, but in reality, it’s a little over half an hour before we’re signing the register and heading back up the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Volkov. My heart hammers wildly as we follow the photographer for our photos to be taken under the largest tree outside the manor.

By the time we’ve been put into a million different poses, we’re finally ready to go and greet our guests in the large white marquee we hired. I thought I’d hate all the attention, but as we enter and everyone stands to clap, I feel my chest swell with pride. Most of our guests are here for Dmitry, with just a few of my friends and Poppy, but it doesn’t bother me. All the people I love are here in this room and that’s all that matters.

Dmitry leads us to the top table, where he pulls out my seat and I lower into it. He sits beside me, then everyone else sits down again. “Happy?” asks Dmitry, opening my napkin and laying it in my lap. It’s those small things that make me love him so much more.

“Ridiculously.” I glance over to where his father is sitting, his eyes fixed on us. “I didn’t expect him to come,” I admit.

Dmitry follows my stare. “There was no way he’d not come and have the families question him.”

“Does he know about . . .” I pause, flashes of Vivian’s lifeless body entering my head. “Her?”

Dmitry gives a stiff nod. “He does now.”

“And?”

“And he’s spent every minute since then glaring at me.” He smiles, placing a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose. “He’s trying to work out what I’m playing at, and he hates that he can’t cause a fuss right now and demand answers. If the families were to see him anything but cool, they’d think he wasn’t fit to be in charge.”

“They already know that,” I say, frowning.

“But he doesn’t know that they know, and he wouldn’t expect me to have told them everything.” He takes his Champagne glass and sips the bubbles. “After today, you’ll never have to worry about either of them again, so let’s enjoy our day.”

My feet ache as I drop into a nearby chair and slip off my heels, taking each foot separately to rub them. I groan out loud, closing my eyes. It’s all well and good dancing to all your favourite songs, but when you have to stay sober, it’s a whole different ball game. I feel every little ache and pain, and I’m cursing myself for not going with the flats.

“We should catch up.” My eyes shoot open at the sound of Vladimir’s voice. Dmitry has done an excellent job of keeping him away from me all day, and to be honest, I’d almost forgotten he was here. I scan the marquee, trying to pick out Dmitry or Marshall, but I can’t see them. In fact, I can’t see hardly anyone I recognise that I could call to. “Don’t worry, they’re all very busy.”

I stand, not bothering to put my heels on, but before I can step away, he grabs my wrist. “It’s customary for the bride to dance with her father-in-law.” And he hauls me against him.

I’m almost frozen in fear as he stares down at me with his cold, evil eyes. It takes me back to being in that room, and I shudder. “Let me go,” I whisper, staring into his eyes, trying to convey I’m not scared even though deep down I am terrified.

“There will always be a time,” he whispers, swaying gently to the music, “when he won’t be there to watch over you.”

“Can’t you see?” I hiss. “We won. I won. I have him now, and you need to give up this stupid vendetta.”

“ Ty glupaya suka .”

“Stupid bitch, right?” I repeat, smirking and feeling smug that I brushed up on some of my Russian. “I think we both know I’m not as stupid as you first thought.”

He steps back. “We’ll speak soon,” he says with a smile and then walks away. I frown, staring after him, right as Dmitry rushes towards me, concern playing on his face.

“What happened?”

I shake my head and force a smile. “Nothing.”

“I shouldn’t have gotten distracted,” he mutters. “I assumed Marshall was here.”

I place a hand over his chest. “Dmitry, I’m fine. Please stop worrying.”

“It was stupid,” he mutters to himself. “I was lost in the happiness of the day, and I didn’t think he’d be foolish enough to approach you here.”

“I’m fine,” I repeat. “It was the same old crap where he’s trying to intimidate me. It didn’t work. In fact, I realised something—he’s not that scary.”

Dmitry smirks, placing a kiss on my forehead. “No?”

I shake my head. “He’s just a lonely old man who knows his time is up.” I pick up my bouquet from the table. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to pee and then I promised I’d throw this in Phoebe’s direction.” I stand on my tiptoes and place a lingering kiss on his lips. “And then we need to slip away.”

He grins. “Now, that sounds like a plan.”

I make my way towards the exit, glancing back to see Marshall and Dmitry talking. He’s probably getting a telling-off for leaving me. I roll my eyes. Maybe one day he’ll see I’m not made of glass. I never was.

Instead of stopping at the bathroom, I head out. Spotting Vladimir heading towards the manor, I lift my dress slightly and pick up my speed. When I round the corner, he’s nowhere to be seen, so I head into the manor. A hand wraps around my mouth before I can reach for the lights, and I’m dragged backwards into the office.

“See,” he hisses, “you are a stupid bitch.” He releases my mouth and lifts me, slamming me onto the desk. I wince as pain radiates up my back. “You didn’t think I’d spot you dressed in fucking white and following me?”

I’m well aware this is how Vivian lay in Dmitry’s office to take her last breath, and I’m certain it’s not lost on him either as he stares down at me with hatred. “She deserved it,” I say, smirking. His eyes narrow. “Vivian,” I clarify. “I wasn’t sad when I saw her lying there, dripping in blood.”

“You think you can mock me when you’re lying here defenceless?”

I arch a brow and hold up my flowers. “Who said I was defenceless?”

He laughs, and it’s cold and empty. “What will you do, beat me to death with them?” He places his hand on my throat, and I momentarily panic. “You will be my gift to Dmitry. It’s only right he should find you in the exact position he left Vivian.”

“What was it about her that you were all so crazy about?” I manage to choke out.

He leans closer, exactly like I wanted him to. And as I slide the dagger from my bouquet, he sneers. “She was everything you are not.”

“She was a nasty, snivelling cow and desperate for a man’s attention. She didn’t give a shit about you. Why else did she turn up to Kat’s half-naked to seduce Dmitry?” His eyes blaze with anger, and I smile. “Wow, she really had you fooled, didn’t she? Did you really think she’d choose you over Dmitry? You’re so . . . old.”

“Fuck you,” he hisses, squeezing my neck harder.

I bring the dagger up, gripping it tightly before stabbing it into his neck. His eyes widen, and I withdraw it. “You’re the glupaya suka ,” I snap. His grip loosens on my neck when I bring the dagger down a second and third time in quick succession. He stumbles back, and I dive up from the desk, rushing to him and driving the dagger into his chest and then his stomach. “You will never get the chance to sneer at me again or to tell me how I’m not good enough,” I shout. “Dmitry is stepping into your shoes. He will run the empire with me by his side while you and Vivian rot in a shallow grave.”

I push the dagger into his throat and blood spurts out. I drop it to the floor, and Vladimir falls to his knees. My chest heaves as I draw in steady breaths. Adrenaline rips through me, and I kick the dagger from his reach as he drops onto his stomach, gasping for air. I watch the blood ooze from the back of his neck, pooling around him on the wooden floor, and then I drop to my knees. Our eyes connect, and a small smile pulls at the corners of his mouth as he inhales one last time. I sit back on my arse and stare at him. Images of Marcus, then Ronnie, and then Vivian flash through my mind. So many dead bodies because I fell in love with Dmitry.

I don’t know how long I sit staring at Vladimir’s lifeless body before the office door opens, startling me, and Marshall rushes in. He freezes, his eyes going from me to Vladimir. He releases a long breath before speaking into a radio. “She’s in the office,” he says calmly. “Come alone.”

Seconds later, Dmitry bursts in, his face panicked. He steps over his father’s body and drops to his knees in front of me, cupping my face in his hands and forcing me to look at him. “Are you okay?”

I laugh, like really laugh, until tears slide from the corners of my eyes. “You walk into this . . .” I look around at the blood, “massacre, and you ask if I’m okay?”

“Are you hurt?”

I shake my head. “No, Dmitry, I’m fine.”

He glances back at his father. “What happened?”

“He made the mistake of thinking I was a stupid bitch for the last time.”

He stands, taking my hands and pulling me up. He stares down at my blood-soaked wedding dress. “And you’re sure you’re not hurt,” he asks again, running his hands over my stomach.

“I’ll sort this,” says Marshall.

Dmitry takes me by the hand and leads me from the room.

We get upstairs, where he slowly begins to remove the dress. “Shower and change. We’ll need to go back out.”

I glare at him. “I can’t go back out there.”

“We have no choice,” he mutters. “You need to do the expected bride things, and I have to speak to the families to tell them he’s dead.”

I place a hand to his cheek. “Are you upset?”

He stares me in the eyes and shakes his head. “Not with you.”

“He had me pinned to the desk. I didn’t have a choice.”

“Victoria, I’m not upset he’s dead. I just wish . . . I wish I’d have killed him. You shouldn’t have to live with this as well as everything else that’s happened.”

I smile, cupping his face. “They said I wouldn’t be able to handle your world, but they were wrong, Dmitry. I will stand by your side no matter what, and I will do whatever it takes to protect you and our child. There is nothing stopping us now.”

He places a gentle kiss to my lips. “ Moya prekrasnaya zhena . My beautiful wife.” He takes a small step back to appreciate the white lace underwear. His eyes light up with hunger. “ Ya tebya lyublyu .”

“I love you too,” I whisper against his mouth.

I strip and go into the shower while Dmitry makes some calls. I don’t listen to his words because I’m too focussed on scrubbing my skin clean. I’ve been here before, but somehow, it doesn’t seem so huge anymore. Am I a monster? I give my head a shake. If I hadn’t killed Vladimir, Dmitry would have found me dead in the same position Vivian was. There was no way I was going to let that fucker take me and my child on what’s supposed to be our happiest day.

Once I’m clean, I take a bottle of bleach from under the sink and squirt it into the shower, making sure to coat the tiles. I laugh to myself at how much of an expert I’ve become.

I go back into the bedroom wrapped in a towel. “Yes, Marshall, of course,” Dmitry is saying.

“Is he still in the office?” I ask, and Dmitry nods. “I want the dagger back.”

“My krasota ,” he mutters, frowning.

“I had it made especially for the wedding. It’s my keepsake.”

He groans. “Did you catch that, Marshall?” A second later, he disconnects. “The families know. The clean-up are on their way.” He points to a set of clothes on the bed. “All we need to do is head back to the reception and carry on as normal.”

“What will I say happened to my dress?”

He pulls me into his arms, smiling. “Tell them your impatient husband wanted time with his wife alone and it was too much hassle to put it back on.” He kisses me before picking the clothing up from the bed.

He holds up the short, white silk dress, and I smile, narrowing my eyes. “It’s new?”

“I had your wedding planner pick out a backup evening outfit in case the dress got too heavy.”

I slip into it, leaving my underwear off. I have a whole suitcase packed full of new garments he’ll get to peel from me. “You think of everything,” I say, kissing him on the cheek. “Now, let’s go and finish this.”