18. Bronwyn

18

brONWYN

I ran. I ran until my joints filled with lava and then filled up again with concrete and glass shards. When I finally staggered to a stop, I was down by the river, on a desolate scrap of snow-covered wasteland. My dad used to bring me there, to feed the ducks. Maybe I’d run there on instinct, to feel safe.

I paced, panting for air. How is this happening? When did it go wrong? When I followed him into that building? When I let him kiss me? When I called after him, that first time in the store?

I looked down at the ring and gave a big, shuddering sob. What really hurt was that I’d always wanted this: to have some prince swoop in and carry me off for a fairytale wedding. Except now, this fake version would mean I’d never have the real thing. I’d never meet someone who loved me. I’d be fake married...and alone forever.

I pulled the ring off and hurled it on the ground. Then the world dissolved behind a curtain of tears.

I stumbled down to the river’s edge and stood there, tears raining down into the water, for a long time. With the wind blowing in across the river it was bitterly cold. I let the freezing air blast me, hoping it would strip away the pain, but it didn’t. I shivered and sobbed until I was all cried out and at last I looked around...and saw a blurry, dark-suited figure.

I blinked away the last of my tears. Radimir was standing silently watching, and he looked like he’d been there for a while. I sniffed and lifted my head, looking him in the eye.

His icy confidence was gone for a moment. I’d seen him mad. I’d seen him burning up with lust. This was the first time I’d seen him humble.

His accent was still beautiful, but the edges of the words were extra rough with emotion. “Bronwyn, I’m sorry. I know this isn’t what you wanted. I know I’m not what you wanted.” He bent and picked up the ring. “But I promise I’ll always take care of you.” His eyes blazed. “And I’ll never let anyone hurt you.”

He held out the ring. Offering, this time, not demanding.

There was no choice.

I stepped forward and gave him my hand. He took it, his own hand gloriously warm, and slid the ring into place. It was different, this time. The ring felt heavier. My stomach flipped. I was his... forever.

He took my hand and pulled me close. “You’re freezing,” he told me. And he pulled me against his chest, wrapping his overcoat around us both. I let my face press against the warm curve of his pec, too shell-shocked to argue. An arm settled around my back, hugging me close. With his other hand, he brought out his phone and made a call. “Come pick us up,” he told someone. “I’ve got her.”

Moments later, a black Mercedes pulled up, its shiny paintwork out of place in the litter and muddy snow. As the men got out, Radimir introduced his brothers, both of whom looked at me suspiciously. Valentin, young and gorgeous in a romantic, intense kind of way. And Gennadiy, stubbled and broodingly handsome. Both of them were terrifying. And soon they were going to be family. How am I supposed to bond with them? They wanted to kill me. Only Radimir’s uncle, Mikhail, seemed warm and friendly. He was older, smiled a lot, and told me to call him Misha.

Gennadiy looked at me and muttered something in Russian to Radimir.

Radimir glared at him. “Be polite,” he said tightly. “Speak English.”

Gennadiy gave a gracious nod, but I noticed Radimir didn’t translate what he’d said for me.

“So what happens now?” I asked nervously. “We find a courthouse?”

“It has to look real,” Radimir told me. “We don’t want anyone asking questions.” He was back to cold, clinical efficiency and my heart sank. This is how it will be? Forever? “The wedding will be in three weeks,” he said.

Gennadiy nodded. “You should bring her this afternoon. It’s important that she's seen.”

What’s this afternoon?

Radimir told the others that we’d need the car, and they obediently headed off to get a cab. He opened the passenger door for me, but I hung back, watching Gennadiy walk away. “What did your brother say when he spoke Russian?”

Radimir’s jaw tightened. “It’s not important.” He gestured towards the car.

But I stayed where I was. “Please.”

He scowled at me. Then, when he saw I wasn’t going to give in, he sighed. “He said...that you wouldn’t survive in our world.”

That hurt, even if Gennadiy was probably right. But Radimir looked pissed, and that warmed me a little. I climbed into the car and Radimir slammed my door and climbed in beside me.

“What’s this afternoon?” I asked. “This event I’m going to be seen at?”

Radimir started the engine. “A funeral.”