28

Tiana

I’m stunned out of my mind as I stare at the glass of water Alek ordered for me.

It was that easy? How? I expected so much worse.

Still, I was a second away from wetting myself. All those powerful men in one room terrified the living hell out of me.

I’m free to marry Armani.

Guilt rears up because not once while I begged Mr. Vetrov did I consider how Armani feels about the arrangement. If Mr. Vetrov had given me to Karlin, Armani would’ve been freed from his promise.

But this once, I had to be selfish. I took Misha’s advice and thought of myself.

I’m sorry, Armani. I promise to be a perfect wife. Maybe you can learn to love me with time.

“That’s it?” Aurora asks. “Viktor just gave his blessing?”

“Viktor doesn’t fuck around,” Alek mutters before popping a piece of crispy bacon into his mouth.

“Yeah, Mr. Vetrov got right to the point. I had braced myself for the men to shout and fight.”

Aurora’s eyes scan my face. “It’s good news, right? You’re happy?” Still stuck in a daze, I nod. “Very happy.”

She reaches across the table and gives my hand a squeeze. “Armani is a good man.”

I nod again. “I’m lucky.”

“Did Viktor say when the wedding will be?” she asks.

Alek lets out a chuckle. “You don’t have a lot of time to plan the wedding. Viktor will want the two of you married as soon as possible.”

My eyes dart to Alek, and I lean forward. “How long do I have? A week? Two weeks?”

He shakes his head. “A week at most.”

Jesus.

How the hell do I plan a wedding in a week?

“You’re stressing her out,” Aurora chastises Alek. “Viktor gave Misha and me three months. I’m sure he’ll do the same for you.”

Just then, Misha and Armani enter the dining hall. I jump up from my chair and rush toward them.

“Did everything go okay? What happened after I left?”

“Just bratva business,” Misha answers, then he smiles at me. “Congratulations on your engagement, my little sister.”

Hearing the words from Misha hits like a ten-pound hammer. My eyes dart to Armani’s face, and I try to read his reaction.

Is he happy? Is this a burden he’ll see through because he made a promise?

Clearing my throat, I look at Misha again. “Thank you for choosing a good man for me.”

Misha pulls me into a hug. “He’ll make you happy, Tiana. All I want for you is to have the life you’ve always wanted. No one deserves it more than you.”

Tears well in my eyes. “Thank you for always looking out for me. I love you.”

“Love you too.” He presses a kiss to my temple, then pulls back. “You’re going home with Armani. Okay?”

I nod quickly, and knowing it’s expected of me, I move closer to Armani to stand by his side.

“Oh, all my belongings are still in Russia,” I think to mention. “We’ll go get everything before going to Venice,” Armani answers. “I just want a moment alone with Tiana,” Misha says.

When Armani nods, Misha takes my hand and pulls me out of the castle. Even though the sun is shining brightly, it’s chilly outside.

My brother turns and looks at me with love. “Are you ready for this?”

I nod. “I have to get married at some point. Armani seems to be a good man.”

Misha’s eyebrows draw together, and his eyes lock with mine. “I only want the best for you. We’ve been through hell together.”

I press my lips against each other as emotion wells in my chest. My eyes sting with tears as I whisper, “Thank you for being the best brother ever. I wouldn’t have survived without you.”

His features soften as he pulls me into a hug. “I’ll always watch over you.”

I nod as I hold him, knowing our lives are heading in different directions.

After the emotional moment we just shared, Misha pulls away and brushes a hand over my hair. “Go live the life you’ve always wanted.”

A smile wavers around my lips, and walking back into the castle, I go to the man I’ll spend the rest of my life with.

Armani’s eyes land on me, and he rises from where he sits with Aurora and Alek.

“I’m taking my wife so we can enjoy the last of our honeymoon,” Misha says.

I quickly hug Aurora and whisper, “Thank you for letting Misha come.”

“We’ll always be there for you, Tiana,” she replies.

Before they leave, Armani announces, “We’re leaving for Venice. I’ll be in touch.”

I watch as the men shake hands before I give Alek a hug.

“See you at the wedding, T,” he murmurs, giving me a playful wink. “Can’t wait.” I keep a smile around my lips, but it wavers when I watch

Misha and Aurora leave the dining hall.

That’s it. I now belong to Armani.

My heart jumps in my chest before speeding up. Armani takes hold of my hand, and tingles spread up my arm. When we walk to his suite, I’m overly aware of the man next to me.

The man, who likes to wake up early, prefers coffee, and likes home- cooked meals.

The enforcer, who has an eerie control over his temper and emotions. My soon-to-be husband.

Entering his suite, Armani tugs me to stand in front of him. His eyes lock with mine, and it feels like he’s searching my soul for something.

“Do you feel better?”

I nod quickly, then point to the bedroom. “Should I pack your belongings?”

He shakes his head, and lifting his hand to cup my cheek, his expression turns tender. “We’re engaged, bella. That doesn’t mean you’re my slave.”

With our eyes locked, he begins to lean down. My heart jumps to my throat, and I stop breathing. It feels like all my blood rushes to my head.

Ever so softly, Armani presses his lips to mine. Even though it’s only for a moment, the kiss scrambles my thoughts and leaves me completely breathless.

It’s so intense my stomach erupts in a kaleidoscope of butterflies, and I swear it feels like the sun is shining in the room. Everything is bright and warm.

Lifting his head, a smile plays around his mouth. “La mia bellissima fidanzata.”

Before I can ask what it means, he translates, “My beautiful fiancée.” His hand moves to rest at the back of my neck. “I thought I’d get the first kiss out of the way so you’ll feel more comfortable with me. Once we’re home, I’ll give you an engagement ring.”

This man is so sweet.

“I feel comfortable with you. Thank you for all the effort you’re making.” Unable to be selfish any longer, I ask, “Are you okay with the arrangement?”

He pulls his hand away from me as he nods. “Yes.” I notice a flash of worry in his eyes, then he adds, “We’ll take our time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Is he asking me to be patient with him?

I can do that. I’ll give him as much time and space as he needs.

My lips curve up in an empathetic smile. “Yes, there’s no rush. We have a lifetime to get to know each other.”

He presses a kiss to my forehead, then walks toward the bedroom. “As soon as I’m done packing, we’re leaving.”

I follow him to the walk-in closet and insist, “Let me help. I’ll feel awkward just standing around while you pack.”

This time, Armani nods, and as we get to work, the atmosphere between us feels different. I can’t place what the change is and assume it’s because we’re engaged, and Armani needs time to adjust to it.