Page 65 of Silken Chains
Suddenly, a bathrobe is thrown over me, a brief reprieve from the exposure. But before I can even tie the sash, I’m being pulled upstairs by two maids, each holding an arm, their grip firm.
“Get your hands off me!” I demand, my feet dragging against the plush carpet as I’m herded upstairs like cattle. “Fucking stop this madness!”
“Presentable for what?” The words stumble out, confusion and anger swirling as I turn my attention back to Ksenia. I press for answers as we ascend the grand staircase. “Answer me! For what?”
“For the Pakhan,” she says casually as she flips through dresses with the blond woman by her side. “You’re meeting our father tonight.”
The word “father” echoes in my head, mingling with the ominous title “Pakhan.”
Meaning… boss of bosses.
My mind races, trying to piece together this new, terrifying reality.
Yeah, I read enough mafia romance to learn the meaning of these words. Didn’t know it was educational! I think to myself, rolling my eyes.
And fantastic. Just how many fucking bogeymen am I scheduled to meet today?
“The wedding is in three days,” Ksenia announces coldly, a statement that sends my heart into a freefall. “And you have a lot to learn.”
“Okay, someone’s got to tell me what’s going on here. Please.” My plea is desperate, the situation spiraling beyond my grasp. “I didn’t think the wedding would be so soon!”
Crap! How did I end up here?
Ksenia strides over; she smells like power.
When she comes too close to me, I flinch.
“You’re not telling anyone about the contract you have with Victor,” she hisses close to my face. “Not a single soul, you understand?”
My eyes snap wide, and for a second, I can’t find the words. I purse my lips, trying to wrap my head around what she’s saying. “Yes, ma’am,” slips out.
Stepping back, Ksenia watches me silently before finally speaking up again. “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t know what my brother sees in you,” she sneers.
“Just try not to die before the contract is up.”
Chapter 24
Laura
PUSHED INTO the bathroom, the door bangs shut behind me.
Ksenia’s parting shot echoes in my head.
“I don’t know what my brother sees in you. Just try not to die before the contract is up.”
Leaning against the door, I let out a silent scoff.
“Trust me, Ksenia, the feeling’s mutual. I’ve no idea what your brother sees in me, either. And dying wasn’t on my to-do list today.” A snort breaks free as I consider the sibling connection.
“Great, so she’s Victor’s sister. Makes sense. They’re both drop-dead gorgeous and have the same kind, charming personality,” I huff quietly.
Wow.
The reality of my situation hits me like a bucket of ice water. Kidnapped, divorced, and now engaged to a mafia lord—all in the span of what, a day?
I shove my hair back from my face, fingers trembling slightly, trying to anchor myself to the moment.
Ew. My hair is a tangled thicket, infused with yesterday’s fear and turmoil. I haven’t had the chance to scrub away the remnants of yesterday’s chaos since I woke up in Eli’s room.
