Page 80 of Shutter and Sin
I laugh at the absurdity of it. “You know what? I don’t even think you can end it at this point. Except maybe by suicide. Let that sink in for a moment. That would definitely hurt you and him, but especially you.”
Her eyes widen as she looks at me.
“You started this,” I continue. “You allowed him to fall in love with you. You fucked him, and played with him, and now you have to deal with the consequences of your actions.”
“Alexei…”
“You think you can just walk away? You think he’ll let you?” I shake my head at her. “That man just beat someone bloody and pulled a gun at my wedding. All that for a dance. What do you think he’ll do if you try to leave him?”
She stays quiet, the weight of the situation finally hitting her. “So here’s your choice. Marry him eventually and live, or try to leave and see what happens. Either way, it’s your problem.” I move toward the door but stop for a second. “Anyway, clean up and fix your lipstick. I don’t want Zoya worrying. Today is not the day for your relationship drama.”
“Alexei…”
“Take your relationship problems out of my wedding. That is not my business.” I look at her one last time before leaving. “But for what it’s worth? You should probably just marry him. It’ll be easier for everyone.”
This is going to be a disaster.
Back in the reception hall, Taras stands at the microphone with a wine glass in his hand, looking shy and uncomfortable. His voice isn’t loud, but everyone quiets down to listen. He’s my only cousin, and with no brother of my own, the tradition of the toast falls on him.
“I’ve known Alexei my whole life,” Taras begins quietly. “He’s more than my cousin. He’s my brother. My family.” He pauses to take a breath. “And in the four days I’ve met Zoya, I can see why he chose her. She’s kind, she’s strong, and she’s perfect for him.”
His eyes stay fixed on a figure in the crowd. “I hope,” Taras continues, “that they have a long, healthy, and happy marriage. That they find the kind of love that makes everything worth it.”
He raises his glass. “To Alexei and Zoya.”
“To Alexei and Zoya!” the crowd echoes back.
Everyone drinks, cheers, and applauds. I pull Zoya close and kiss her again, and she laughs against my mouth while wrapping her arms around my neck. The night goes on with more dancing, more singing, and more champagne. Through it all, I keep my wife close with my hand in hers and my eyes on her, ensuring she’s happy and smiling.
Chapter 25
Alexei
Three Months After
I love my wife. I really do. But sometimes she makes decisions that affect both our lives, and not in a good way.
Exhibit One: Portugal.
Why? Because that’s the destination of our honeymoon. I humored her and agreed because, of course, she "owns me" and can do with me whatever she pleases.
Exhibit Two: The bikini.
I’m not one of those men who says, “Yeah, my wife can be butt-naked on the street, and I wouldn’t mind as long as she comes home to me.” Fuck that. I’m pissed. She looks too good, and I can’t stop staring.
Exhibit Three: The argument.
Before we even hit the sand, we had a fight that lasted exactly three minutes. It ended quickly when she told me, quite firmly, to go fuck myself because she’s a grown adult. I would have preferred a wetsuit, but suggesting that was enough to get me chewed out for the entire week leading up to this trip.
The things I do for love. I’m going to need to work on this attitude soon.
We arrive at the beach, and I walk around to open her door. She hops out with a smile and takes my hand. I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately, but she’s been clingy. I suspect it’s the ovulation talking. I don’t mind. When she’s like this, she can bang the skin off my dick.
We walk hand in hand as I unload the bags for Exhibit Number Four: A public beach.
“Come on, hurry up. It’s gonna be dark soon,” my lovely wife drawls, pulling me toward the sea.
I chuckle, letting her drag me. “Be careful. I don’t trust these beach floors.”
