Page 37 of Lord of Passion

Opening the door, I find Vasilisa holding my makeup case in one hand and a garment bag in the other. My luggage is set tidily next to her.

I open the door wider so that she can step in. "Did Nikandr send you because you are the only other life form with ovaries in this crowd?"

"Da,"she agrees drily. "So, we can share the joy of the most exciting moment of a woman's life."

There's a second or two as we stare at each other before we bothhowlwith laughter.

"Thank you, I needed that," I wheeze, holding my stomach.

"Come, take a look at the dresses," she says, all business again. "I selected them myself. You should have seen the ridiculousoutfits the personal shopper sent over." Her perfectly shaped nose wrinkles as if someone just waved a dirty diaper under it."Pastels."

"Oh, really?" I ask, "Lilac probably, orpeach."I shudder.

"You are correct," she says. "I thought you might like this one." She pulls a dress out of the bag, a beautiful cream silk one, sleeveless, cut just above the knee with a slight slit up the right thigh. A dress you might wear for a fun night out. I hold it up, eyeing it carefully. The neck is low, but not too low. There are even heels to go with it, nude-colored ones with the distinctive red sole.

"Thank you, this will work," I say gratefully.

"Why don't you change?" Vasilisa suggests. "I will not giggle or exchange confidences but I can zip you up."

"That's fair," I agree.

I only have my diamond stud earrings that my mother gave me before she passed away. They will have to do. I leave my hair down, and do simple makeup, swoopy eyeliner and mascara, pale pink lipstick.

"You look lovely," she says, eyeing me in a way that makes me think she bats for our side.

I want to ask her about Nikandr. If he's really the bastard I think he is. If he's going to be a completely crap husband. I also know she is a consummate professional and would rather stab me than offer any sensitive information.

"Thank you, Vasilisa," I say. "Your no-nonsense energy was just what I needed."

"Always happy to help in a way that is completely indifferent to your situation," she nods, opening the door.

Taking a deep breath, I walk out into the enormous living room. Of course, Nikandr had to have the biggest and most stately suite in the hotel. Along with four magnificent bedrooms, the main room extends out to the tower section of the building, with a 360-degree view of Moscow. On the balcony, there's an infinity pool flowing out to the city skyline, surrounded by graceful statues and pots of flowers.

Alexsey and Nikandr are sitting on the couches grouped in a corner of the room, going over some papers together. They're seated in front of a bank of windows, enormous Gothic style ones, adorned with stained glass in intricate patterns. Their heads bent, quietly discussing something about counterfeits, the only word I could catch.

Alexsey looks up with a warm smile. "What a beautiful bride!" He heads over, letting me slap him on the chest as hard as I can, which essentially hurt my hand and did nothing to him. "What?" he inquires solicitously. "Too soon to bring up the 'B word?"

"Not unless the word is bully. Can we talk?" I ask sharply.

Nikandr rises with a sigh. "I have a couple of details to attend to," he says. "I'll give you some space."

As soon as the door shuts, I pounce on Alexsey. "What the actual fuck is happening here?" The words tumble out in a hiss. "I'm getting married because we might've hurt the Moscow Six'sfeelings?"

He smiles at me with some sympathy, making me sit down at the dining table and handing me a plate with a raspberrypirozhki. The long table iscoveredwith snacks. There's a lovely tea service with an elaborate samovar, and platters of cream cheeseblinis,vatrushka, and an entiremedovik, honey cake with a dozen delicate layers brushed with condensed milk frosting. "I couldn't find any Cheetos on such short notice," he says apologetically.

"That's so thoughtful, but I can't," I say, eyeing the pastry longingly, like it's my lover returning home from the war. "That's gonna get all over my dress. I'll save it for later."

"I'll have them send you a fresh batch after the ceremony," he says sympathetically, taking the plate back. "Did you talk to Liria?"

"I couldn't reach her," I admit, slumping back in my chair.

"She might already be at the symphony hall," he says. "You know how she likes to focus." Alexsey sits next to me, eyeing my shell-shocked expression kindly. "Ask me whatever you want."

"Is this shit for real?" I say bluntly. "Do I really have to do this?"

"Yes," he says simply.

"But- but-" My hands wave around like I'm conducting the'Oh, man I'm so screwed'symphony. "It's just for a while, right? I mean, this isn't arealmarriage."