by Raven Rivers
Upon entering the church, they were met by an older priest. The long dirty grey beard dripping down his chest seemed a sharp contrast to his neat robe. The smell of incense hung heavy in the air and dozens of candles cast a warm glow over the main sanctuary. Pews were placed in the familiar pattern, running neatly down each side of the nave. A huge ornate cross hung on the massive wall behind the pulpit. It made the situation so real, and a shiver ran down her spine.
The priest eyed them all suspiciously. If he thought her coerced into this union, he said not a word. Valisy led her to a small alter, they lit a candle together, and began to pray. Was he normally so devout, or simply going through the motions? What did mobsters pray for? She had more questions than answers at this point. Bethany intentionally locked her jaw to keep from spilling them out at what was obviously the wrong time.
Timur arrived with yet more men. The wide-eyed males filled the first couple of rows, waiting patiently for the ceremony to begin. A well-dressed balding man with a briefcase crept in. His appearance screamed shifty lawyer. Bethany watched out of the corner of her eye as Timur rose to greet him. The whole situation had taken on a surreal quality for her. It felt like watching a movie unfold that had nothing to do with her personally.
Valisy pulled her to her feet, and propelled her over to the two men with one gentle hand on the small of her back. Timur rushed them through the paperwork. He obviously felt she was at risk for changing her mind. Bethany realized the attorney had brought all the necessary paperwork already readied. It made her wonder if Timur had been planning this for a while, or if he did it so often, they kept such paperwork at the ready. Either way, it was disturbing on several levels. She took the pen after Valisy signed, and scribbled her signature with a shaky hand.
The ceremony flew by in a blur. One moment they were signing, the next they were in front of the priest, then she was murmuring vows as Valisy slid an ornate gold band onto her ring finger. She stared down at the ring and touched it reverently. It seemed somehow thicker and more durable than other rings she had seen, the instrument to bind her to this man. Wearing a mysterious ring from a complete stranger seemed symbolic of the relationship they were forging.
Chapter 6
Everything Gold
~ Bethany ~
His deep baritone voice resonated in the enclosed vehicle. “Do you like the ring? My grandfather made it.”
Looking down at the ring, she saw it with new eyes. He’d given her a family heirloom.
“Your grandfather made it?”
“He was a jeweler by trade. My grandmother wore it, and then my mother. It is a ring befitting a lady. I did not wish you to be embarrassed by the symbol of our new union.”
Valisy’s eyes held hers. He was opening himself to her. Her heart thawed a little for the awkward man. Reaching out to rest her hand upon his, she soothed his worries. “I think it’s the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’ve ever seen. Thank you for trusting me to wear it. I promise to keep it safe and return it unharmed.”
Bethany noticed him look away. Under his stoic expression, his feelings ran deep. She could somehow sense how vulnerable he was emotionally. That realization endeared him to her a little.
She whispered, “I also want to thank you for opening up to me a little. You were strong for me when I needed you the most.”
His eyes suddenly looked moist. “Let it always be so between us, my Bethany.”
He handed her a rolled-up piece of parchment. She carefully unrolled it to find the most beautiful marriage certificate she had ever seen. All the words were penned neatly in Cyrillic script. The edging was a wide border of gold leaf offset by a thick floral design.
“It’s breathtakingly beautiful.”
“Hopefully, it makes up for lack of such with your marital partner.”
Bethany teased, “Don’t sell yourself short, big guy.”
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Timur has insisted upon taking us to dinner, in celebration. We will have a formal reception in the near future. This is just a small gesture of goodwill. Will you agree to come?”
Bethany couldn’t help but wonder if declining the invitation was a real possibility. Everything with the old Russian seemed more like a command than a request. “If I were to decline, wouldn’t that be embarrassing for you?”
“Humiliating is the word to describe it properly. It would be the strongest insult you could give me, short of throwing the ring in my face or tearing up our marriage license in front of others. It would communicate you have rejected me both immediately and completely.
Bethany began to feel agitated. “Look, big guy. No one’s rejecting anyone tonight. Let’s just get that straight. We don’t even know each other, so let’s save the rejecting for when we at least know what we’re rejecting.”
The tight lines around his eyes relaxed an infinitesimal amount.
“Oh my god, you really expected me to refuse, didn’t you?”
“I hoped you wouldn’t, but feared you might.” For once, his voice betrayed his emotions.
Bethany leaned forward and gently touched his cheek. “Don’t ever think you’re not good enough, in any situation, ever again. I forbid it.”
She heard a slight snort of amusement from him as he pulled her closer. He tilted her face up gently until she looked up at him. “You are a demanding little female. Don’t think to get used to giving orders in our marriage. I won’t stand for it.”
Bethany could tell by his slightly amused expression he was joking around with her.
She quipped, “I always wondered what Russian humor looked like. Now I know.”
Valisy looked like he was about to sneak a kiss, then in an instant, thought better of it. His eyes strayed to her lips and he we watched intently as she bit her bottom lip. Bethany felt her face heat as all kinds of wildly inappropriate images flew through her mind. Images of her on his gorgeous body, rocking to orgasm, wouldn’t go away. His eyes lifted to hers and it was as if he could tell exactly what she’d been thinking. She panicked a little in his arms, and tried to pull away.
He tilted his head slightly. “You never have to worry about me forcing myself on you, beautiful. No man wants to think his wife is repulsed by him. I make you this promise. I will hold myself back from intimacy with you until you come to me. When you ask nicely, I will ensure you never regret that decision.”
Maybe he didn’t know what she was thinking after all. In a way, it was a relief, but not if he was under the mistaken impression she was afraid of him. Bethany knew deep down in her soul, at that exact moment, she didn’t stand a chance against the big Russian. His need to be desired and his willingness to wait for her to get to know him was a precious gift. She could feel herself slowly getting reeled in by him.
There was a lot to like about Valisy. His voice was liquid gold and his accent was sexy as hell. She could listen to him talk all day long. What was it about his deep voice she found so soothing? She had many Russian friends. Hearing them speak had never affected her this way. She seemed to have no innate defenses against his masculine charm.
She glanced up to find they were pulling into a posh Russian restaurant. She kept the book for this lucrative business.
She murmured, “Timur’s place. I should have guessed.”
He replied, “He feels comfortable in his own establishments. This, I believe you know, Miss Bethany.”
“He also owns three nightclubs, a garage, an internet café, and a gym, I believe. I suppose I should get used to frequenting them all.”
“He owns a great deal more than that, but as you have just very succinctly pointed out, these are his legitimate business endeavors. You will not be expected to concern yourself with any other business concerns. In that regard, nothing changes because you are now my wife. You can trust me to ensure you are not exposed to anything unsavory.”
“Thank you for doing me the honor of being honest. Trust is important to me.”
“Honesty is important to me
as well, as is discretion. Can I count on you to keep information I tell you confidential?”
“Don’t tell me anything about harming others, particularly women and children. That would put me in a bind. Anything else I consider part of your professional life. Wives do not typically talk indiscriminately about their husband’s business dealings.” Her stomach immediately clinched in an almost painful knot. The thought of betraying him made her nauseous. She hoped the DEA stayed the hell away from her.
His eyes narrowed on her. He opened his mouth to speak, but they were interrupted. Someone pulled the door open, and assisted her out of the vehicle. Valisy climbed out, tucked her protectively to his side, and walked her into the restaurant. An employee came up immediately and escorted them to a table. Timur and about eight other men were already present. Bethany wondered if any of them were married. Valisy pulled out a chair for her and slid into the seat directly beside her.
Timur’s pleasure was written all over his face in his own reserved way. It was when he spoke that she knew he was positively glowing with happiness. “Welcome, Bethany. Valisy, I must say, the two of you make a good-looking couple. Come, let us toast to your health and new marriage.”
There were several circular clear glass containers with shots of vodka on ice. It was the restaurant’s specialty. Valisy reached out, picked up a shot with gold flecks floating in it, and held it up to her lips.
“It is my favorite. Usually we drink it down in one long gulp. Tonight, you and I will share.”
Bethany allowed him to tip a small amount of the ice cold liquid into her mouth. It went down smoothly.
“Does everything in your life come laced with gold?”
The big Russian laughed. “You are funny and beautiful. Do you know why the gold is added?”
Bethany shook her head. She had always wondered about that.
“Some say the gold makes tiny lacerations along the drinker’s esophagus, enabling the alcohol to be absorbed straight into the bloodstream.”
Everyone burst into spirited conversation about that particular old wives’ tale. She could hear some of the men swearing it was true, others though it improbable, while a couple insisted it was absurd. They were speaking a mixture of English and Russian. Valisy smiled, and brought another drink to her lips, before finishing off the shot himself. It was both sexy and intimate. She liked his style.
Somehow, people knew they were married. Several came to their table to congratulate them. The closer attention Bethany paid, the more she realized she was getting both curious and hateful looks from other females in the room. She glanced over at Valisy. His attention was squarely on her. If she had to guess, she would say his look was both possessive and adoring. He murmured something to the server in Russian, placing an order for them to share.
Bethany would have normally been insulted. The big guy would need to stop doing that if they ended up together. However, this time an indulgent smile flashed onto her face. Tonight, he could see how thoroughly overwhelmed she was. She had already experienced a mini-breakdown. Though the big Russian didn’t know the half of it, she was certain he was running on some sort of protective instinct at this point. As she sat staring up at him, she realized he had a very dominant personality. She kind of liked that in a man.
Timur and his men spoke with the casual grace of good friends. Valisy didn’t care for the other males talking to her. She didn’t know how she knew this, but she did. Perhaps it was because he intervened at times when they asked her questions, and moved his chair closer. It felt more protective than controlling. It made her wonder if it was a good idea to be on friendly terms with the boisterous crew.
By the time their food came, Bethany was definitely feeling the effects of the alcohol. Valisy murmured, “Have some warm food. It will keep you from getting sick to your stomach.”
Bethany took the bite he offered gratefully. “I’m sorry, I don’t usually drink.”
“Don’t apologize for being respectable. It’s one of my favorite qualities in a woman.”
She could tell he was teasing her. It felt nice and fun. She picked up the fork and fed him a bite as she asked, “So, what are your best qualities?”
He smiled as slight embarrassment flashed briefly across his face. “I am not entirely certain I have any.”
“How about that nice smile? You don’t use it much, but when you do…well, let’s just say it’s amazing.”
Valisy propped his elbow on the table, and rested his chin on his fist. His lopsided smile told her he didn’t think that was quite true. “So I have an amazing smile, do I?”
Bethany responded warmly. “It’s true. Just so you know, that smile transforms you from attractive to super sexy.”
“That is, as you Americans say, pig shit.”
“The term you are looking for is bull…well, never mind. If you like, we can take a vote. I’ll ask every single woman in this restaurant.”
“I think not, my dear.”
“Then you agree?”
“Of course not. I believe it is the alcohol talking.”
“Will you dance with me?
“Are you eager to be in my arms again so soon?”
“Maybe, but only if you promise to smile.”
“I am finding it hard not to smile around you.”
Once they were on the dance floor, Valisy pulled her into a warm embrace. “You are taking this whole situation in stride. Most women would be freaking out.”
“Life’s short, I’m flexible, and you’re kind of cute.”
“It is really that easy for you?”
“I normally roll with the punches in life. All the people in my family map their life out in advance. They like knowing what to expect. They eat the exact same foods at the exact same restaurants every single time they go out. Vacations are always scheduled in advance at the same resorts.”
“Sounds a bit boring.”
“I’m the opposite. I rarely plan anything in advance, and I’m normally very open to new experiences. Unexpected equals fear for some people. For me, it equals excitement. Though this isn’t a situation I would have chosen for myself, that doesn’t necessarily mean won’t like it. I don’t think you’re a serial killer or anything like that. I have a good gut feeling about you. So how about you? I’m sure you didn’t see this coming. How are you coping?”
Valisy couldn’t keep the pleased smile off his face. “I find it difficult to be alone. It wears on a man after a while. My sincere wish is that we get to know each other, and you find some redeeming value in having me as a husband.”
Bethany realized the dance had ended and he was carefully guiding her back to their table. “You’re very articulate, do you know that?”
He teased, “You mean for a goon who does most of his talking with a gun.”
Her head snapped up to look him in the eyes. She was actually angry.
He quickly added, “That joke was directed more at me than you.”
“That’s precisely why I don’t care for it.”
His laugh was deep and masculine. When Valisy looked down, she found herself looking intently at his lips. He must have recognized it as an invitation, because he dipped his head and captured her lips. She startled at the bold move, but didn’t pull away. Bethany ran her hands up his arms, and sifted her fingers through his hair. Valisy made a little noise in the back of his throat, kind of like a growl. She realized if they didn’t stop, she was going to be naked in his lap before she could even get turned around.
Valisy pulled back, and touched his forehead to hers. “Sorry about that. I meant to wait, but there was something in your eyes that told me you wanted to be kissed.”
She smiled her approval and murmured, “If you are capable of reading minds, it’s going to be an interesting night.”
“Stop with the flirting. Haven’t you heard? I’m a dangerous mobster?”
“Mobsters have a short shelf life. Guess I should enjoy you while I can.”
A familiar voice broke
into their conversation. “No doubt that’s true, Miss Bethany. Is it too soon to expect a thank you?”
Bethany turned in Valisy’s arms and realized they were standing near their table. Several startled faces were looking at them intently, including Timur.
Clearing her throat, she answered the smug man. “Just a little early for that. If it works out for us, I’m bringing all my girlfriends to you. You can find them all gorgeous husbands.”
“So, you think my Valisy is gorgeous?”
Valisy interjected lightheartedly as he pulled out her seat. “Apparently, it’s only when I smile.”
Timur stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I don’t think I ever thought of Valisy as gorgeous. I will have to mull that one over.”
Suddenly, the gorgeous one was pressing her into her seat and lifting another ice cold vodka to her lips. It was fantastic. “How many of those have I had tonight?”
Valisy’s voice was amused. “Enough to make me attractive in your eyes. I really should take a case for the road. I’m afraid you are going to be very disappointed when you wake tomorrow and discover I’m nothing like you remember.”
Bethany’s hand covered his and took the vodka shot from him. She brought the shot to his lips and whispered seductively, “Well, if that proves to be the case, you still have some sweet lips.”
Valisy almost choked on his vodka as he stared down at her in surprise. “Women have sweet lips. Men have bold, ravishing kisses.”
“I may have to test drive those lips again, just to be sure.”
Taking the tiny glass from her hand, he brought another sip of vodka to her lips.
She teased, “Are you trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me? If so, it’s a fabulous plan.”
Valisy burst out laughing, as did several others. Timur rumbled, “Little Bethany, you are like a breath of fresh air. I never met a woman who was so open to us before.”
Bethany could hear some buzzing in her ears. Timur’s words were like so much background noise. She didn’t have the interest or the energy to decipher his words. He could have been explaining how he was going to take over the city or kill her and sell all her body parts on the black market for all she knew.
