Page 78 of Savage Truce

“Yes. We only tied the knot eight months ago, but we dated for three years before that.” Pouring tea into my cup, she leans closer. “He told me how sweet you are, so I’ve been dying to meet you.”

“That’s so nice of him to say.” I take a moment to drink my tea before I glance at the other two women and smile at them.

“I’m Galina,” the one who invited me to join her sewing group introduces herself, then she places her hand on the other woman’s arm. “And this is my dear friend, Vera.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“I have to ask,” Vera says. “Did you go to school to learn sewing?”

“I took some classes, but I had a wonderful teacher while I worked at a theater in England.”

Their eyes widen with interest. “We love the theater! You should come with us to a showing of the Nutcracker this Christmas. We never miss it.”

Missing the theater world, I don’t hesitate to reply, “I’d love to.”

I turn my attention back to Katya and ask, “Do you have any hobbies?”

“Besides working on my husband’s last nerve, no.” She lets out a chuckle, then waves. “Speaking of the devil.”

I follow her line of sight and see Sergei looking into the room, and as soon as his eyes fall on me, he nods before disappearing back to where he came from.

“Hmph. He didn’t even glance at me,” Katya complains.

“Take it easy on my cousin,” Galina mutters. “He’s working.”

“Oh, the two of you are family?” I ask as I glance between them.

“We’re cousins-in-law,” Katya explains, then she gestures at Vera. “And we’re sisters.”

“The Bratva consists of a tight-knit group,” Galina informs me. “Outsiders don’t understand our world.”

Marina comes back to get me, and excusing myself, I once again do my rounds, trying to memorize as much as possible about the women I’m meeting.

By the time the guests start leaving, I’m dead on my feet and regret choosing to wear high heels.

Katya hangs back to ask, “If you’re not busy next week, would you like to go out for lunch? I know a cute bistro that serves the freshest baked bread you’ll ever taste. It’s to die for.”

“Anastasia will check her schedule and let you know,” Marina answers for me, which makes me frown.

Shaking my head, I say, “I don’t need to check anything. I’d love to have lunch with you. Send me the day and time, and I’ll be there.”

“Great!”

As Katya walks to the front door, Marina mutters, “You said yes too quickly. Telling them you have to check your schedule shows them you’re busy as the pakhan’s wife and your time is valuable.”

I’m so over the lessons for today and just nod and smile, but as soon as she’s done, I say, “With that done, I’m taking a well-deserved break. Thank you for all your help. I really appreciate it.”

Pulling my shoes off in the foyer, I go barefoot up the stairs so I can soak in a long hot bath.

Rodian

Done checking the final crate, I order, “Pack everything and get the trucks on the road.” I pull my phone out as I walk to the exit of the warehouse and dial Constantin’s number.

It almost goes to voicemail before he answers, “Dragomir.”

“It’s Rodian. I’m calling to let you know Atanas’ shipment is en route to you.”

“My guy at the border will be ready. How’s my order coming along?”