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“Da.”

“One of our shipments just got busted at the dock,” comes Viktor’s voice, filled with urgency.

I exhale through my nose. “I’m on my way.”

I end the call and look back at Rosie. She’s standing there with her arms wrapped around herself, eyes wide.

“We’ll continue this conversation when I get back,” I tell her. “Don’t even think about trying to sneak out of the property. My men will hunt you down if you do… and just so you know, I have dogs and I'm having them released. They aren’t friendly.”

I see the fresh fear flash across her face, the way her breath catches.

Good.

I turn toward the door, pausing with my hand on the handle.

“Rosie.”

She looks up at me.

“You’re not leaving. Neither is she. Better get used to it.”

Chapter Eleven

Rosie

I stand quietly in the corner of the bridal suite, watching the makeup artist put the final touches on Mabel’s face.

My best friend looks absolutely radiant. The soft golden light filtering through the windows makes her glow, and the delicate wedding makeup only enhances her natural beauty. She really does look like a bride straight out of a fairytale.

Once the artist steps back and admires her work, Mabel smiles sweetly and says, “Could you give us a few minutes alone, please?”

The woman nods and slips out, leaving just the two of us. The rest of the bridesmaids are getting their hair and makeup done in the other room, so for the first time since I arrived, it’s quiet enough to actually talk.

I haven’t had a real conversation with Mabel since yesterday. Last night I only sent a quick text saying I was still in New York and that I’d explain everything later. My emotions had been all over the place.

“You look stunning,” I murmur.

Mabel turns to me. “Thanks.”

She inhales deeply. “Don't get me wrong, I’m so happy to have my maid of honor back but… aren’t you supposed to be in New Jersey right now? What are you doing here?”

I take a deep breath. “Andrei found us before we could even board the plane. He forced us off.”

Mabel’s perfectly lined eyes widen. “What? How did he even know where to find you?”

“I have no idea,” I admit, shaking my head. “Maybe one of his men followed us. I kept looking around the whole time and never spotted anyone, but… he still showed up.”

Mabel leans forward slightly. “So he saw Anya?”

“Yeah.” I sigh heavily. “The second he laid eyes on her, he knew.”

“She looks exactly like him. His little replica.” Mabel’s expression turns worried. “So… what now?”

I force a small smile and reach for her hand. “Today is your wedding day, Mabel. Nothing else matters. You need to focus on being the most beautiful bride and enjoying every single second of it.”

She presses her lips together, clearly wanting to argue, but finally nods.

I squeeze her fingers gently. “I’m so happy for you.”