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Alexander mulls over the thought. “We could fast track things a few weeks. The main concern would be the investment. Putting a rush on some of these things will be costly and the benefit I’m expected to get out of it—”
“The cost is of no concern to me,” Konstantin snaps.
Great. Glad we got that settled. Now that money isn’t a concern, maybe they can be concerned about the abduction and forced marriage.
I can’t even be bothered about that right now, though. Not with this cell phone of unknown origin burning a hole in my lap.
They ramble on, talking about wedding dates and optimal times for me to be impregnated, but I’m so distracted I can’t be as disgusted as I should be.
I need to get out of here.
I need to see what is on this phone.
I finish my salad in record time, shifting the phone towards the built-in pockets of my dress each time I reach down to wipe my fingers on the napkin. By the time the salad is gone, the phone is safely tucked away. The three glasses of water I chugged before the starters arrived are also sitting heavy in my bladder.
“Are there any hereditary conditions we should know about?” Konstantin asks. He looks at my mom, studying her. “Her mother looks fine enough, but what do you make of her father? Is he unwell? I don’t want to invite any disorders or diseases into our family line.”
Yes, what a shame it would be to tarnish their long history of sociopathy with a dose of sanity. Can’t have anyone with a conscience breaking into the fold.
“Our genes are strong enough that I’m not concerned.” Mikhail smirks. “Impregnating her won’t be a worry, but whether she can carry a Sokolov baby full term is. Sokolov mothers tend towards anemia. We suck our mothers dry, apparently.”
I want to throw up in my mouth. Maybe that’s what’s wrong with the entire family. They are all parasites. If I’m not careful, Mikhail will latch onto me.
Alexander laughs like Mikhail just said something funny. Like making a crack about how the women in the Sokolov family get ill and die while Alexander is actively marrying meintothat family isn’t cause for concern.
I guess, for him, it isn’t.
“We can schedule a physical if you need, but there has never been anything out of the ordinary with Cordelia’s health. Has there, Evaline?”
My mother shakes her head. “No. She’s healthy as a horse.”
“I can pee like one, too,” I interrupt.
It’s the first time I’ve spoken the entire meal. All eyes turn to me. My mother’s face is bright red and Alexander looks livid.
Apparently, a sense of humor is not a welcome quality in a bride. Ah, well, nevertheless. He told me to be on my best behavior. This is the best I’ve got.
“I need to use the restroom,” I correct, my voice meek and dainty. “If you could all excuse me.”
The phone sits against my thigh like a brick. I feel the weight of it bringing my skirt down on the right hip. I shift that side away from the table as I slide out of my chair and make for the door.
“Cordelia.” Konstantin Sokolov’s voice rings out across the dining room. “Stop. Turn around.”
My heart gallops uncomfortably in my chest, but I turn slowly.
Oh, fuck.
I chose wrong. This was a test and I failed it. What comes next? How bad will it hurt?
Four sets of venomous eyes are locked on me. I can feel sweat dripping down my spine.
“Yes?” I croak through a dry throat.
Konstantin’s eyes narrow. His gaze sweeps me up and down slowly. Finally, he turns back to Alexander. “She’s too thin. See to it that you fix this before she carries a Sokolov.”
Relief mingles with disgust as they all turn their attention back to the table and each other, looking away as though I don’t even exist.
It’s a good thing. It means I can slip out of this room and to the bathroom with the contraband in tow without being noticed.
