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The airport was even worse. Viktor directedeveryaspect. The hulking grizzly shepherded me through the security checkpoint, looming over me as if I were his possession. There were flashes of his darker side, his glacial gaze daring anyone to mess with him. It was probably all in my head, but it seemed like he was looking for trouble with all his calculating movements and his guard fully up. Not with me, though. Oh, no! I was like a precious, breakable nesting doll. Having him marshal me around was beyond obnoxious. I was used to asserting my own voice, and, having grown up in my family, it was something I’d learned young and practiced hard. However, with him, exerting my own independence was impossible!
The question I found myself repeatedly asking was why the hell did I invite him to the wedding? The answer was easy enough—because he’s gorgeous and successful, and he knew me well enough to play the part.I flexed my hands on the cushioned seats at the reminder that he thought this whole experience was going to be ‘fun.’
The descent had just started, and I popped my ears to adjust to the pressure change.
“Another red wine for the lady, please.” Viktor leaned over his seat and graced the flight attendant with a flash of his pearly whites.
I rolled my eyes. “Why don’t you run after her and join the mile high club?”
Viktor didn’t even bat an eye or look back at the attendant who was now sashaying her hips. “The prize is only satisfactory if it’s in proportion to the pleasures of the chase. What’s cheap isn’t worth having.”
“Well, I hope you plan to drink that wine. I don’t know if it’s such a good idea for me to down another.”
“You’re nervous about meeting your family.” Viktor swirled his vodka against the ice cubes.
“Tor! It’s not even noon,” I protested.
Viktor shot a dark brow up in challenge. “You stayed up until three in the morning to finish that merger contract. Consider this an extension of last night.”
With a snort, I opened another sleeve of water crackers. Along with the cheese, these were the only things keeping me awake. “You’re a bad influence, Viktor Something Markovich.”
His grin was wolfish. Devious and sinful.
“Here, ma’am.” The flight attendant handed me another red.
I accepted it. It wasn’t a bad vintage, but I didn’t feel like sipping it. I chugged.
“Easy there,” Viktor laughed. “Don’t choke.”
I inhaled deeply, setting the empty glass down. “Even after I tried to warn you off last night, you’re not worried about what kind of a shit show you’ve signed up for?”
“Nope.”
“I lured you into a lion’s den,” I confessed, letting my unease and doubt show. It was either that or risk him being shocked enough to show our hand.
Viktor arched a brow as he pinned me with a look. It made me want to squirm. “I’m the king of the fucking pride, babe. Now quit worrying.”
“I wasn’t worried,” I grumble.
“Of course not.” He waggled his brows conspiratorially. “With Sophia’s help, I know who will be there. I have enough details to make polite conversation, and my table manners are excellent. I assure you, I’m well prepared.”
A flicker of guilt over my ramble last night about needing to give him a crash course in manners shifted through me. “I’m sorry I was a bitch about the etiquette lesson.”
Viktor waved his hand. “You’re under a lot of pressure. Think of me as the one who’s going to make it easier.”
I narrowed my eyes. “And the other shoe is?”
“You’ll figure it out, suits. I have faith in your smarts.” Viktor leaned over my seat. The playful edge slid away, and in its place was a look of sheer hunger.A beast....
Heat invaded every fiber of my body as his dark gaze pinned me to my seat. Long suppressed desire bloomed, and my inner femme fatale begged to take advantage of the situation I’d created.
A chime sounded and the seat belt sign turned on, breaking the tension. Viktor pulled back, suddenly all business, and any traces of the predator backed away into his cage of flesh. I busied myself by clearing the remains of my snack, putting my lap table away, and sliding my compact from my handbag to touch up my makeup. It had been a few weeks since I’d seen my family for the obligatory graduation ceremony back in May. At least they’d only been there for the Harvard functions and didn’t try to stay for another awkward family dinner, saying we’d celebrate further in the Caribbean. Ha! As if any other accomplishment would be allowed to overshadow my sister’s wedding.
The careful shading of highlight and bronzer would hopefully detour any immediate comments on how thin my mother thought I was getting. I turned to find Viktor staring unabashedly at me. “What?” I demanded.
“Nothing.” This time, I couldn’t read his expression, and his tone didn’t give me a clue, but his next words rocked me more than I cared to admit. “I’m a lucky guy, that’s all.”
“It’s all fake,” I snapped, closing my compact. “I should feel some remorse for using you so ruthlessly, but I don’t. Oh, and I plan to enroll you in a subscription that will keep you in a steady supply of vodka, delivered right to your door for your help this weekend.”
