Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 76915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Well, considering a prized stallion and a private island were on the line, more than a bit.
None of that mattered. The only thing that mattered was Mishka. Securing my future. And marrying her quickly, without my father’s knowledge or interference, was the most important thing I would ever do.
“I will take excellent care of him,” Andrei promised. “As will my mares.”
“Do I have time to breed him first?” Alexei asked. “We were waiting.”
“Perhaps,” Andrei said, stroking his chin.
“Has the lady agreed to this borderline shot gun wedding yet?” Preacher said, giving me a stern look, commonly referred to the ‘fish eye’ by our American friends.
Preacher was particularly good at dispensing the fish eye.
“Not yet,” I said, and Alexei crowed “stallion is still mine!”
“No interference,” Andrei shouted in English as Alexei strode back towards the barn doors, presumable to interfere. I was grateful that Andrei would be there to keep an eye on him. I knew neither brother wanted anything but the best for me, but they were in their cups and I was not willing to risk it so I called out my own warning, stopping them both in their tracks.
“I love her,” I said simply, loudly, and clearly.
They turned to look at me. Alexei bowed to me and I knew he would not behave foolishly. Andrei nodded. He was the clairvoyant. He already knew.
“Let’s go ask the girl,” Preacher muttered, taking a swig of the very expensive bottle of tequila in his hand. I knew he did not drink much now that he was oh-so-extremely-happily married.
“Please,” I said, making him raise an eyebrow. I was not known for the social niceties, especially for asking politely for anything. But in this case, I felt the need.
I would do anything for her.
“Allow me to speak to her in private.”
He nodded, stroking his long beard.
“Of course, man. Hope it goes well for you.”
It was the most sincere I had ever seen the man. I clapped my hand on his back. Hard.
“Thank you, Preacher. Stay a little bit sober.”
“In case she says yes,” he joked. I stood outside by myself for a moment, looking up at the sky. Then I went inside to make my case with my soon-to-be-bride.
Chapter 42
Mishka
Anton was walking fast, pulling me further and further from the barn. I giggled and tugged on his hand.
“Slow down,” I teased. He turned to face me and I was stunned by the serious look on his handsome face. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes, Mishka. Everything is alright,” he said, still solemn as he reached out to tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear. It had grown longer since I started living under his roof. I had been forbidden to cut or color it without approval. Something I had not thought too much about, other than a hint of rebelliousness.
I had never thought about my hair all that much, though I had thought about cutting it all off, to keep it out of the way when playing, but had not quite worked up the courage to do it. Somehow, despite my low key approach to beauty or fashion, I was apparently a bit vain about it.
“I spoke to your father this morning. I want you to know that I have his permission to do this,” he said.
I was stunned by what happened next. Anton Aslanov lowered himself to one knee and pulled out a ring. It was beautiful- a sapphire surrounded by diamonds, set in a mellow looking rose gold.
“We can pick out another ring if you like. I bought this in New York, before I was certain you felt anything for me…” he looked nervous, of all things! Anton Aslanov looked nervous. “Will you marry me, Mishka?”
My jaw was hanging wide open, I realized, snapping it shut. Even though I was shocked by this turn of events, the answer rang out clear and true inside me. I did not answer right away, simply because my brain took a few moments to catch up.
Once it did, I did not hesitate.
“Yes,” I said softly. Then again louder “yes, Anton, I will marry you.”
He stood quickly, scooping me into his arms and spinning me in a circle. Applause came from somewhere. Cheers and loud whoops as well as clapping.
I turned to see that a crowd had formed outside the barn behind us. We were quickly surrounded by well-wishers and overwhelmed with congratulations.
“Ready, kids?”
“What? I asked,” barely noticing as Anton slipped the enormous ring onto my finger.
“You have rings, right?”
“Rings for what?” I asked, looking at the man with the long white beard.
“Your wedding, sweetheart.”
“What?” I squawked. “Now?”
“Yes,” Anton said. “For your protection. We will have another wedding with your father present.”
“Protection?” I was so nervous. I was relieved when Anastasia came up to stand beside me. She put her arm around me reassuringly. “From what?”
“From his father,” she said. “And mine.”