Til Death Do Us Part (Kornilov Bratva Duet #2) - Nicole Fox Page 0,40

and Seamus extends his hand to Viktor while his wife smiles warmly at me.

I’m not sure what I expected of them, actually. Viktor told me this dinner was to create an alliance. I think I expected things to be more tense. To feel more like a hostage exchange. Instead, there are suits and kind smiles and pleasantries.

“Viktor,” Seamus says, turning to me and winking. “Your new wife is lovely. I expected nothing less.”

I meet his expectations even if he didn’t meet mine. That seems like a good thing.

It seems everyone was waiting for us to arrive because as soon as we greet Seamus and his wife, the rest of the guests begin moving towards their tables. Viktor presses his hand to my exposed lower back and leads me to a table just big enough for the four of us in the center of the room.

“You don’t even have to speak to impress these people,” Viktor whispers in my ear. “Your natural charm shines through.”

I’m not so sure Seamus wasn’t just commenting on my physical appearance, but I take the compliment, either way. Viktor’s confidence gives me some of my own.

I sit between Viktor and Niamh, and the two men begin talking immediately, speaking in quiet tones. I know they are talking business, but they look relaxed. I suppose they would. Criminal affairs are their work. Why should they be bothered about discussing such things openly?

“Hardly any small talk before they get down to business,” Niamh says next to me. She rolls her eyes playfully when I look at her. “Seamus has always been ninety percent business.”

“What of the other ten percent?” I ask.

Niamh’s eyes spark with mischief. “The other ten percent is why I married him, and I’m afraid it’s indecent dinner conversation.”

I cover my mouth with my hand and laugh, surprised by her forthrightness.

“I’m sure you understand,” she says, tucking a strand of white hair behind her ear. “Why did you marry your Viktor?”

My Viktor. I do think of him that way. But only sometimes, when I lower my guard. When my thoughts are running away with themselves.

“I was drawn to him the first moment I ever saw him,” I say. “He seemed bigger than life. Tougher than everyone around him and firm in what he wanted. He overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t deny our chemistry.”

My answer is meant to make Viktor look strong, dominant. But I realize, halfway through, that the answer is true, too. For all of our struggles, I admire Viktor’s strength and our connection.

“He is protective, too,” I continue, brow knitted in thought. “Of me and our son. He loves the people in his life fiercely and is loyal to those who are loyal to him. He is a good man.”

I blink as if coming out of a trance and smile at Niamh. She is no longer looking at me, however. She is looking over my shoulder. I follow her gaze and see Viktor smiling at me. He was apparently eavesdropping on our conversation.

“What about you, Viktor?” Niamh asks. “Why did you marry Molly?”

“My wife, the romantic,” Seamus says, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

Viktor smiles, lifts his chin in thought, and then smiles down at me. “Molly is strong and resilient. She overcomes whatever obstacle is placed in front of her and never views herself as a victim. She is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, but also one of the gentlest. Her heart is kind and big, and in the end, I just knew I had to find my way into that heart. I knew I had to make her my wife.”

Viktor’s eyes are honest as he studies my face. Then, he blinks and turns back to the table. Seamus and Niamh are both looking at him with a newfound appreciation.

I find I’m seeing him in a new light, as well.

“Molly is a great designer.” Viktor says the words casually while he stabs a piece of tortellini on his plate.

Viktor rented out the restaurant and then catered in some of the best Italian food in the city. I wouldn’t have thought something like that was possible, but apparently, money can do anything. The waitstaff at the restaurant doesn’t seem to mind, anyway.

“I don’t have any formal education,” I say, ignoring the rush of heat in my face.

“Talent needs no formal training.” Viktor smiles at me and then takes a bite, his knee nudging mine under the table.

Niamh is sitting taller, her eyes on me. “Do you think you could help me?