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I press a hand to my belly, swallowing down the sudden rush of emotion.
It’s been a long time since someone planned something just for me.
And it’s never been Mikhail.
Not like this.
Darkness is falling rapidly, the sky painted in deep indigo, a few early stars winking into existence. The warm glow of lanterns flickers along the outdoor setup, casting everything in a soft golden light.
Maggie claps her hands together. “Now, before you go in, I have something for you.”
I raise a brow, watching as she moves to the back seat and pulls out a garment bag.
She holds it out, smirking. “A dress. Handpicked by your very thoughtful husband.”
I stare at her, then at the bag, my throat going tight again.
Of course he’d do this.
Of course he’d make sure I have something special to wear.
My fingers brush over the fabric, smooth beneath my touch.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
So I do neither.
Instead, I just whisper, “He really thought of everything, didn’t he?”
“He did,” Maggie says as we walk toward the inn, the warm glow of the lanterns growing closer. “But I don’t think he wants Alex here. I get the feeling he doesn’t like him.”
My face heats instantly.
Mikhail’s jealousy isn’t exactly subtle.
But before I can say anything, Maggie suddenly slows her steps, her brow furrowing. “Except…I can kind of see him walking toward us?”
I frown and turn?—
And sure enough, Alex is there.
My stomach drops.
He’s moving fast, his expression tight, his gaze locked directly on me.
“What the—” I start, but then he reaches us, gripping my shoulder, his fingers digging in just enough to send a spark of panic through me.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he says, his voice low, urgent.
“What?” My heart skips a beat. “Alex, what are you?—”
And then a gunshot splits the air.
I freeze.
The sound rips through the night, so close, so deafening, that for a second?—
Everything stops.