Page 56 of Cruel Russian King

I nodded. “Yeah as Ninel Safin not as Ninel Rykov.”

Artyom stopped. “About that...”

He dipped into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small black box. He opened it and sitting inside were two rings: anengagement ring and a wedding band. The engagement ring had a square cut diamond sitting on it and both rings were completely covered with diamonds.

Without a word, he slipped both on my finger.

“Artyom, these are gorgeous. Thank you,” I said breathlessly, looking between him and the rings.

He smiled. “You're welcome.”

Once inside we made our way through the crowd and Artyom, Zahkar and Yegor, greeted the other men while me and Kira smiled politely.

After lots of introductions were made. Yegor got Kira and I glasses of wine and stayed with Zahkar as he and Yegor worked the room.

But, even as he did I always felt his eyes on me and every time I glanced at him our eyes met.

I wanted Artyom. Bad.

I tried to push him out of my mind as I laughed and chatted with Zahkar and Kira. We had been an hour into the party and ever so often, Artyom would come over and check to see if I was okay, which was sweet of him.

“Just to let you know Vera is already planning Evie's first birthday party,” Kira said before sipping her glass of wine.

“Wait?” I chuckled. “How old is Evie? About five months old?”

“Yup!” Kira grinned. “After the hell everyone caused for Alexi's first birthday Lev can't wait to return the favour.”

Before I could reply Zahkar swore below his breath. My eyes snapped to his and followed. Bile rushed to my throat and I pushed it down.

Walking towards us were my five brothers. And they looked like they wanted someone's head on a platter. And if I had to guess right it, it would be Artyom’s.

“Hi….” I said calmly, as they approached but Lev wasn't having it. He grabbed me by the hand and pulled me away from Zahkar and Kira.

Pyotr and Avit stopped Zahkar from pulling me back.

“Ninel, what the hell?” Lev snarled. “We've been looking everywhere for you just to find out you're fucking married to Artyom? Why the hell didn't you try to contact us? Everyone was worried sick about you.”

“I…” I began.

My breathing raced and I tried to slow it down but to no avail.

“It doesn't matter.” Lev cut me off. “Let's go.”

I felt an arm slip around my waist. “Ninel isn't going anywhere,” Artyom said in a clipped tone. “You however can leave.”

Lev took a step towards Artyom as Jaroslav stepped behind Lev. I heard the careful click of a safety latch. And Jaroslav’s grey eyes were pinned on Artyom.

My eyes frantically darted between Jaroslav and Artyom. My heart slammed against my rib cage.

“I'm not leaving here without my sister.”

“You'll have no choice but to leave here without mywife. Look around Safin. We're supposed to be allies or have you forgotten about the peace treaty? If you create a scene do you not think our rivals will not pick up on the fact that we're not as united as we want everyone to believe?”

“The only reason we aren't united is because of this stunt that you pulled,” Lev growled.

I stepped forward to hold Lev's hand, my head swimming.

“Lev, I'm okay. Please don't cause a sce…”