Page 19 of Darkest Game

“I am.” I don’t mention the fact that Jack wants to fuck Irina on our wedding night. Elaine may or may not know and I don’t want to risk her wrath if I’m the one who tells her.

“I want to meet the girl.”

I hesitate. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. Does your husband know you’re here?”

“I was just inside with him, so yes,” she says flatly. “And I want to meet the girl that my husband cannot seem to stop talking about.”

“Right this way then.” I lead Elaine to the kennels where Irina is curled into a ball. Her skimpy clothes leave nothing to the imagination. She sits up when she sees us approach.

“You say she’s a virgin?” Elaine asks in a critical tone.

“She had to borrow those clothes. Sean peed on her last night.”

“Oh.” For some reason, that answer makes her pinch her lips together even harder. “Stand up, girl. Let me see you. If you’re going to be married to one of our men here, then you’re going to be one of us and I want to make sure you make us Irish women proud.”

Slowly, Irina stands up, shaking I notice. But why am I noticing these little things about her? I don’t care one bit about Irina… at least, I shouldn’t.

“I’m Russian,” she says. “I’ll never be Irish.”

Elaine scoffs. “You’ve got that right. So Liam here tells me you’re a virgin. Is that true or are you lying?”

“I’m not lying.” Irina’s soft voice works in her favor. “I was raised sheltered by my father. And… I’ve been a prisoner of my uncle these past two years.”

“I don’t care. But I can tell you’re not lying. You are a virgin. I know men in our world clamor to be with women like you.”

Irina only stares back and I don’t blame her. What else is there to say?

“Do you not know who I am?” Elaine demands.

“No. I’m sorry.”

“You’re polite at least.” Elaine makes herself stand up taller. “I’m Jack’s wife. Jack Finnigan.”

Irina’s eyes widen. “Can you help me get out of here?”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because… because Jack wants to claim me on my wedding night.”

Shit, shit, shit.

“Irina,” I snap, which only makes her eyes widen more.

Elaine glares at Irina. “What did you just say? My husband is loyal to me. Is she lying, Liam? Trying to get inside my head? Tell me the truth.”

“Do I have to?” I ask. When she gives me a flat look, I know there’s no point in lying. “She’s telling the truth. Jack wants to take her on our wedding night. Be the first to have her. I’m sorry, Elaine.”

“No. No, no, no.” She runs towards the house in her heels, only wobbling once.

“Did I do something wrong?” Irina asks me.

“What were you hoping to get out of telling her that? Hoping she would let you go?”

“Well… yes. I wouldn’t want my husband taking another woman.” She ducks her chin. “Though I know you’re going to still see other women after we’re married.” Her voice is so dejected. Fuck. There’s that flash of guilt again.

“I told you how it’s going to be. No one is coming to save you, Irina. This should be proof.” I hold up the wedding dress for her to see more clearly.

“What is that?” she whispers.