Page 53 of Nikola

I loved him so much that I’d paint this world into all shades of red for him too.

It wasn’t sweet or gentle. It was the swelling, hopeful kind of love that had been slowly growing over the years, to the point that it felt like it’d explode in my chest if he didn’t love me too.

17

SKYE

Nikola and his warning can go to hell,I thought to myself as I studied my reflection in the mirror.

I hadn’t seen him since our hallway run-in, and he hadn’t really given me a reason to obey him. If he wanted me all to himself, he would have to lay a claim on me.

I picked up my phone and messaged the girls.

Me: I’m going out with Kostya for lunch. What do you think?

I attached a picture of my reflection in the full-sized mirror. I thought I looked cute in a strapless cotton candy–pink dress and nude pumps, both designed by Aunt Reina. The shimmery dress hugged my curves in all the right places, contrasting against my dark hair, and my legs seemed longer in it. Probably because there was so little of my legs covered.

Arianna: Totally hot.

Amara: You’re going to give poor Nikolaev a boner, blue balls, and a heart attack.

Anya: God willing. And Nikola will be green with envy. If the fucker won’t fuck you, just fuck his cousin.

Me: WTF, Anya?!?!

Penelope: Jesus Christ, Anya. Who pissed you off?

Anya: Mom and Dad. I just heard all of our parents are scheming.

Amara: Scheming what?

Anya: Arranging marriages to keep their kids safe through alliances.

This confirmed the document I’d found on my papa’s desk. He was doing the same by agreeing to marry me to Amadeo Marchetti.

Amara: WTF?!?!

Arianna: Thank God I’m married.

Me: I heard the same. My papa already signed a contract to marry me off to Amadeo Marchetti.

Amara: Holy shit!

Anya: WTF?!?!

Penelope: Yay, at least we get to be sisters-in-law.

Me: That would be the only highlight, but I won’t be marrying any Marchetti. If I have to, I’ll get on my knees and beg Kostya to marry me.

Anya: As long as that’s all you do on your knees.

Me: When did your mind become such a filthy place?

Anya: It’s all that filth I’m reading.

Arianna: Is Kostya saner than Nikola?

Me: