Page 11 of Pregnant Behind the Veil (Brides for Greek Brothers #3)

Alessandra

A blanket of pillowy white covers most of New York City, broken here and there by a tower or skyscraper defiantly pushing through the clouds. With the sea of white below me and the sky above colored the same shade of blue as a robin’s egg, the view can only be described as magical.

My tired sigh fills the room. The same can’t be said for my wedding. In four hours, I will legally be Mrs. Michail Sullivan, saying false vows in front of Michail’s mother and brothers. My former clients.

God, I just want this day to be over.

Michail asked me again yesterday over breakfast if I was sure there wasn’t anyone I wanted to invite.

My abrupt no shut down any further conversation.

I can only imagine the reactions, not to mention judgments, I’d get if I invited anyone from Kingston.

My grandmother is still alive, but I haven’t spoken to her in twenty-four years.

I saw her at Mom’s funeral, which surprised me.

She didn’t talk to me, though, which wasn’t a surprise.

She’d placed me in the same category as my father before I was even born; someone who had ruined my mother’s future.

Michail wouldn’t understand. His mother is still an important part of his life.

I was surprised he invited Rafael and Gavriil.

Obviously things have changed between those three since I saw them all together at the will reading.

Despite Michail’s grizzly bear personality, he has people in his life who care about him.

I don’t. I’ve kept people at arm’s length for so long, telling myself that time with my mother, the occasional happy hour with coworkers and my career would be enough.

That one day I’d get around to dating, to working on those trust issues and open myself up to love, to marriage and a family of my own.

Now it’s too late. I’m hitting all the milestones I’d dreamed of as a little girl, dreams I hadn’t even realized I still harbored, and I have no one to share it with.

Everyone coming to the wedding knows Michail and I are expecting a child together.

But only Rafael and Gavriil and their wives know about the marriage clause.

I don’t know who I’m more nervous about seeing: my future husband’s mother or his half-brothers he just learned about three months ago?

I’d only met with Rafe and Gavriil a few times during my tenure with Lucifer, but they’d always treated me with respect, even appreciation for taking on their beast of a father.

How will they treat me now after learning that their father’s estate lawyer had a one-night stand with their illegitimate half-brother and is now pregnant with their nephew?

I groan. When did my life become a soap opera?

A knock sounds on my door, breaking through my melancholy thoughts.

“Yes?”

“I have something for you.”

Michail’s voice reverberates through the door. Things would be so much easier if he had a high-pitched voice or a nasally twang.

I cinch the belt on my robe tighter before I answer the door.

It would also help, I think irritably, if the man wasn’t so handsome.

His black tuxedo is molded to his powerful frame.

Yet he wears it with such arrogance, such masculine confidence, it’s not hard to picture him ripping it off the first chance he gets.

My eyes travel down to his white shirt and the row of buttons. I can easily picture grabbing the fabric and pulling it apart, scattering buttons as I slide my hands up over his muscular chest—

I cut the thought off before I go too far. Next time I go to my doctor I need to ask her if this is normal, this heightened level of lust and the accompanying vivid imagery.

“Nice suit.”

Michail’s lips quirk. “Thanks. Nice robe.”

“The latest in maternity bridal fashion.”

His quiet, husky chuckle flows across my frayed nerves, warm and soothing.

He holds up a small black box. “I have something for you.”

I stare at the box as my heart starts to pound.

He flips the lid open. I can’t help the sharp inhale as I gaze down at one of the most exquisite rings I’ve ever seen.

Delicate threads of silver twist and twine over each other, like branches from some magical forest. Tiny diamonds glimmer in the spaces between.

In the middle sits a stunning emerald cut in a circle.

He pulls the ring out and pockets the box before holding out his hand. I swallow hard as I place my left hand in his. Sensation shoots up my arm from where his fingertips rest on my skin. He slides the ring onto my finger.

I blink back against the sudden heaviness behind my eyes.

It’s nothing more than window dressing, a prop for an elaborate play we’re putting on.

My mind repeats this over and over again, but my heart doesn’t get the memo.

I can’t help but be touched that he not only thought of something like this, but that he selected something so beautiful and unique.

I hold my hand up. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Anthony told me it was the most expensive piece he had in.”

My joy dims. “Anthony?”

“He owns a jewelry store on Madison Avenue. He sent it over this morning.”

All traces of happiness evaporate. He didn’t pick it out. He just shelled out thousands of dollars, if not more, for the priciest ring in the store.

Don’t let it bother you.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” My quick smile probably appears wooden. “I need to finish getting ready.”

His eyes narrow, his gaze searching my face. “Everything all right?”

“I’m not going to turn into a runaway bride, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I meant the words as a joke, but his jaw tightens beneath his freshly trimmed beard. “I know you’ll keep your word, Alessandra. I was simply asking if you were all right.”

The ring grows heavy on my finger. Our time together in Santorini was natural, effortless. We talked for nearly two hours before he asked me to dance. As soon as I placed my hand in his, I knew where the night would lead. He made me feel beautiful, cherished, intelligent.

Now, we might as well be speaking different languages.

“It was meant as a joke, Michail. I’m fine. Just tired.” I don’t even bother with a fake smile this time as I start to close the door. “I’ll see you on the terrace.”

One hand comes up, his palm thumping against the door. Irritation kicks in as I glare up at him.

“Yes?”

Before he can say anything, his phone rings. He pulls it out and glances at the screen. His tension vanishes as his lips curve up into a slight smile and he hits Answer.

“Hello, Mom.”

My fingers tighten on the doorknob as he listens for a moment.

“See you soon.” He tucks the phone back into his pocket. “My mother’s in the elevator. Would you like to meet her now or later?”

I’d like to just close the door and take a nap. A very long nap where I wake up married without having to face my future mother-in-law. But that would be delaying the inevitable. Better to know what I’m facing before the ceremony.

“Now’s fine. As long as you don’t mind me meeting your mother in my robe.”

“She won’t care what you’re wearing.” A hint of his earlier smile reappears. “She just wants to meet you.”

I lean against the door as he walks down to the first floor.

I know nothing about Sarah Sullivan other than she single-handedly raised Michail.

Will she be excited her son is finally tying the knot?

Or will she be like my mother and think no one can measure up to her ideals of the perfect woman for her son?

That no one is worth the risk of having your heart shattered?

Worst of all, will she be like my grandmother? Reject her grandbaby before it’s even born?

A feminine voice travels up the stairs, husky with age and warm with affection, followed by Michail’s deep voice.

I swallow hard as they come into view. She’s only a few years older than my mom was, a beautiful woman with a heart-shaped face framed by blond hair tinged with silver strands.

I see Michail in the sharp cheekbones and the full lips as she smiles up at him.

He’s returning her smile with an endearing grin of his own.

Her head turns in my direction. Uncertainty roots me to the spot until I see the sparkle her eyes as she looks at me.

“Hello.” Her hand flies to her chest. “I’m Sarah.” Her gaze drops down to my stomach. A lone tear trails down her cheek. “I’m… I’m so happy to meet you. Both of you.”

The knots of fear loosen a fraction.

“Hello.” I step forward and offer my hand. “Michail’s told me a lot about you.”

Sarah clasps my hand in both of hers, her gaze darting between my face and my belly.

“I’m just…” She blinks rapidly. “I’m sorry.

I just never thought I’d ever experience this.

” She turns back to Michail and grasps his arm even as she keeps one hand wrapped around mine.

“Not that I didn’t respect your decision.

But now that she’s here and the baby…” Her head whips back around.

“A boy?” I nod. Her smile is bright enough to light up the hallway.

“That’s wonderful. Do you have names picked out? ”

I see Michail’s gaze sharpen out of the corner of my eye. I had names picked out. I’d even narrowed it down to two before Michail planted himself in my life. As much as I want to make that choice myself, it wouldn’t honor the partnership we’ve agreed on.

But I’m not ready to have that discussion. Not after I’ve already given in on so much.

“Not yet. We should have some time on the honeymoon to narrow down a list.”

Something in his face shifts, a slight softening about his eyes.

“Of course, of course.” Sarah squeezes my hand once more before releasing it. “Just know I’m here for anything you, Michail or the baby need.”