Page 55 of Sweet Obsession

After a long shower, I changed into one of the simple outfits Vladmir had packed for me, soft black leggings and a sweater too big for my frame, and padded barefoot back into the main room.

Misha was at the window again.

Still.

Like he hadn’t moved all night.

His broad shoulders were tense, his posture rigid.

Something was wrong. Before I could ask, a sharp knock rattled the door.

Misha didn’t move. “Come in,” he said, voice like gravel.

Vladmir stepped inside, his face grim.

“I thought you said the marriage was believable,” he snapped. “Some of our men are asking questions. About the marriage. About why it’s so... quiet.”

Misha’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Vladmir continued, tone clipped. “They’re expecting a wedding announcement. Proof. Pictures. Something to convince them she’s not just here... as a hostage.”

The word hung between us like a blade.

I felt Misha stiffen. For the first time, something that looked almost like frustration flashed across his face.

“What do you want me to do, father?” he asked coolly. “Parade her around like a trophy?”

Vladmir didn’t flinch.

“I already did the best I could. Embraced her in public and kissed her before my men. If that’s not enough... they should suck it.”

Vladmir glanced at me and for once, there was no coldness in his eyes. Only something that almost looked like pity. “You need to act the part. Both of you. Starting now.”

Misha said nothing.

His jaw flexed once. Twice.

Vladmif left without another word, closing the door behind him with a final, heavy click.

I wrapped my arms around myself.

Waiting.

The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on.

Finally, Misha turned. His expression was carved from stone.

“Vladmir is right,” he said. “We have to continue to play our parts.”

I lifted my chin, ignoring the cold knot tightening in my chest.

“Aren’t we already doing that.”

“Not enough. The municipal wedding must be filed. That will convince them, because If anyone suspects this charade of a marriage isn’t real, you put both of us in danger. You put Gabriela in danger.”

That last part hit harder than I wanted it to. I’d walked through fire for her. But in Misha’s world, fire wasn’t enough. Blood was the price.

I folded my arms tightly across my chest.