Page 83 of Weeping Roses

“An aircraft, malyshka. Our aircraft, to be precise.”

We step out into the darkening sky and the lights on the plane glisten in the dusky light. My family’s crest is emblazoned in gold on the tail and the paintwork shines against the dipping sun.

There is a black carpet stretching along the tarmac and my flight attendants are forming a line to welcome us on board. My men are spilling from the other cars and hauling the luggage onto the conveyor belt, leading into the hold. It’s a hive of industry and Polly stares in shock at something she definitely wasn’t expecting.

“Come. We don’t have long before our departure time.”

I acknowledge the crew and as I grip her hand tightly, we embark the plane by the forward steps and as we step inside, Polly gasps again.

“I don’t believe it. This is your private plane. It’s obscene.”

I raise my eyes. “It’s anything but obscene. It’s state-of-the art.”

“I mean–” She shakes her head. “I mean, all of this is for us. It’s not exactly good for our carbon footprint.”

“Then I’ll plant you a forest.” I shrug out of my jacket and toss it on the chair and roll up my sleeves.

“I need a fucking drink. Come and join me.”

She nods as she peers around, her shock guiding her further into the abyss, and as I reach the small bar set before some of the more comfortable seats, I head behind it and reach for the vodka bottle.

“Mr. Romanov.” A flustered stewardess hurries to my side and I wave her away.

“We’ll help ourselves if we need anything. You may attend to my men.”

She heads off with a worried frown and Polly whispers, “What was that all about? She looked worried.”

“She takes her job seriously and wants to provide excellent service. As a family member, the one to impress is me and she won’t feel right about leaving me to serve myself.”

“Then let her, serve you, I mean.” She adds, and I shake my head, a malevolent gleam in my eye.

“No. I need to be distracted and you, as my wife–” I add with a wicked grin. “Will be the most welcome one.”

“How?” She appears confused and I crook my finger and beckon her closer as I lift the bottle to my lips.

“I’m going to fuck you all the way to Russia.”

“Are you now?”

She tries to look angry, but I see the lust light her eyes and I reach out my hand and say, “Come. I have something else to show you.”

As her fingers lace with mine, I grip the bottle in the other hand and lead her into my oblivion.

CHAPTER 44

POLLY

I’m staggered by this plane. I never dreamed we would be traveling this way. I thought he’d booked us on a commercial airline, not this.

I know the Romanovs have money, but this is something else entirely.

As he pulls me along after him, the vodka bottle swinging in his other hand, I’m worried. Not about what he found but what will happen in Russia and where it leaves us. I’m worried about him. As soon as he read that damned letter and saw his mother in the photograph, he changed.

He has withdrawn into himself and is using me to numb the pain.

What if I become the pain?

What if he is regretting marrying me at all because it hasn’t escaped my attention that my aunt had an affair with his father?