Page 8 of Unholy Matrimony

“Well, at least we won’t have many things to worry about then. When do you plan to look at dresses?”

“Mama wants to go tomorrow so that we have time for any alterations. Baba Nastya says she has some dresses in her shop that she thinks will look beautiful.”

She would look good in a potato sack if need be.

“Are you done for today then, malyshka10? I’d like to take you out for something to eat so we can sit and talk without all the prying eyes.” Panning the room, almost everyone stares at us. I know this is probably the most unbelievable thing to happen. Lina has never even been seen talking to me, let alone any man, and my reputation precedes me.

“I think so. Let me tell my parents. I also wanted to ask, where will I be staying, if I won't be at home with my parents?” she looks to the floor as she asks her question.

“We can talk about it at lunch,” I lean into her and whisper, “Hurry and tell them you're leaving before I make you my lunch. I’m already missing the taste of you.”

She nearly tripped as she raced towards her family, and by the looks on their faces, they were not happy about the news. Her father starts toward me, anger flaring on his face. “Mr. Nikolov, let's not cause a scene. You were already told that she wouldn't be returning to the house after I picked her up today. I want to keep this as civil as possible. For Lina’s sake.” I remind him.

“Oh, please. Civility went out the window when you stipulated the marriage. Let her stay with us until Friday. It would only be the proper thing to do. You can understand that, can’t you?” he implored the look of desperation on his face.

The sad part is, he is right. It would only be proper for her to stay with her family until she was married to me. But I'm not a “proper” type of guy, so fuck that. “Net11. She stays with me. I’ll make sure she has her room until Friday. What’s the matter, Nikolai, worried that she won't be able to resist my charms? Now bring your daughter out front. I’ll be waiting.” I turn towards the doors and head to the front of the church.

I wait on the steps, the twins have the car running at the curb. As I turn towards the doors, I see Nikolai has her by the arm, gripping it a bit too tight for my liking. He is whispering angrily at her and she has tears in her eyes. I rush towards them and pull his hand off of her. My chest tightens with anger.

“You. WILL. NEVER put your hands on her again. I don’t care if you are her fucking father. Hell, I don't care if you're Christ himself. Never touch her again, Nikolai. Or I will put the bullet in your head myself. Don’t fucking test me.” I hold out my hand to Lina.

“Come. Let me get you something to eat and we can talk.” She sniffles and shakes her head in agreement. With her hand in mine, I lead her down the steps to the car. I turn back to Nikolai and let him know exactly how I feel, giving him the finger.

After helping Lina into the car, I slide in and close my door. I take her arm in my hands,lifting her coat sleeve seeing the finger marks among other little bruises. He must grab her often. It makes me wonder what else is hiding under her clothes. I want to punch the fucker until he can no longer breathe.

My rage must be felt in the air because Ilya turns in the front passenger seat. “Where too?” Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I turn to Lina. “Malyshka12, what are you hungry for? Anything you want, it's yours.” She straightens up in her seat and, with a stifled expression, says, “I'm not sure we never eat out during Lent. I’m afraid I don’t know which restaurants have fasting meals. Wherever you choose is fine. I am sure they will have something to accommodate.”

My sweet Lina, such a rule follower. Well, not as strict as she thinks. She almost came all over my face in the forest.

“Oleg, take us to the little Georgian cafe you told me about last week. Some Khachapuri sounds amazing right now.” Looking over to Lina, “Don’t worry, they have fast-friendly options. Oleg’s wife is like you, very strict about her fasting. She says they have good food.” She smiles and nods her head in agreement. Looking back at Ilya, he acknowledges and tells Oleg to drive.

Hopefully, we can get some things cleared up, and get her fed, and then maybe if I play everything right, we can revisit the situation in the forest. Maybe with a much different outcome. That moment had me almost bursting in my pants, just from tasting her. Hearing her moan and say my name nearly took me to the edge.

Tonight Moy prekrasnyy tsvetok13 is going to be opened up to a whole new world.

1. flower

2. Yes, baby.

3. Shit!

4. Father

5. Father

6. Father

7. Lord, have mercy!

8. To your health!

9. Father's

10. baby

11. No

12. Baby