A Treacherous Killer-Dark Bratva Romance

twelve

Nadia

Friday rolls around faster than I anticipated. I had spent the rest of the week hanging out with Maeve at Caine's manor. The men were always out tending to business so we pretty much got the whole house to ourselves.

It was nice being able to be myself without fear of judgement. Maeve had a way of making me feel accepted despite our differences. I was thankful that she would be at the auction tonight as well. At least with her there, I wouldn't have to hide in my mother's shadow.

The cerulean ruffled dress was lying on my bed zipped up in a garment bag when I walk into my room.

I scowl at the bag and go into my bathroom to start getting ready. In my defiance against the hideous dress my mother picked out for me, I apply my makeup much like I did the night Maeve and I attended the Beyala Roza without Caine's knowledge.

I smoke out my eyeshadow and paint my lips a dark red color not caring that it didn't match the dress. When I'm done, I trudge out into my room and zip open the garment bag. I gasp when I pull the sides open and find a brilliant red gown.

Holy shit.

For I second I think about going downstairs and alerting my mother that the dress shop made a mistake. This definitely was not the dress I had tried on. But then I lean down and find that the dress is my size. I can't help but wonder if the seamstress had switched the dresses on purpose. She had seen my distaste of the dress my mother had chosen for me after all.

I pull the dress from the bag and quickly shed my robe. I shimmy into the gown and have no problem fitting into it. It was a silky material with a sweatheart neckline and sweeping train. The dress was cut on the side up to my upper thigh which accentuated my long legs perfectly.

It was beautiful and seemed tailored made to fit me. This definitely was no mistake. I dig out some red strappy heels from my closet and grab a matching clutch before hurrying out into the hallway. I could see my parents and Simon waiting in the foyer. Mother was uttering something under her breath, most likely complaining about how I was going to make them late.

I descend down the stairs and watch as her face morphs into fury. "That is not the dress we chose Nadia," she spits.

I join them in the foyer, hooking my arm through Simon's, who seems to be enjoying seeing our mother unhinged.

"The dress shop sent this dress instead. It's too late to take it back now," I say in an innocent tone. She narrows her eyes at me, but when she sees that I'm not budging, huffs and stomps out the front door to the waiting car. Father follows behind her, rightfully choosing not to comment on my choice of attire.

"You look stunning," Simon says, winking at me.

***
We arrive at the Zolotoy Lyuks Kholl a short time later. The auction was almost as big as the gala, with the richest of the rich socialites of Moscow in attendance. The sound of live music being played and the chatter of voices resounding in the big hall fill my ears.

Mother and father branch off immediately and leave Simon and I standing by ourselves. A waiter comes by with champagne flutes and Simon grabs one for himself and one for me. I sip it generously and look for Maeve and Caine in the crowd.

"There they are." Simon motions with his glass. Maeve and Caine are standing off to the side with Leo who has some blonde I don't recognize hanging on his arm and Maks. I let out a frustrated huff at the sight of Maks. I hadn't seen him since he had saved me from falling victim to a rapist and held my hair back while I puked my guts up. I hadn't fancied the idea of being in his presence again so soon.