Total pages in book: 187
Estimated words: 177397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 887(@200wpm)___ 710(@250wpm)___ 591(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 177397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 887(@200wpm)___ 710(@250wpm)___ 591(@300wpm)
I’m as convinced that Aleena’s fiancé is Andrik as much as I am that Ano is Bayli, but where were his tattoos and unapproachable cocky demeanor? Kazimir could be Andrik’s twin, but why wouldn’t Mikhail mention him? Why would he make out as if it was solely him and Andrik against the world when they were kids? There couldn’t have been a third wheel. Mikhail would have told me about him. Our friendship formed fast, but it was founded on honesty.
My interest is piqued when Nikita says, “The woman next to us said his family is extremely powerful and politically motivated. It kind of makes sense. That was…” A million words roll through her head, but none leave her mouth until we’re halfway down the corridor of the penthouse suites. “Have the Galdeans met Kazimir previously?”
“Who?” I ask, still deep in thought about my many conversations with Mikhail concerning his family and striving to work out that if Kazimir is Andrik, why the hell wasn’t Mikhail and Ellis a part of the rehearsal dinner?
Nikita scans her key card over the lock of the suite she’s sharing with Maksim before repeating, “Kazimir. Aleena’s husband-to-be.”
“Oh… yeah. Him.” I try to keep anger out of my voice. I miserably fail. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
My stomach gurgles when the movie playing on repeat in my head returns to the start of the rehearsal dinner. The welcome sign outside the ballroom confused Nikita because Aleena is using her middle name for the wedding festivities. Who’s to say Andrik isn’t doing the same?
As I shadow Nikita into the foyer of the penthouse, I run my theory through my head on repeat.
I also give Andrik’s possible full name a whirl.
Kazimir Andrik Dokovic.
Kazimir Andrik Dokovic.
K. A. D.
My eyes pop when I recall the last time those initials turned my world on its head.
KADOK Industries.
Kazimir Andrik Dokovic.
They’re the same person. My sister’s fiancé and the man who drafted a contract to ensure his wife-to-be knew their union wasn’t about love are the same person.
But that isn’t the catalyst of my anger.
He lied.
Dr. Hemway said Aleena wasn’t on Andrik’s list. That she would never be on any list where she was valued for her fertility.
He lied straight to my fucking face, yet I bet he will receive Aleena’s forgiveness long before me. I slept with her fiancé—more than once.
I also loved him.
I still do.
With my life falling apart in front of me, I seek assistance from the only person capable of pulling me out of the madness relatively unscathed. I need my best friend, but at the moment, she needs me more.
The wetness on her cheeks announces this, not to mention the high-pitched squeal she releases before sprinting for the man wearing a prison jumpsuit and shackles.
“Daddy!”
62
ANDRIK
Idip my chin in wordless gratitude to a couple offering their well-wishes to Arabella and me. Their faces are unfamiliar, but since a majority of the seats at the rehearsal dinner are filled by the financial backers of my father’s latest political campaign, that isn’t surprising.
I never mixed business with pleasure.
I can’t say that anymore.
They continue their incessant ramblings on how beautiful our future children will be while I guide Arabella into the elevator and impatiently wait for the doors to shut. I didn’t offer to walk her to her hotel suite because I am a gentleman looking for brownie points from my future wife.
My thoughts are far more sinister than that.
As the car jolts into action, I lose the last morsel of composure I have left. With the hand I used to guide Arabella into the elevator, I grip her throat and pin her to the mirrored wall. There’s nothing pleasant about my hold. Nothing admirable about it. It is the grip of a killer, and it makes her lips an instant shade of fascinating blue.
“You thought you could lie to me and that I wouldn’t find out?” I tighten my grip more, lifting her feet from the floor. “How fucking stupid do you think I am!” I don’t give her a chance to answer since it could possibly mimic what I was feeling when being introduced to the woman who hasn’t left my thoughts for a single second over the past month. I get up into her face and scream. “I asked if you knew who she was the instant she left us alone!” The way I sneer “she” ensures she can’t mistake who I am referring to.
Dina hovered for hours the day we met. I thought it was because she was one of those helicopter parents always looking out for her children. Now I know otherwise, and it makes me furious.
“You said you’d never heard of the name Zoya before, and that it was a pretty name.” I drag her forward before ramming her back, stealing the last of the air in her lungs. “A pretty fucking name! That’s what you told me while endeavoring to steal her focus!”