So, he wants me to be a pretty bird in a cage. What will Nikolai do to me if I run? I’m too afraid to ask.
“What if I say no to marrying you?”
His lips twitch like he’s amused but he’s really not. “I am going to marry you, Irina. You don’t get a say in that, I’m afraid. But Iam offering you a life of luxury. A life where you’re married to a powerful man. A lot of women would take it.”
“But I’m only eighteen. I don’t know what I want.”
“I know you’re young. But I will guide you into a woman. I will mold you into the perfect woman. We will get married. That is final. I have laid everything out. No secrets. Now, choose a dress. We’ll be married tomorrow. I’ll leave you be.”
My eyes widen.
He chuckles. “As I said: I won’t rape you. You can sleep in this room for tonight. I’m sure you’re tired.” He walks out of the room with an ease I wish I could possess.
The second Nikolai shuts the door behind him, I rush over to it. I don’t hear a lock click, which means I’m not a prisoner in here. But I know I can’t run. Where would I even run to?
To the father who gave me away to be sold for his own selfish reasons? I want to ask him how he could do this to me but I know that’s not my home anymore. I have no money of my own. No work experience. My father kept me sheltered so I don’t have many friends. Just two from school but we’re not that close seeing as my dad never let them come over.
I don’t have anyone… except Nikolai now.
And he’s claiming that he bought me to save me from those other men who would do worse things to me. To Nikolai’s credit, he hasn’t tried to rape me.
I stare at the wedding dresses. Was this my fate all along? To be married off in a power exchange between two Bratva men?
It dawns on me that I’m going to marry a man I just met tomorrow. There’s no way out of this. Nikolai is my only option.
I’m not sure if I should be relieved or absolutely terrified.
Nikolai comes into the room the following morning. I chose my dress last night, after agonizing over it for a long time. Behind him are two women, carrying bags.
“They’re going to get you dressed and ready for the wedding,” he explains. “I’ll see you at the church.”
“You’re not staying?” I’m not even sure why I ask.
“I want to be surprised at the church. I’ll see you there. You’re in good hands.” He walks away without another word.
“I’m Amanda,” one of the women says. Her arms are covered in tattoos. “I’ll be doing your makeup.”
“And I’m Sarah. I’ll be helping you into your dress.” Sarah is a tall woman, towering over me.
“You two work for Nikolai?”
“He hired us for the day to get you ready for your wedding,” Sarah explains.
I want to ask if they know he’s the Bratva but I hold my tongue. If these are innocent women, I don’t want to get them into trouble.
Amanda starts on my makeup and hair. Everything is happening so fast but I keep my composure. I have to. Breaking down into tears isn’t going to help anything.
Once she’s done, Sarah helps me into the dress. It’s all satin, no lace. The sleeves hang around my arms and the skirt flares out slightly. It’s a simple dress but elegant. Beautiful and sophisticated.
I’m not sure why I chose it. Maybe to feel more like a woman. If I were older, would I feel more confident? More brave?
I’m not sure but I have to try something.
Sarah and Amanda hold the back of my dress off the ground as we head outside. This is a real wedding that I’m agreeing to. Well, not agreeing. More like being forced into it.
But Nikolai is my only option and saying no to a man like him won’t end well. I just know it.
I’m driven to a large catholic church in the heart of the city. My eyes flick down the sidewalk. Numerous people pass by. I could ask any one of them for help.