PIPER
The rehearsal dinner for the wedding feels like a dress rehearsal in more ways than one.
The dinner is being held in Timofey's formal dining room with Akim serving food from the newly-remodelled kitchen. There won't be any press, but this is still the first time I have to pretend to be Timofey's girlfriend in front of other people who matter.
I'm not sure I'm ready.
I smooth my hands over the dress he chose for me and try to calm my nerves. That has been an impossible feat the last week. Ever since we stepped out of that hospital bathroom, something has been different.
I'm supposed to be working to get away from Timofey. To protect Benjamin from his influence and get him sent to prison.
And yet, I've spent every spare moment tangled in his sheets and wrapped in his arms.
