Lies of My Monster (Monster Trilogy, #2)

by Rina Kent

“When have I ever lie...

He steps closer, killing the distance between us, and wraps his hand around my waist ev...

“Answer the question, Sasha, do you want ...

My fight wanes, partly due to his words and partly because I’m breathing his cedar and woods scent with each inhale. I didn’t realize how much I missed it and him until right now. My fingers curl into his jacket as I take his face in. He’s so close that I see my reflection in his glasses—vulnerable and stupidly hopeful. But I still hold on to him, to the damn optimism and the smokescreen of hap...

“If I say yes, will you make ...

I whisper. A smile lifts his lips. It’s not cruel or condescending. It’s not sadistic or cunning. It’s…triumphant. Happy, even. This is the first time I’ve ever seen this expression on Kirill’s face, and I don’t know why that makes me want to smile back. His free hand strokes my cheek, and I instinctively lean into his touch, t...

“Fucking ...

Kirill is dressed in a dashing tuxedo, his hair is styled to perfection, and his eyes shine with a rare gleam behind the spotless glasses. My arm loses strength, and I let it and the vase fall to my side.

“What’s…going on?”

“Wait ...

Kirill tells the man who’s dressed in a smart suit, has a small belly, and is wearing strong aftershave that I can smell from here. He’s also carrying a briefcase like some sort of accountant. After he nods, Kirill walks to my side and grabs me by the arm. I don’t have time to protest as he drags me and the suitcase to the adjoining bedroom and closes the door. I twist my arm free and jump away from him, my mind racing with countless op...

“You should have everything you...

He pushes the suitcase in my...

“Make it ...

Curiosity gnaws at me, but I don...

“What’s in ...

“A wedding dress. Lingerie. Some makeup in ca...

He reaches into his jacket and then retrieves a black velvet box. My heart nearly stops when he opens it, revealing two rings. One is a simple band for a man and the other is a gorgeous gold solitaire with a huge green rock on top. The vase falls and hits the mattress as Kirill walks in my direction. I think I’m going to hyperventi...

“These took longer than I ...

He pulls out the ring, and tears gather in my eyes. Oh, God. On the inside of the green ring, ‘Kirill’s’ is engraved. As for the band, it...

“K-Kirill…...

“You asked me if I could make...

He takes my hand in his and kisses th...

“I’m making it ...

“But what about Kristina? Igor? The alliance? ...

“...

He places a finger on...

“Don’t worry your head about any of that. Just get changed…unless you want to get ma...

I shake my head fra...

“I’ll get changed… Just give m...

A rare grin curves ...

“Does that mean you agree to marry me...

“I didn’t know I had ...

Besides, he just proved that he chose me over Kristina, so why...

“You don’t, so I’m glad we’re on th...

I smile, and he brushes his lips against mine, then possessively bites the lower one before he leaves and closes the door. He’s really an asshole. And I’m marrying this asshole. Oh my God. I’m actually marrying Kirill. Maybe I should think about this more or say no until I can process the consequences. If I marry Kirill, I can’t be his guard anymore, and I have to be a woman...

Even my heart, which was battered to near death not too long ago, has stitched itself back together again and is already chanting Kirill’s name. He chose me. After I begged him to pick me over Kristina, he did, and he’s proving it with actions instead of words. Happy tears cling to my eyelids when I bring out the carefully wrapped wedding dress. The material is soft satin and lace. There’s also the most beautiful lingerie set I’ve ever seen—cream trimmed with pearly beads. After I put them on, I’m struck by two things. One, they’re the perfect size. Jeez. Even I don’t know what size I am in women’s clothes, but apparently, Kirill does. Two, I feel so beautiful. So feminine at last. I might be a tomboy, but I’ve always dreamed about wearing a wedding dress and dolling up. There’s a whole makeup case with items that I don’t even know what to do with. I go for the simple things because I don’t really know how to use the others. I put on some mascara and blush, and I finish with soft pink lipstick. Those are the only things I trust myself with or else I’ll paint my face like a clown. There’s also a jewelry set that matches the green ring he showed me earlier—a dazzling necklace, bracelet, and earrings. He even thought to bring earrings that don’t need piercings since mine have long since closed. After I put them on, I stand up and stare at the mirror. I almost don’t recognize myself. I look so different from my male persona. The dress hugs my waist and falls to the floor in an...

“Are you done yet?”

“Yeah! Be right...

I stumble when I try to walk in the shoes. They’re not high heels, but they’re women's shoes. I can’t believe I forgot how to walk in women’s shoes. The horror. After I spray some perfume he brought, something soft and flowery, I inhale deeply and exit the bedroom. The man from earlier is sitting at the dining table with some papers in front of him, but that’s not what makes me stop. It’s the man who’s waiting at the front of the room, who freezes upon seeing me. Astonishment and awe fill Kirill’...