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“Is there a point to this visit?” My cal scheduled”

“I’hs “Love has never been high on your priority list Are you even capable of the feeling? I know you better than anyone, Alex Volkov You’ve never said I love you to anyone” She gives me a polished smile “But e doesn’t require love”

My jaw flexes “I do love Katerina, very much, and I’ll tell her so in no uncertain terer”

She gasps “You haven’t told her?” Her gaze narrows as her lips part wider “You haven’t said the big L-word yet My, oh ? If it’s that hard to say, ly about her as you should”

She couldn’t be , but how I feel about Katerina is none of her das are none of your concern” I lean closer “And if you mention a word to anyone and spoil the surprise, you will sorely regret it”

“Sha have we been friends?”

I stand “Not long enough to cross the line you’re crossing now”

“Oh, cal to tell anyone, if that’s what you’re worried about I’ll keep your little secret I’m shocked at the bold step, that’s all” She irons an invisible crease froood surprise for… What’s her naht?”

“Katerina,” I say through clenched teeth “Katherine”

“Are you sure Katherine will say yes?”

My reply is filled with calculated determination “Oh, she will”

Dania gets up “A word of advice? Make sure she still feels the same as she did in New York before you pop the question” Winking, she adds, “This is Russia Things are different here than in A”

Our way of living doesn’t refer to hoe do things in our motherland It refers to the kind of rew up in this world Katerina didn’t That’s what Dania is i

“Grigori will see you out,” I say evenly “Giveable to make the dinner”

For a second, the well-practiced act Dania puts on for the world cracks, and a flicker of concern slips into her dark eyes Going on tiptoes, she kisses ress in tracking dohoever wants you dead”

“I am,” I lie

“You know ladly help”

“I can take care of myself”