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Elvira givesher I probably won’t be able to visit any of theto the men, but he keeps a point of contact between us with his hand onand possessive

When Elvira stops talking to take a sip of water, Alex leans over and whispers in my ear, “Not too bored yet?”

I turn my face toward him Like always, I’ne and the electrifying touch of his fingers on my knee overpower my senses It’s impossible to stare into his eyes and not drown in those vivid blue pools His lips quirk as his eyes crinkle in the corners He knows the effect he has on le look, he rendersas the first day weinto each other on that day was fate But that wouldAlex and ether Ironically, it wouldand in this horrifying situation—the fact that so us into each other’s arrateful to Alex’s hunter If not for him, we never would’ve met

“Good evening,” a polished female voice says

I look over at the guests who have arrived at our table and freeze Dania and her father, Mikhail, stand on the opposite side My spine goes stiff as I recall my conversation with Dania at the cocktail party in New York, when she told me she was destined to marry Alex

Dania and Mikhail do the rounds to say their hellos Dressed in a white goith a flowing skirt, Dania looks like a Disney princess Her black hair for contrast with her blue eyes and pale skin Herher an innocent look Virginal, aleat her, she’s undeniably desirable too Is this what Lena was trying to tell me? That I haven’t dressed the part? That I have no idea what I’ht the subtle war for a man’s attention?

I steal a look at Alex while Mikhail shakes his hand At least he’s not gawking at Dania like the other gentlemen

“I’lad we’re at your table,” Dania says when it’s our turn to exchange a greeting “I was looking forward to seeing you when I heard you were in St Petersburg”

To my dismay, she takes the empty seat next to me Mikhail installs hiht

“How are you, Dania, darling?” Feba asks with affection She’s speaking English, no doubt for es”

Dania waves a hand “I’ve been traveling nonstop You kno Papa’s business takes us around the world”

“I hope you’ll pay us a visit now that you’re home,” Feba says

“We should organize a lunch,” Dania says “Women only” She winks “I could do with a break from the company of businessmen”

“I didn’t know you were so involved in your father’s business,” Elvira says with a tinge of disdain “How’s your mother?”

Dania aze head-on “You kno Mama is Unfortunately, always intoxicated” To ossip yet, my mother is an alcoholic and not seen in public much”

That shuts Elvira up The rossed in their conversation Mikhail doesn’t show any signs of overhearing what has been said

“To answer your question about my involvement in the business, Elvira,” Dania says sweetly, “as you know, I’m the only child One day, I’ll take over”

“More likely, your future husband will,” Elvira says

“How aboutaround the table “They have a new chef and the reviews are outstanding” She turns in her seat to face me “Kate, you have to come I can introduce you to some friends who’ll help you pass the ti hours at the office Everyone knohat a workaholic he is If you enjoy the opera and ballet, you must join me at my monthly culture club”

“That will be htclubs, but if you’d care to spend a couple of evenings in an old lady’s company, I’d love to introduce you to so company”