Chapter Eighteen
Noelle
Morning came with Kholod at the bedroom door, carrying a massive dress box.
"Get dressed. There's a gala tonight."
I set down my book, eyeing the box with its high-end designer logo suspiciously. "What's the occasion?"
"Isabella's charity auction." He stepped inside, placing the box on the bed. "Seven tonight. Philadelphia Museum of Art."
Isabella's auction? I froze. Wasn't this the same event he'd said I wasn't "suitable" for?
"Didn't you say I wasn't suitable for that kind of thing?" I stared at him, trying to read something in his expression.
Kholod paused, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "I changed my mind." He turned away, pretending to study the wall art, his voice sounding awkward. "She's your friend, after all."
"So you changed your mind for me?"
"Don't flatter yourself." He unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves, exposing strong forearms. "I just figured the lady of the Morozov house shouldn't miss public events. Don't want people thinking I'm hiding you."
The explanation sounded reasonable, but something felt off.
"What about Isabella?" I couldn't help asking. "You two now..."
"Isabella is just...Isabella." He finally faced me. "There won't be anything deeper between me and her. Happy?"
His tone was impatient, but his eyes flickered with nervousness, like he was waiting for my reaction.
"Just curious."
"Curious?" He moved closer, bracing his hands on either side of me. "Or jealous?"
My cheeks burned. "Kholod Morozov, don't be so full of yourself!"
"No?" That wicked smile tugged at his lips. "Then why are you blushing?"
"I'm just... hot!"
"Hot?" He leaned closer, breath warming my face. "Noelle, your ears turn red when you lie."
"I'm not lying!"
His finger touched my earlobe gently. "Look. Burning up."
I shoved him away, jumping to my feet, glaring at him fiercely. "Did you come here just to mess with me?"
"No." He straightened his shirt. "I brought you a dress and wanted to make sure you'll dress properly."
"Of course I will. I won't embarrass the Morozovs."
"Good." He headed for the door, turning back at the threshold. "Styling team arrives at five. Don't keep me waiting too long."
"Fine."
After the door closed, I sat back on the bed, staring at the dress box. My heart was racing and erratic. Today's Kholod was too unusual—actually changing his mind for me, testing my reactions...
No, who cares if he's acting strange!
