"Kholod."
He cut his steak and looked up at me.
Anastasia and Anya also paused, their eyes on me.
"I... Isabella asked me out the day after tomorrow." I tried to keep my tone light and casual. "She wants to go shopping and have tea. May I go?"
Kholod set down his knife and fork, wiping his mouth with his napkin. He didn't answer immediately.
The dining room fell so quiet you could hear the wood crackling in the fireplace.
Anya raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering in her eyes.
Anastasia lifted her wine glass, her gaze moving between Kholod and me.
"Just the two of you?" Kholod finally spoke.
"Yes." I nodded. "She said she wants to catch up."
He fell silent for a moment, his fingertips drumming the table. "What time?"
"Leave at ten, back around four or five."
He studied me, his amber eyes unfathomable. "Fine."
"Really?" I was surprised. "You're okay with it?"
"Since she invited you, go ahead." He picked up his cutlery again, his movements deliberately casual.
I could hardly believe my ears.
"Thank you," I said sincerely.
"But," he suddenly looked up, his expression serious, "you need to be back by seven."
"Okay."
"Noelle, if you're not back by seven, I'll come get you myself."
"Got it." I found it amusing. "I'll be back on time."
He continued eating, satisfied.
Anya leaned back in her chair, teasing. "Noelle, what kind of spell did you cast on Kholod?"
"Anya." Warning laced Anastasia's voice.
"Okay, okay, I'll stop." Anya made a zipping motion across her lips.
I kept my head down, feeling my cheeks burn.
Standing in the walk-in closet, I finally chose a light pink knit dress paired with a cream coat—simple, elegant, yet refined.
"Madam, you seem to be in wonderful spirits today." Darya smiled as she adjusted my collar.
"Probably because I get to go out."
"The boss is waiting downstairs. He says he'll drive you personally."
