They disappear into my father’s study while Skylar and I take the stairs to my floor.
“Well, that was interesting,” Skylar says as I take her garment bag and hang it next to mine. “I’ve heard much about Vladimir Zoloth, but I never expected him to be such a romantic.”
“I wish he were one of the men my father is considering as my husband,” I murmur, but then immediately wish I could take it back. I risk a glance at Skylar to find her beaming at me.
“You like him,” she teases.
I jerk my shoulder as I try to play it off, but I know I’m not fooling her. “He’s incredibly attractive, and I can’t help but want the life he described. Who doesn’t want to be wanted?”
“True. I think he’s attracted to you. I saw the way he looked at you in that dress. Just wait until he sees you after we fix your hair and makeup.”
“You want me to seduce him?” I ask her.
“Why not? If he falls in love with you, and honestly, I think he’s halfway there, then maybe he can talk to your father. Ifhe’s anything like his brother Hex, he’ll support you if you want to continue your career. I was teasing him about Cleo, but I know she’s happy with Hex. He supports her in everything she does. New Orleans has a professional ballet company. They may not be as prestigious as what you’re used to, but they perform several times a year. I’m sure with your talent and pedigree, they’d welcome you.”
Skylar’s excitement is contagious. For the first time since my father announced his plans, I’m feeling as if I might be gaining back control of my life. If I could entice Vladimir to fall in love with me, then maybe he could take me away. I shake my head at my silly idea. What would Vladimir get out of this? Perhaps I could talk him into pretending to be in love with me. The more I consider the idea, the more I wonder if I could do it. Could I convince Vladimir to help me avoid a marriage I don’t want? I can’t do it on my own. I’ll need help.
“Skylar, I need your help,” I tell her. “You need to make me look beautiful. I have to be stunning tonight.”
Skylar frowns at me. “You want to look attractive for the men your father is meeting? Why?”
“Not for them. For Vladimir.”
“You want to entice Vladimir? Why the change of heart?”
“You heard what he said today. He’s on my side in this. I need to convince him to help me. You saw how he looked at me today when he saw me in that dress. I need you to help me look like the goddess he mentioned.”
“Leave it to me,” Skylar says. “I’m going to make you irresistible.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN: VLADIMIR
Following Alexandr into his office, Dominic and I take our seats. Igor is in the room and standing off to the side.
“Thank you for taking the girls shopping,” Alexandr says. “After what happened to Rurik, I don’t know who to trust with my daughter.”
“You think the attempted kidnapping was an inside job?” I ask.
“I don’t know, but whoever attacked Rurik knew he was going to be on that street at that time. I had asked him to run an errand for me. He wouldn’t have normally been there at that time. His normal routine had him going to the coffee shop and then the library until it was time to retrieve Anya.”
“What was the errand?” I ask.
“I asked him to deliver the invitation for tonight’s party.”
“Did Rurik deliver the invitations?”
“Yes, he did. Someone attacked him on his way back from delivering the last invitation.”
“Who received invitations?”
“I can give you the list. I invited my lieutenants as well as the three men who are under consideration for Alexi’s position.”
“So, basically, everyone coming tonight?’
“Correct.”
I share a glance with Dominic. “You want me to figure out who attacked Rurik and tried to kidnap Anya?”
“If you can, I would appreciate it. I want to see my daughter settled, but I don’t want to make a mistake and select someone who intends to harm her.”
