“What’s your problem?” I snap back, smiling at a woman as I pass.
“I only get paid a nominal fee unless the duke actually chooses a bride.” His fingers tighten. “Don’t think I don’t see. You’re getting in the way.”
“I am not,” I answer with a cluck of my tongue. “Trust me when I say, the duke’s interest in me is only…” I search for the word that describes our relationship. I can’t find one.
“Bullshit,” Ken tugs me toward the ballroom. “His eyes were all over you.” Ken’s lip curls. “Don’t get in my way, Kat.”
My brows lift. I knew Ken had to have some grit to have shown up at the airport uninvited. But it turns out, he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. “I’m not in your way. Furthest thing from it.” I shrug my arm out of his grasp. I don’t add that he ought not get in mine.
Ken scowls. “Working with the duke, planning the events that match him to a bride, will make me the most sought-after planner in England. This is my whole career on the line.”
I don’t argue that I could care less about his career. I could, but it seems pointless. I’ll do what’s in my best interest, nothing more and nothing less.
And if that’s in Ken’s way, he can find out what it means to threaten a Russian. I give him a long, cold stare before I turn and grab a glass of champagne from a passing tray.
Taking a sip, I start to do a slow circle about the room.
But none of the conversations are any help at all.
What I mostly hear is giggling women talking about how handsome Win is and how impressive his dukedom has become.
I try not to roll my eyes. They’re already doomed. Win isn’t marrying a woman prone to giggling. Even I know that.
And dukes do not make good husbands.
My mother married my father when she got pregnant with my older brother Dimitri because my father was rich and powerful.
Coming from poverty, she thought he’d provide a beautiful life. What he gave her was absolute misery wrapped in a pretty bow.
Win finally enters the ballroom, the crowd parting to make room for him.
I take a step back, moving closer to the wall as I observe.
He’s a man other men look up to, that much is clear. Even the other lords vie for his attention, their body language speaking of nothing but respect and deference.
I take another slow sip of my champagne, watching as he gives a bit of attention to everyone while not allowing himself to be trapped in any one conversation.
He’s masterful. Effortless in his command of the room.
My father tries for this sort of control, but he runs his crew by fear, which means, when his back is turned, there are always whispers and sneers.
I nearly convinced one of his guards to kill him once. Promised the man I’d run away with him after. But Sergey failed and ended up dead. I ended up with a knife wound in my side. A lesson from my father on betrayal.
My hand comes to the scar, a frown pulling down the corners of my mouth.
That’s when Win’s gaze meets mine. I duck my chin, not wanting weak thoughts tonight. I’ll need my strength as I decide what comes next.
But I feel him moving closer, even as I keep my gaze averted.
He stops just in front of me. “Kat.”
“Your Grace,” I murmur, placing a mask over my features as I lift my gaze. “To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of your company?”
“What’s wrong?”
I let out a small sigh of exasperation. How like him to not answer my question and, instead, ask one of his own. “Not a thing. It’s a lovely event filled with lovely women.”
He frowns. “What did Ken say to you?”
