Breathe.
Easier said than done as you walk through a room full of mobsters. That’s what they’re called, right?
As I walk through the room towards the bar—towardsRansome—faces fall into place. I recognize Maverick and Baron, Ransome’s parents Anton and Amira, the Chadovichs. Dmitry, Katya, Tristan…
Jenica.
I can physically feel her gaze on me and do my best to let it ricochet.
I tell myself it doesn’t matter. That she doesn’t matter. And that this dress makes me look great, which it does. I wasn’t so sure how I’d feel about a dress bought by a man, but as it would turn out, it fits perfectly. The ex-stalker in me is impressed.
Despite the fact that Ransome is standing straight ahead of me, I was told by Ivan to walk straight to the bar. Don’t talk toanyone, don’t stop, and definitely don’t approach Ransome.Let him come to you, I wastold.
So that’s what I do. I keep my eyes forward, not smiling, but no RBF either. After all, we can’t all be Jenica.
I walk right past all my onlookers to the bar. The music continues to play. I order a gin and tonic—another rule—and wait.
What I am waiting for, I’m not sure. Though I know what I hope it is.
Or should I say “who”…
And sure enough, when Ransome is behind me, I know it. I can feel him.
“Quite the entrance,dorogoya,” he says, leaning back against the bar as I face forward next to him.
I see what game this is. A good, old-fashioned game oftalk to each other but don’t look at each other.
Well, I can play too. “I just did what I was told.”
“Good girl,” he says under his breath. I’m pretty sure even my mask doesn’t hide my blush.
“Aren’t you worried people will see you talking to me?” I pick up the drink set in front of me. I’m still not a fan of gin and tonics, but any alcohol is better than no alcohol right now.
“I don’t really give a fuck what most of the people in the room think of me.”
“You sure? They look important.”
“My priorities are elsewhere.” The way he says it makes my heart race. “You want to dance?”
“I want to leave,” I say flatly.
“You should drink your drink.”
“I’m working on it,” I mutter. Then I take a sip and immediately wince. “Also, people are still staring. Don’t they have better things to do?”
“Better than to watch a futurepakhanand the only woman who’s caught his attention since the party started? Doubt it.”
With that, Ransome takes my hand and pulls me to the dance floor. Before I can protest, I am in his arms. He spins around with more ease than I expected, though I’m not sure why he’s being so courteous.
Or why he’s pulling me right against him.
“Okay, now theyarereally staring.”
“That’s because they are important, as you said. To your left—don’t look—is Katya Chadovich.”
“The one drinking water from a wine glass?” I ask.
“That’s not water.”
