Her eyes narrow, and she leans closer. “Remember, eight at the barn, and don’t fuck this up.”
I nod, pretending to fall in line. “I understand.”
Her laugh is a cold, cruel sound. “See that you do.”
She leaves, and I’m left reeling, fury and terror warring inside me. I glance over at Yulia, her innocent eyes wide and curious.
“Where did Anya go?”
“She just had to run an errand,” I say with a soft smile.” My gaze drifts to Max, who’s gnawing happily on his favorite squeaky toy. “Look at Max. He’s already excited about your party. The circus crew will be there, remember?”
Yulia’s face lights up. “Luka said they’ll do all those amazing tricks and stunts, too!”
“Yes, and Max will probably outshine them all. Might even learn a trick or two from them.”
Her joy dims for a second, and she looks up at me with big, worried eyes. “What about Luka, Dima, and Erik? Will they be able to come? I miss them so much.”
I bend down to hug her, trying to convey reassurance. “I know you do, sweetheart. They’ll try their best to be there. They wouldn’t want to miss your special day.”
“Promise?”
My heart drops, but I puff out my chest, hands on my hips. “Of course! They wouldn’t dare miss it. If they do, they’ll have me to deal with.” I fake an angry pout, and she giggles.
Yulia’s eyes bounce back and forth to the door like she’s expecting Luka, Dimitri, and Erik to pop up out of nowhere.
“Let’s get ready, princess.” I look at the time, my heart pumping in anxiety, knowing things may get nasty tonight.
I’ve never thought I would come across someone so near to evil. My feelings for Aleks are beyond anger, beyond hate; it’s a gnawing loathing that eats at me every time I think of him.
At Yulia’s birthday party! Fucking bastard Aleks!
I glance at my watch, and my breath catches.
It’s five now.
Svetlana’s voice is loud and clear in my head. “Mr. Ivankov’s guests are arriving today at six p.m. Cocktails and food must be ready by then. We will have the circus crew performing from seven until eight,” she announced this morning.
If she knows what’s really going on, she’s doing a damned good job of hiding it. There’s no sign, no hint, nothing. Just the same cold instructions. It’s maddening.
Only another hour before the guests start arriving. Who are these guests, anyway? Friends of Luka? Business associates? Or just random people here to gawk at the spectacle?
My mind spins, and I can’t shake the feeling that tonight’s event is a ticking time bomb.
I need to tell Luka about Anya’s plan, plain and simple. She’s up to something, and I can’t let my guard down. Right now, my job is to protect Yulia, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
“Sophia?” Yulia’s voice pulls me back from my anger. I look down at her innocent eyes, a calming presence.
“Yes, sweetie?”
“Will there be cake?” she asks, her eyes wide and hopeful.
I laugh, shaking off my irritation. “Of course! The biggest and tastiest cake you’ve ever seen.”
She beams, and my heart lightens.
“You know,” I add, steering her attention back to the wardrobe, “the cake’s going to be amazing, but what would make it even more special is the perfect dress to match it. I have just the one!”
I walk over to her inner closet and pull out a pink Chanel dress that’s a work of art in itself. The fabric is a soft silk that feels like a cloud, with delicate lace detailing around the neckline. Tiny sparkling crystals are embedded in the material, catching the light as I move it. The dress probably cost more than my entire year’s salary from my old jobs. It’s ridiculous and beautiful at the same time.
