Outside, the late afternoon is chilly and gray. God, I want spring to get here so badly. Thankfully, the car is already warmed up and ready to go. Andrei opens the door and I ease inside.
I feel like I’m in a dream, like the doctor’s appointment wasn’t real. But it was.
And tonight is the gala.
I’ll put on that gorgeous dress. I’ll smile. I’ll stand beside Roman while cameras flash and people toast his generosity.
All the while, I’ll be carrying this quiet, world-altering truth inside me.
I have no idea how I’m going to tell him.
CHAPTER 37
AMALIE
Chicago slides past the windows in a blur of lights, everything softened by the tinted glass and Andrei’s absurdly smooth handling. I run my fingers over the door panel, the leather cool and stitched so perfectly it almost looks painted on.
“This car is ridiculous,” I say.
Roman, looking so handsome in his tux that I want to scream, offers a barely-there smile in response. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should. What is it?”
“Mercedes Maybach,” he says. “Armored. Designed so you hardly feel like you’re moving.”
I glance around. The effect of the interior is like being in a dark, sleek spaceship. We might as well be driving in a vacuum for how quiet it is.
“Very on-brand for you,” I say.
“It’s good for thinking. Nothing derails a train of thought like a bumpy ride.”
“Makes you feel a little untouchable, too, huh?”
“Not untouchable, protected.”
His eyes move over me, tracing my curves. His stoic expression breaks just a bit, the corner of his mouth curling. “Speaking of untouchable, I hope that’s not a word that applies to you tonight.”
Something warm curls in my chest. “Wow, another joke from you. I like it.” He chuckles.
I shift in my seat, smoothing my hands over my gown, suddenly aware of how much of my body is exposed. Soft ivory silk with a neckline that draws attention to my breasts, and the way it hugs my curves… I’ve never worn anything like it before.
“They are rare. Enjoy them when they happen.” His eyes glint mischievously. “You’re going to be a distraction tonight.”
“Hey, you’re the one who helped pick out the dress.”
“Indeed I am. But I wasn’t thinking of how difficult it will be to make the rounds while you stand at my side looking like that.”
The Maybach glides to a stop in front of the Art Institute of Chicago, all white stone with giant lion statues and banners announcing the Spring Benefactors’ Gala. Cameras flash as crowds make their way up the towering stairs. I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
My eyes are locked on the scene outside the window. “As ready as I’m going to be.”
“Come. It will be a fine time.”
He opens the door and steps out. He’s instantly composed, despite the crowd of photographers that gather around him, snapping photos. The idea of being under the public eye makes me want to stay in the car.
When Roman turns to me, offering his hand, I suddenly feel like I can do anything.“Come.”
