I process this insight. Their lack of concern about other couples tells me they don’t need this deal. It could be that the deal needs them. Maybe they’re legacy financiers or facilitators.
When I go to return to the main suite, Erin stands in the doorway twirling a stiletto in one hand.
“You’re going to take someone’s eye out with that,” I mutter as she steps aside to let me pass.
“Don’t give me ideas.” It could be the effect of a glass of crisp white wine, but her voice sounds deeper than usual.
Sultry, even.
Jeez, I can’t afford to think about that—not when I’m about to share a bed with her.
“And the Russians… She may not speak English, but?—”
“Wait—” I whip round to face her. “How do you know they’re Russian?”
Her frown dips. “I asked them.”
My brows shoot up.
“You were in the restroom.”
I unbutton the top of my shirt, enjoying the way her gaze drops and her speech falters for a brief moment.
Her stilettoes fall to the floor. “And my husband’s aunt is Russian and can’t speak English, so I had to learn a little bit.”
Slowly pushing my hands into my pockets, I blink. “I’m sorry, what?”
I follow when she walks into the bedroom, wrestling with a pendant clasp at her nape.
“Well, often she would visit for weeks at a time. I got tired of having to play charades every time I needed to communicate with her. I can’t speak the language but I can understand bits here and there.”
Stepping up behind her, I gently push her fingers out of the way so I can undo the damn clasp. My chest is thumping. Of all the fake wives I could have chosen—which were few, granted—I picked one whounderstands Russian?
Her secret skill could be a gamechanger for this mission, but I need to think carefully about how to make the most of it without giving away the real reason I brought her here.
“Did you notice anyone else speaking Russian?”
Her cheeks are pink when she turns to take the necklace from my fingers. I realize I’m standing only inches from her, invading her space. I’d only need to bend my head a little and my lips would line perfectly with hers.
I have to force a step backwards, remembering the promise I made to myself in honor of what I came here to do. The mission is everything. I can’t allow my growing infatuation with this woman to derail me.
She releases a breath, watching me. “No.”
My heart sinks a little.
“But I noticed a few other oddities. The woman on the next table along, face puffed out with Botox, she was on her phone constantly. The brunette with the emerald earrings? I swear I’ve seen her in a gossip column—she’s married to some tech billionaire.”
“Interesting.”
“And the blonde sitting next to her?” Erin smirks. “She wore her wedding ring on the wrong finger.”
I stare at her. “You’re good. This is useful stuff.”
She shrugs, a smile tugging at her mouth. “People have underestimated me my whole life. I’m pleased to be able to help.”
“Well, you were great tonight. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
Her eyes narrow, playfully. “This isn’t a swingers retreat, is it?”
