From Radovan’s report, it seemed that Iskra was having some kind of hormonal fluctuation. Since she hadn’t demanded anything that posed a security risk or potential harm, I saw no point in addressing the change.
She had certainly decided what her services were worth. Slightly over six times her monthly stipend, as it turned out.
I was curious to see what she had bought for tonight. Rather than waiting downstairs I hung back at the junction between our wings and checked my watch.
Two minutes.
A door opened.
I looked up.
My jaw almost dropped.
Her hair had been blown out into waves—some process that increased the volume considerably, the blonde of it catching the hallway light. The red dress shimmered as she came toward me, moving with the ease of a woman who had decided tonight belonged to her. Small crystal studs caught the light at her ears.
Long bare legs.
Where the hell had those come from?
Matching red heels.
My eyes went back up. Smoky dark blue around her eyes, lighter silver and white at the inner corners, the blue of her irises glowing against it. Cheekbones defined by a touch of pink. Those lips painted to a precise and deliberate perfection.
$49,000 well spent.
Then my eyes dropped to her hand as she adjusted her purse.
The diamond sat nestled beside her wedding band.
I relaxed.
“I see you’re ready for tonight,” I said, and offered her my arm.
She was wearing a new perfume.
Daring.
Dynamic.
Older than the floral she usually wore—something with depth to it, something that had been chosen deliberately for exactly this occasion.
“I am,” she said, taking my arm with a smile.
We were going to my club, which meant privacy and controlled surroundings. Period or not, she was mine and tonight she would be seen as such.
I guided her down the stairs. My men made a reasonable effort not to stare. I couldn’t blame them—the dress didn’t cling so much as shimmer in precisely the right places, revealing the suggestion of her curves rather than the fact of them. The modest neckline and long sleeves did everything they were supposed to do and none of it was working.
“Be extra vigilant tonight,” I said to all four as we walked outside.
A series of affirmatives followed. Tikhon rushed ahead to open the car door for Iskra. Her dress rose precariously as she moved to get in and I stepped forward and shouldered him out of the way before he had a chance to assist further.
He moved.
I got in beside her, jaw tight.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, and placed her hand on my thigh.
“Nothing,” I said, dragging her hand a little higher.
