Chapter 17 - Ivan
It’s been a while since I pulled out the cufflinks, but for whatever reason, tonight seemed like the right time.
I adjust them for the third time since I sat down, glancing down at my watch far too often to be casual at this point. Telling myself I’m just being vigilant, I glance at the exits, then back to the stage again. I’m managing risks, obviously.
Mila being out in the open is immediate exposure, and despite vetting every single person in the crowd beforehand, just to be extra safe, I know this is still erring on the side of reckless.
Though the lies I tell myself are flimsy at best.
More than anything, I want Mila to step out and shine just like she did all those other times. I want her to have this, even if I’m still managing to be uptight about it.
And in another potentially stupid move, I invited my family.
A small part of me did it to humanize her in some way, so that when they think about her next, they don’t just imagine her as some girl they hardly know, and one who needs to be handled. Another did it out of pure selfishness, because I want them to see what I do. I want them to know exactly why I’m so caught up in her.
When I first told Roman, I thought he was about to pop a blood vessel, but luckily, Victoria was there to soften the blow with her immediate acceptance.
The rest of my brothers acted like they couldn’t understand why this was happening, but like the bastards they are, they’re already grinning from their seats while the opener does his thing. The drinks in their hands help.
Of course, the lounge is one of ours. It’s private, low-lit, and certainly more upscale than she’s used to singing in. This one seemed to fit her performances the best, and with a controlled crowd, trusted staff, and guarded exits, it’s bound to go off without a hitch.
I’ve made sure of it, and fortunately, Mila doesn’t know any of that.
She’s currently backstage, surely getting herself ready and warming up her vocals, but the impatient part of me just wants her out here now to prove how natural all of this is for her.
Restlessly drumming my fingers against the arm of my chair, I feel Roman’s eyes on me, and I pretend I don’t notice.
He hums before leaning closer. “You’re really doing this for her.”
“I am,” I murmur simply, giving him a glance. “She’s good.”
“And you brought the family,” Sergey adds, far too comfortable right now with his arm draped over Kat’s shoulders. “How thoughtful.”
“Don’t read into it too much.”
He smirks and lifts his glass. “Too late.”
Despite the light-hearted air around the rest of them, Roman’s jaw tightens, and he doesn’t let up. “You’re still avoiding the real problem.”
Deciding this isn’t the place, I don’t entertain him as I look away. “Tonight isn’t about that.”
“It never is,” he mutters, earning him a quiet scoff from Victoria, and with reluctance, he drops it.
Thanks once again, Victoria.
Before Roman can change his mind, or before my brothers can get more digs in, everyone claps as the opener finishes, and as he begins introducing Mila, the lights dim a little more, concentrating on the center stage.
Like I’ve been programmed to respond only to her, I straighten a bit in anticipation, watching as she steps into the light. My pulse thrums, and I have to force myself to breathe.
Regardless of how antsy she had been earlier tonight, she stands with relaxed shoulders and her chin up, eyes bright like she’s finally returning home. Her dress is long, black, and simple, but the way she moves in it so elegantly is what makes it.
When she speaks, welcoming everybody, she receives a few enthusiastic calls and smiles as if it’s the easiest thing in the world.
I anticipated her playing the violin since she’s been practicing often lately, but instead, she’s back to the basics.
With a hand steady on the microphone while it rests in its stand, the music starts up, and before the moment can pass her by, she starts to sing. Without warning, my chest clenches, and I already know I can’t miss a second of this.
It only takes a few notes for my brothers to react.
