I curled my long, dark blond hair until it sat in even waves along my shoulders and down my breasts, and for make-up I used a more natural palette, save for my lipstick. Like my shoes and splash of color on my white dress, it’s a brilliant red.
We make our way inside the building, replying with polite smiles and head nods to the many that welcome us, and I feel like absolute royalty as Kirill brings me into the stark white and brick gallery.
“Annika, my God!” Max calls when he spots me through the crowd.
Before he can make it to me, Kirill, Yana, and Edik steps between us, and I don’t have to see his face to know that he’s giving Max a lethal stare.
“So,” my husband muses. “You’re the one that has been making my wife anxious.”
I peer around the wall of wide shoulders and see Max’s wide eyes and shocked expression, and I can’t help but feel a little pleased.
Serves you right for pushing this on me.
“Well, I see what your inspiration was for the blue marble,” Max says after he gets over his shock. “You must be Annika’s husband. Mr. Pavlovich. I should be thanking you. So should Annika.”
I glance up to Kirill’s face and notice the minute shifts in his expression. He’s surprised, perhaps even a little caught off guard at the strange praise and introduction. Max holds out a hand toward my husband, but he doesn’t take it. Only keeps giving Max that intimidating stare.
“I’m sorry,” Max apologizes, then sweeps his rebuffed hand around the room. “But look at this! Annika, your work is already sold out! And I’ve got a list as long as my arm for commissions.”
I step around my husband’s large figure, not able to believe my ears.
“Really?” I ask.
“Yes, darling, yes!” Max gushes, relaxing a little as he sees me. “And now that you’re here I don’t doubt that list will double.”
He rakes his eyes down my body and his smile widens.
“God, you look gorgeous. You’re glowing. Positively.”
I hear a soft, possessive growl rumble in the back of Kirill’s throat at Max’s praise, and I put a hand on his arm. His gaze shoots to me and when he sees the calm expression on my face, he backs down.
That’s my good mafia king,I can’t help but think, and giggle aloud at the thought.
“Thank you, Max, that’s very kind,” I say to my art dealer.
Kirill backs down from his protective stance and steps aside, allowing Max and I to hug.
“You’re going to make us very rich, darling,” Max whispers into my ear. “I’ll tell you later what your pieces sold for. It’s insane!”
My smile grows wider, and I give my arm to Max, letting him lead me around to the many people he wants to introduce me to as Kirill, Edik, and Yana trail close behind. Soon my world is filled with praises and conversations. People want to know who I am, what my inspiration is, when they can purchase my time for commissioned work, and after a few hours of this, my head is spinning. Not from anxiety, but delight. My dreams of making my art a staple in New York City were actually coming true.
“I need a break,” I tell Max.
I’m surprised when he doesn’t push me this time.
“You’ve earned it,” he tells me, patting my hand.
“I believe I saw your family over by the blue marble piece. Go say hello, relax a little.”
“Thank you, Max,” I say as he leaves us.
I then turn to Kirill, all smiles as I meet his approving gaze.
“Congratulations,devochka,”he praises as he takes my arm, “You’re doing beautifully.”
I beam at him as I lean into his hold.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, leading me to my father and sister. “Are you tired? Do you want something to eat? To drink?”
