He entered, “Everyone has arrived.”
“Everyone?” I asked.
The man grimaced. “Sir, we still have been unable to contact Misha, but everyone else has arrived.”
I held in my disappointment at Misha’s absence. “Have them seated and let the band begin.”
“The mouse is leaving her room.”
Nodding, I turned to Pavel. “I’ll see you at the party but think about it.”
“I’m not the man I was, Kazimir. I don’t take orders anymore.”
“Perhaps that’s what I need now.”
“Regardless, I can’t wait to meet your mouse.” Pavel gave me a weak smile.
“Just keep your little sweet-smelling tresses away from her.”
“It would be difficult to stop their glow.” He did a dramatic toss of his hair and left.
Only Pavel could pull something like that off. A giant of a man dithering about like a female. No one would dare laugh at someone who could kill them in seconds.
Will Pavel take the position?
I’d expected more excitement at the offer. Granted, I’d killed Sasha and hung him on a flagpole for betraying me. That would cause most men to pause.
Pavel will come through. I trust him. Most of all because he doesn’t want to do it.
I headed out of my office. Several of my guards outside the door straightened and followed me.
I walked past the ballroom and spied several men and women strolling in. I’d told my men to bring their wives and girlfriends, letting them know it would be an evening of celebration.
All friends or some foe?
In that room, there were people who may have helped Sasha. Because they’d lost, they would probably take that secret to their graves. I hadn’t decided if I would search them out and kill them. Sometimes the threat of death created the most dedicated loyalty. If I left them alone, they would sit in their territories worried, always thinking I might suspect them. It would cause the traitors to work harder and present bigger shows of loyalty.
This week will be interesting. Who will go above and beyond their usual to show they’re my true friend?
Chatter flowed out of the ballroom’s entrance.
I continued past, searching for my mouse.
Has she come down yet?
I went to the staircase, paused, and looked up.
There, my mouse stood at the top. Nervousness covered her face, but that was the only sign she wasn’t a goddess.
My gaze traveled down her body.
Gorgeous.
I’d picked out the gown, and she’d obliged. Gold glitter hugged her body. At the top, the gown dipped into her full cleavage. Her shoulders were exposed. My focus went to her waist as the gown narrowed and then flared out over those curvy hips. A long split was on the side, exposing a lovely leg. It was timeless and elegant.
But there was a new addition to her ensemble. Long crimson curls fell around her. The effect of this new wig was daunting.
What disguise is this, mysh?
She would be the goddess of the party. Pure royalty. Gold wrapped her body. Blood red topped it off. Royal, yet deadly. Regal, but ready to murder everyone in the place. With her presence at my side tonight, all would know she was no typical lover.
She was mine.
The most precious person in my life.
If any of these men wanted to live the rest of the year, they’d have to stand behind and protect her. There would be no compromise on that matter.
She gazed down at me and the nervousness left her face.
Good, mouse. Never worry, when I’m around.
Slowly, she walked down, taking her time and damn near floating down to me.
Oh, mouse, I’m going to fuck you in the middle of this dinner. I hope you’re not too hungry.
Her top two men followed behind her—Boris and Yuri.
Annoyance hit my chest, but I pushed it down. They were there to protect her, but still I didn’t like too many men around her, especially ones I didn’t know personally.
Boris had dark brown skin. His hair was cut low. Tiny crosses covered his chin and neck. Young and huge. He was close to my height of 6’4.
Yuri barely hit 5’9. However, his width made up for it. Huge arms, massive fists. I was sure he had no problem in any fight.
Although both men towered over her, Boris and Yuri followed her around the property like lap dogs.
What was I thinking, putting these thugs around her?
At the time, I’d been worried about Sasha getting too close. I wanted Emily to have her own people in Moscow. Now, I wasn’t so sure she needed them.
Boris got to Emily’s side and gave her his arm. She was smart enough to not take it. Did she understand that as soon as they got to the end of the stairs, I would’ve broken his arm off?
Walking past him, she gave Boris a polite smile.
That’s my smile.
I didn’t think about that question anymore as she came closer. Her scent filled the space in front of me. I stepped forward, ready to have her in my arms.