“Am I late?” she whispered.
“The party begins when you enter.” I took her into my arms and kissed her.
A nervous giggle left her as she moved away. “I’m trying to focus.”
“On what?”
“This party.”
“No, mysh. Only focus on me.”
She smiled as if it was a joke. “Kazimir, it would be impossible to not focus on you, no matter how many killers are in the room.”
I’m glad you understand that.
“What’s the name of this wig?” I asked.
“Diana.”
“For princess Diana?”
“No, Queen Diana Ross.”
I lowered my voice so only she could hear me. “I’m going to fuck you with that on tonight.”
“I’m trying to focus, Kaz.”
“Focus on my cock.”
“Still,” she giggled, “I would like to know your candidates for your new positions.”
I grinned.
My mouse planned to hold her own approval process with them.
It felt good to have someone watching over me. And her concern wasn’t based off of fear or money. It was all love.
This is why men fall in love.
“How do you like your gown?”
“It’s lovely, but I wish I had a place for a gun.”
“You won’t need a gun this evening.” I gave her my arm.
“Let’s hope.” She took my arm.
“I’ll only bring up the men that I’m considering.”
“I should still know the other’s names.”
“No. You’re too high to waste your time.”
“But—”
“Trust me, mysh.”
She sighed. “Okay, but you’ll show me your candidates.”
“I will.”
“How many people are you considering?”
I guided her to the ballroom. “Five men for now.”
Emily appeared to do calculations in her head. “Misha and Pavel?”
“Yes.”
“And the other four?”
“Zahkar, Abram, Tisha, and Roman.”
“Okay. I’ve got it.” She looked to be mentally writing it down in her head.
“I will introduce you to them first.”
She tensed but said nothing as she walked along side me. Her gold glittered gown trailed behind her. I could understand her unease. The last Bratva party she’d attended had been at my Uncle Igor’s castle. On that night, she’d lost her closest friend, Xavier, and I’d lost my Uncle Igor.
“Don’t worry, mysh. Tonight will be boring at the most.”
She smiled. “Good. I’m starting to love boring.”
I glanced over my shoulder as her men marched behind them. While Pavel had been right about the shabbiness of their clothes, they’d probably been too proud to let their lady boss buy them tuxedos. Many looked to be trying to earn her respect. I could see the hunger on their faces. They were ready to prove themselves. It stank in the air. For her, they would do more than required.
Power-hungry men. I’m not sure if this will be good or bad for her. It doesn’t matter. I’ll kill them myself, if they step out of line.
I directed my view to the ballroom’s entrance ahead of us. “Let’s begin.”
“With the party?”
“With your first lesson.”
“I thought the ribbons were my first lesson.”
“No, mysh. That was just orientation.”
She laughed, pushing all of my small worries away.
Chapter 2
Emily
We headed to the ballroom. I leaned Kaz’s way. “Any pointers before I enter?”
“They’ll try to talk to you alone as much as possible. They’re trying to get to know you, see what you need so they can give it to you. They’re hoping to make you a friend.”
“And will you let them talk to me alone?”
“Yes, but only tonight. I’ll be near, but I’ll make myself busy.”
I hated how weak my next words sounded. “Don’t go too far away.”
“Never, mysh.”
“Get a feel of the three candidates that are here. You already know Yuri and Misha.”
“Not well enough.”
Kazimir held a wicked grin. “You’ll get your time to question them too.”
Good.
“But more important, enjoy the party and the food. All five courses will be prepared by Vladimir Komm. He’s considered the best chef in Russia.”
“I’m excited.”
It was supposed to be a small dinner party, but when Kazimir had delivered the gown, I knew there wouldn’t be anything small about this night.
As soon as I entered, I lost my breath. “Wow.”
“Since my mother’s death and my sister leaving, we haven’t had parties in years.” Kazimir squeezed my hand. “I hope the staff didn’t go overboard.”
Usually, the ballroom was empty with a soaring high ceilings and clean beige walls. Tonight, the staff had gone above and beyond. I felt like I was walking through a fairy garden.
“Wow.” It was like an artist had come in with his paintbrush and executed a living painting. The space boasted striking beauty—rose gold tablecloths and crystal chandeliers. Cream roses covered the walls in an elaborate floral arrangements. Tables shimmered. Six foot candelabras guarded each of the four corners.
A six piece band played rock music in the far back. Their lyrics were in Russian. The lead singer wiggled his crotch as he strummed out a hard melody. A few couples danced in front of them.
Kazimir bobbed his head.
“What’s the name of this song?” I leaned his way.
“Soul Crushing.”
I grinned. “That sounds cheery.”
“This is one of my favorite bands, Crucifix. They came to play for me on short notice as a favor.”