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“I was angry and I wanted answers, but I should always give you the benefit of the doubt.Always.” I kiss her forehead. “I promise to take care of you. I promise to protect you. I promise no matter what, your safety and wellbeing are my topmost priority. Yours, and Ivy’s.”
She nods. “Thank you.”
“I’ll make it up to you, Harper. I can’t fall back into old patterns like that.”
I hug her to me. Ivy’s giggle makes us both smile.
“And it’s for that reason that we need to talk about what I was doing last night. I have information and a plan.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Harper
“Mama. Princess.”
I look into the mirror to see Aleks holding Ivy, his eyes shining at me.
“Well done, Princess. You even managed to convince your daughter you’re a princess.”
“That’s because I am,” I tell him, tossing my head. It might have to do with the endless books about princesses and the tiaras we wear when playing, but I’ll go with it.
He shakes his head. “Mama’s not a princess, Ivy. Mama’s aqueen.”
My cheeks heat when I look in the mirror and finish putting my earring in. I slide the elegant pearl into place and fasten it, then turn to the side to admire the full effect.
I’ve opted for a look of timeless elegance, something sophisticated but seductive – yet perfectly designed for theplans I have tonight: a sleeveless floor-length gown with velvety accents. The bodice flares out from the waist into a gently sweeping skirt, but this outfit is a custom dress, borrowed from someone Polina knows. While it appears traditional, it’s ingeniously tailored with a modern touch. The bodice is reinforced with seams that allow for maximum movement without sacrificing style, the high slit also facilitating movement. But most importantly, the design completely disguises the holster I have strapped to my inner thigh.
My long hair, usually down and wavy, is swept into an elegant up-do, a few curlicues around my face to make the look a bit more casual. My makeup consists of warm, earthy tones that accentuate my high cheekbones, brown eyes, and full lips. Even wearing low heels, though, Aleks still stands a head taller.
“You look gorgeous,” he whispers in my ear. “And I know what you have underneath all that fabric.”
I stick my tongue out at him, and he shakes his head.
“Are you two ready to go?” Polina stands in the doorway. Aleks has arranged for one of Polina’s friends to babysit Ivy tonight because all of the Romanov family will need to attend the gala. Ekaterina and Polina have been hard at work, and in the past week, I’ve been helping them with the finishing touches as well.
“Ready!” I say, squaring my shoulders. Aleks puts Ivy down and takes her by the hand.
“Let’s get you situated. Mama even said if you eat your dinner, you can have ice cream.”
Ivy pouts, probably because she knows Aleks and I are going out. “Ice creamfordinner.”
“No, Ivy,” Aleks says with that blend of stern patience and love that makes my heart thump every time I hear it. “You’ll do what Mama says and eat your regular food first. Go, now.”
He sends Ivy out to Polina, and they walk down the hall.
“Don’t listen to him,” Polina says in a stage whisper. “Auntie Polina will give you ice cream for dinner.”
“Polina!” he booms.
I shake my head. I’m pretty sure she only said that to needle him a little.
We’re silent on the drive to the gala, the two of us lost in a world all our own.
“Let’s go over this one more time,” he says, clenching the wheel so tightly his knuckles whiten. I’m glad he said that because I’m honestly very much in the mood to go over this one more time.
“There are two potential guests tonight that could be the one who assaulted me. They’ve been invited to the gala as private guests of yours. Among the guests, the Romanov family has stacked allies. I’ll be under surveillance, since I’ll be used as bait because we’re assuming that whoever assaulted me will at least want another look.” I shiver because it makes me want to vomit.
If I could look into his ice-blue eyes right now, I’d bet my life they’re murderous.
