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Two cross-panels that covered her breasts fastened around her neck. The V in the front almost ended at her navel. The back was open and the skirt tight. It fitted like a glove over her hips. From her knees, it flared out slightly. The fabric was a sheer drape mesh of shimmering black.
She pulled on a new pair of beaded, open-heel evening slippers. The stiletto heels lifted her a few inches off the floor, and the way it forced her to walk on tiptoes flexed her calf muscle that showed through the long slit on the side.
Diana clapped her hands. “Oh my God, Kat.”
Silviano studied her with his hands on his hips. “Perfect, darling. You look like Grace Kelly with red hair.”
Kat smiled. “Thank you. You guys are the best.”
“Of course I am,” Silviano said.
“You’re missing this.” Diana handed her a shopping bag from an exclusive boutique store.
Kat shot her a questioning look.
“Come on. Don’t keep Silviano in suspense. Open it already!”
Kat removed something wrapped in white tissue paper. She carefully peeled the paper away to reveal a silver patent leather Saint Laurent evening clutch bag.
“Oh, Diana.”
“Don’t you dare cry,” Silviano said, raising a finger. “I’m not redoing all that eye makeup.”
Kat hugged them both. “I don’t know what to say.”
Diana removed her camera from her bag. “You can say cheese.” She aimed the lens at Kat and snapped away on continuous mode.
“Did I hear something about champagne?” Silviano cocked his hip.
Lann had indeed told them upon arrival that he’d arranged for champagne to get the dressing party going. After Alfonso had brought up a bottle of Krug Clos d’Ambonnay and three chilled flutes, Kat had a glass of bubbly with Diana and Silviano before she dabbed on her perfume and slipped the rose bracelet over her wrist.
“Wow,” Diana said, leaning in for a closer look, “that’s not your average bracelet.”
“It was his mother’s.”
Diana and Silviano exchanged a look.
Kat shrugged. “What?”
“You don’t give your mother’s jewelry to someone you don’t care about,” Diana said. “Giving away family jewels is serious.”
“I’m not going to keep it,” Kat said quickly. She shot them a brilliant smile and decided to change the subject. “I think I’m ready.”
“Time for us to say bye-bye,” Silviano cooed. “Have fun, darling.”
While Alfonso saw her friends out, she looked at her reflection one last time. Lann had asked her to be ready by eight, and at eight sharp, the door between their bedrooms opened. Lann stood in the frame, dressed in a tux and bowtie. His golden hair was braided down his back, giving him the exotic, sophisticated look Kat loved so much. As his gaze roamed over her, his eyes shone a deep, golden color.
He closed the distance slowly and stopped a step away from her. “I can’t take you out like that.” His voice was hoarse. “I’ll be too busy fighting off the other men, worrying about their wandering eyes.”
She smiled up at him. “Shall I take that as a compliment?”
“You are the most beautiful being I’ve seen, Katherine.” He offered her his arm. “I’m honored.”The ball was held at the Moneda Palace, the seat of the Chilean president, with the wealthiest patrons in attendance. The proceeds would go to a new museum for pre-colonial art. Lann had been invited as one of the country’s foremost antique art donors. When he stepped from the limo and offered Kat a hand, cameras flashed around them.
“So much for not liking to have your photo taken,” she whispered.
He placed his hand on the small of her back. “As much as I hate public events, declining this invitation would’ve looked too suspicious.” He guided her through the entrance. “Let’s find a quiet corner where I can just stand and admire you.”
They went through the ballroom to a bar at the back.
“Champagne?” he asked in his Russian accent.
“Thank you.”
He requested their drinks from a barman and handed her a glass. Their tranquility didn’t last long. A small group of people soon surrounded him. Everyone seemed to want to meet him. A tall brunette approached them, her hips swaying in a red creation, a heart-shaped pendant around her neck.
“The elusive Mr. Dréan,” she said. “What’s the weather forecast for today?”
Lann tensed. “Amelia,” he said, acknowledging her with a nod. “Working?”
“I wish I could say it was pleasure, but…” Her lips tilted in one corner. “I see you’ve finally found someone to leash.” Her eyes moved to Kat and to the ring on her left hand.
Lann pulled Kat close to him. “It’s the other way around. She’s got me leashed.”
“It’s not surprising,” Amelia said, “seeing that she looks so much like your mother. Except that your mother’s hair was blond.”
Kat stiffened in Lann’s embrace. Inside, she went cold, but instead of giving Amelia the satisfaction of seeing her shock, she squared her shoulders.
Before Lann could reply, the American ambassador walked up. He shook hands with Lann and introduced himself to Amelia and Kat.
