"Nervous?"
"No." Immediate response, but her voice was stiff.
"Liar," I said. "Your fingers are shaking."
She glanced down at her clenched hands, then quickly released them, leaning back with forced casualness.
"I'm just reviewing those damn family trees," she said. "The Marchetti boss is Carmine, he's got three sons—"
"Enough." I cut her off. "You've memorized that shit cold. I tested you last night. Perfect score."
"That was last night," she insisted. "What if I forget today?"
"Then forget," I said. "Tonight, you just stand beside me, smile, and nod occasionally. I'll handle everything else."
"But—"
"Vivienne." I turned, meeting her eyes directly. "What are you afraid of?"
She went quiet for several seconds, then took a deep breath.
"I'm thinking, what if I screw up?" she said quietly. "What if I say something wrong, use the wrong fork, what if I—"
"Those old bastards will just think you're charmingly naive," I said. "Besides, you won't screw up."
"How do you know?"
"Because yesterday in the sunroom you stomped on my foot six times and told Patrick with a straight face you were adjusting your steps," I said. "A woman who can act in front of me won't crack in front of those idiots."
She blinked, then laughed.
"Didn't realize the great Pakhan held grudges like a child."
"I remember perfectly," I said. "So tonight if you stomp on me again, I guarantee you'll pay for it after."
"You—" Her face flushed. "Can you stop being so—"
"So what?" I raised an eyebrow.
She glared at me, then gave up and turned to the window.
But I caught the smile tugging at her lips.
The car stopped at the Washington Hilton entrance.
I got out first, then circled around to open Vivienne's door, offering my hand.
She took it, stepping out gracefully in her heels.
The hotel entrance was already crowded with guests—mostly familiar faces from Washington's business and political circles. Seeing me, several immediately approached with obsequious smiles.
"Mr. Volkov, good evening."
"Been too long,Mr. Volkov."
I nodded in acknowledgment but didn't stop. Vivienne took my arm, spine straight, wearing an impeccable smile.
We passed through the revolving doors into the lobby.
