Page 43 of Lord of Justice

Leaning down and kissing me on the temple, Andrey whispers, "With this family, you should be both." He keeps my hand firmly gripped in his and for the first time, I don't want to pull it away. It feels more like a lifeline as we start mingling with the guests.

All those spreadsheets for close allies and important contacts that Jessica gave me to memorize are paying off. As Andrey introduces me to each new guest, I'm pleased that I can remember most of them. I shake the hand of Carlotta, Mayor Cavanaugh’s wife and ask about their daughter, who just graduated from high school. With the Whiteheads, billionaires from their South Africandiamond mines, I inquire about their vacation in Belize.

I'm not getting everyone right, but Andrey's always careful to introduce the guests with a brief explanation of how they connect in the Morozov world and I'm grateful. He doesn't leave me hanging if he sees I'm struggling.

"You know, I traditionally find so little to admire in people, but with you? You're showing all the grace of a seasoned professional," Andrey says, taking my elbow and moving me away from another group of people who, apparently, do not deserve to be greeted. "Just remember this," he murmurs, and goosebumps spring up on my neck, "at the end of this ordeal, there is cake."

"That's all I'm holding on for," I whisper back. There's a little glow building in my chest that I'm valiantly trying to squash.

Just because he's being all charming is no reason to want him,Smarter Iris argues.

He was honest in the car,Soft and Gooey Iris chimes in.He respected us enough to not give out a line of bullshit.

There's very little in the way of speeches, I suspect because his family knows Andrey wouldn't tolerate it. Despite the grandeur of the planetarium and the guests dripping with jewelry, it's more relaxed than I expected. They were carefulabout who they invited. There’s no one who would require us to be on guard.

Andrey's parents catch up with us halfway through the crowd. Tania hugs me fiercely and Yuri gracefully kisses my cheek. "Andrey loves the planetarium. What do you think?" she asks happily.

"It's very crowded," Andrey says.

"It's a beautiful space," I say, side-eyeing him. "Everyone has been so gracious."

"They are saying the same about you, Iris." Yuri smiles at me proudly. "Well done."

All the sisters-in-law and various cousins converge and I'm busy thanking them when I see Rose charging toward me.

"I haven't seen you in three days!" she wails.

"I know honey, I've missed you!" I hug her tightly and then notice Jeremy is there, keeping a firm grip on her hand. "Oh, hey Jeremy," I force a smile. "Um, Andrey, you remember Jeremy?"

My husband stares at Jeremy and I canfeelhis spine start to compress. "I do," he says before turning back to talk to Dmitri.

Looking down the room, I see two tall heads bobbing above the rest of the crowd. Even with the enormous Morozovs, these two stand out.

Roman steps up to us, grabbing Andrey's arm. His nostrils flare in displeasure, but Roman's too worked up to notice. "Are those the Turgenevs?" he asks.

"I know my parents invited them, but they're so rarely in town," Andrey says as we watch the crowd part for them like Moses and the Red Sea.

"I didn't know they got out of their coffins until after dark," Roman mutters before taking a healthy swig of his drink.

"You might want to remember that's your uncle and cousin you're talking about," my husband says heavily. "Though I doubt family ties are enough to make them forgiving of your bullshit. The Turgenevs are not known for their sense of humor."

Wow. Who could possibly have these guys rattled? Is there actually someone scarier than the Morozovs?

Andrey takes my hand again and leisurely heads toward them. "I'm going to introduce you to our closest Russian family," he murmurs. "They are intimidating. Some might say terrifying, but they are utterly loyal."

They turn as we get closer. The older one, maybe in his fifties, is wearing a smile. He's stupidly gorgeous, with blond hair and vivid blue eyes.

"Uncle Konstantin, it is good to see you," Andrey is saying it like he really means it as he shakes his hand. "May I introduce you to my wife? Iris Monroe Morozova. Darling, this is my uncle, Konstantin Turgenev and my cousin Vadim. Konstantin is married to my Aunt Mariya, they spend most of their time in Russia."

Vadim does not shake hands. His glacier blue eyes land on me for a moment, then move away. He's as tall and built as his father, though his hair is black as a crow's wing. Andrey doesn't seem to be put off by his lack of manners, so I'm not, either.

"We're surprised to see you two stateside," Andrey continues, "it's been a long time between visits."

"We're finally setting operations up in Chicago," Konstantin says, "and Vadim will be overseeing operations here and from Moscow."

It finally clicks how I know the name and I light up. "I've heard about you!" I happily shake Konstantin's hand. "That giant showdown in Switzerland, when was it? Five years ago?"

"Seven," Konstantin nods.