Page 40 of Taken By My Grumpy Pakhan

When they approached an older man, the woman only smiled in greeting. An heiress would shake hands and converse like Svetlana did. Then it hit me.

“She’s a supermodel and he brought her to boost his image. The watch is probably rented, which is why he keeps staring at it every now and then.” I let out an audible gasp. “He’s a fraud.”

“Bingo.” Nikolai grinned. “It’s not so hard when you pay attention to the details.”

It was a stupid game and I shouldn't be this excited by one win, but I was riding the moon. “Pick out another one.”

One became two, two became five, and before I knew it, I became an expert at people reading.

“You’re a natural,” Nikolai commented, plucking a glass of orange juice from the servers and handing it to me.

I made a show of the sip like it was my reward for competence. “What can I say, I excel at everything.”

Laughter rumbled in his chest as he watched me. “I knew I’d like you.”

Soft laughter caught my attention and my eyes followed to find Svetlana gushing over something with another woman. When I lifted my eyes to her companion, he was already watching me.

I tore my gaze from him, refocusing on the insane amount of money being announced by the host and whatever Nikolai had to say.

The game was an interesting one and for a couple of minutes, I had completely forgotten about him and his ill manners, but I was aware now and the bitterness came flooding in.

“I’ve got to catch up with an old friend,” Nikolai announced. “Scream if you need me.”

“Keep your ears open for a damsel in distress, then.”

He left with a wink, and I was suddenly aware of how badly I must stick out with no one to talk to.

The server came with another tray of alcohol and this time, I didn’t think twice before plucking a glass and throwing it back.

The liquid was definitely not champagne. It burned the entire way and left a trail of warmth beneath my skin.

I took a second glass. I was done with work, and if Kazimir was going to keep being an asshole, then I was going to create my own entertainment.

“Hello, gorgeous.”

Looks like I didn’t need to search too far.

An attractive young man was standing in front of me wearing the sweetest smile. “Can I get you another drink?”

I drained the liquid in my glass and handed it to him. “Sure.”

He chuckled, taking the glass and signaling for one of the servers. “Is this your first time here? I’ve never seen you around.”

“That would entirely depend on where you hang out, then.”

His brow lifted by a fraction.

Alcohol really did come with a huge boost of confidence.

“How about you tell me where you hang out and I’ll come hang with you, so next time, we don’t have to meet like this.”

“Hmm,” I mused, pretending to take a sip of the drink he just gave me. “I don’t know, Mister…”

“Hastings,” he filled in. “George Hastings.”

“I don’t know, George. I’m a very private person and I prefer my circle to be really small.”

“I understand. Privacy is paramount in this world, but,” he reached out to tuck a stray hair behind my ear. Heat exploded at the back of my neck. “I promise I won’t be much trouble.”