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There’s something incredibly sexy about that obliviousness that’s even more alluring than the women who use beauty as a weapon.

I’ve always known women like the latter. It’s rare to come across a creature like Gabrielle.

When you do, you keep her.

Anushka follows behind her, dressed in a long red gown. Usually, she steals the show at these events and I always have to scare people away. Tonight, she has some serious competition, which I know she created herself. I asked her to take Gabrielle shopping. She did a good job.

I knew the two would get along. Looks like I was right.

There’s just one problem. I don’t like anyone looking at what’s mine.

Chapter

Twenty-One

Allegra

“Oh my God, everyone is looking at you,” Anushka bubbles, rubbing her hands.

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing.” Nervously, I glance around, but I try not to make eye contact. She’s right. There are quite a few people staring at me.

I’ve never been to an event like this without my parents. Normally, I’d have Mama beside me, standing guard and just being there.

“You look absolutely stunning.” Anushka nods.

“So do you.”

“I know.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder and gives me a dazzling smile. “But tonight, you own the spotlight.”

“Thank you.” I can’t help but smile.

“It’s the truth.” She giggles.

I don’t know many people, but she’s the first person I’ve met who could show off their beauty and still have a big heart.

I’ve noticed how much she’s gone out of her way to be a friend to me and decided that she’s safe to trust.

One of the highlights of this week was being able to see my mother at the charity—although brief. But the person who’s kept me going this whole time is Anushka.

I love that we’ve hung out like normal people, had coffee at the trendy café in the city, gotten manicures and pedicures, and done things Papa would never allow me to do.

She’s no longer a distraction from Lev. That changed when I started looking forward to seeing him. Like tonight.

I can’t believe I’m even admitting that. Must be that Twilight Zone effect again.

Something has changed between us. Something I don’t think I can fight.

The other night, when I kissed him, it felt like we’d crossed another line. One that cracked the wall around me a little more.

“I need to tell you who’s who before we find Lev.” Anushka steps closer and links her arm through mine. “Everyone who’s anyone is here.”

“Really?” My nerves scatter.

“Yes. To our left are the Pattersons.” She gestures with a sideways glance.

I follow and find a young woman on the arm of a man old enough to be her father.

“That’s Tiffany and George Patterson,” Anushka explains under her breath. “George is linked to the Camorra, even though he’s not even Italian. He’s a media mogul, and the one you need to be wary of. He’s a sneaky pervert. If you feel like someone’s touched your ass, it’s him.”