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“Is there a point to this visit?” My calm voice doesn’t betray my impatience. “I have a busy morning scheduled.”
“I’m just a little surprised. I mean, you? Engaged?” She laughs. “Love has never been high on your priority list. Are you even capable of the feeling? I know you better than anyone, Alex Volkov. You’ve never said I love you to anyone.” She gives me a polished smile. “But maybe I’m old-fashioned. Maybe in your book, marriage doesn’t require love.”
My jaw flexes. “I do love Katerina, very much, and I’ll tell her so in no uncertain terms when I put that ring on her finger.”
She gasps. “You haven’t told her?” Her gaze narrows as her lips part wider. “You haven’t said the big L-word yet. My, oh my. Are you sure you’re doing the right thing? If it’s that hard to say, maybe you don’t feel as strongly about her as you should.”
She couldn’t be more wrong, but how I feel about Katerina is none of her damn business. “My feelings are none of your concern.” I lean closer. “And if you mention a word to anyone and spoil the surprise, you will sorely regret it.”
“Shame on you, Alex.” She clicks her tongue. “How long have we been friends?”
I stand. “Not long enough to cross the line you’re crossing now.”
“Oh, calm down. I’m not going to tell anyone, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ll keep your little secret. I’m shocked at the bold step, that’s all.” She irons an invisible crease from her pants with a palm. “Are you sure it will be a good surprise for… What’s her name again? Kate, right?”
“Katerina,” I say through clenched teeth. “Katherine.”
“Are you sure Katherine will say yes?”
My reply is filled with calculated determination. “Oh, she will.”
Dania gets up. “A word of advice? Make sure she still feels the same as she did in New York before you pop the question.” Winking, she adds, “This is Russia. Things are different here than in America. Not everyone can adapt to our way of living.”
Our way of living doesn’t refer to how we do things in our motherland. It refers to the kind of men Mikhail and I are, to the things we do to survive. Dania grew up in this world. Katerina didn’t. That’s what Dania is implying.
“Grigori will see you out,” I say evenly. “Give my apologies to your father for not being able to make the dinner.”
For a second, the well-practiced act Dania puts on for the world cracks, and a flicker of concern slips into her dark eyes. Going on tiptoes, she kisses my cheek. “Do take care, Alex. I hope you’re making progress in tracking down whoever wants you dead.”
“I am,” I lie.
“You know my father would gladly help.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I promise.”
She bites her lip, regarding me quietly for a moment. “You know, Alex, you and me—”
“There is no you and me, Dania.”
Money is as important to her as it is to her father. She’s always been more interested in my wallet than in my heart.
She puts on a fake smile. Just like that, her mask is back in place. “I suppose I won’t see you before the party then. Papa is going to extreme measures with security. I guess the reason is you.”
“I guess,” I say, shoving my hands into my pockets.
Flashing me another practiced smile, she walks to the door. “Don’t be a stranger, Alex,” she says, pausing in the frame. “Papa considers you a friend.”
I follow her with my gaze as she walks through the foyer and past Grigori’s desk.
The minute she gets into the elevator, my assistant rushes over.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Volkov. I told her you were busy, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer,” he says before closing my door with an apologetic expression.
I blow out a breath to rid myself of the lingering annoyance and sit back at my desk. No one says no to Turgenev’s daughter. Certainly not my assistant, who’s considered way beneath her in the power hierarchy. She’s her daddy’s princess, and a spoiled one at that, one who’s used to getting her way.
For once, though, Dania Turgeneva isn’t getting what she wants. She’s not getting my money or my status, and she’s taking it surprisingly well. Then again, I’ve been very clear about my intentions. Perhaps she finally understands that there’s only one woman destined to be Mrs. Volkova.
20
Kate
The same team of women arrive on the afternoon of the gala to help me get dressed for the event. Thankfully, this time, Lena isn’t present.
I’m ready half an hour before the time Alex said we needed to leave. A guard escorts the women downstairs while I add the finishing touches by dabbing on perfume and putting on the ruby earrings Alex gave me in New York.
