AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I didn’t mean it….”
I cut him off, “Excuse me, they’re serving the food.”
I storm off to Alessandro, who raises his eyebrows at me. I try to smile at him and sit between Arianna and Katya so I’m surrounded. Evgenii goes to the table next to ours where Ivan and Tori are.
The food smells and tastes delicious, but my argument with Evgenii has left me without an appetite. I pick at my food, lost in my thoughts, until Katya touches my arm. “Shirls?”
I smile at her instantly. “Yes, sorry. Thinking of work as usual.”
She gives a small smile and nods. “I was just saying that it’s a pity Pierce couldn’t be here. To have the family all together would have been amazing.”
“Yes, Pierce wanted so badly to come, but there were some deals I was waiting for deliberation on, and he needed to finalize them,” I explain. “Always work, as I said.” We both giggle to ourselves.
I can feel Evgenii’s eyes drilling into me as I eat, but I don’t look in his direction. Instead, I listen to the ladies at our table chat about the various charity pieces they want to bid on, and one specifically Katya wants interests me.
“It’s a beautiful white gold tiara with sapphires and emeralds,” she explains. “It looks stunning.”
I nod my head. I used to love flashy jewelry once upon a time, but I prefer a minimalist look now. Still, I know the ladies like to be spoiled, even if they only wear it at events like these.
Once the empty plates are whisked away, the music starts again. I don’t feel much like celebrating, and I’m not going to bid on anything tonight. I’ve been here long enough to justify leaving.
I lean over to Katya. “I have a lot of work to do tomorrow. I’m going to call it a night.”
“Are you sure?” Katya asks, inclining her head. Alessandro looks at us, unsure of what our exchange is about.
“Yes, it’s fine. I’m not really in the mood to bid on anything anyway,” I explain. “And I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer or anything just because I’m tired and grumpy.”
Katya smiles and squeezes my hand resting on the table. “You could never be a Debbie Downer. But I understand your discomfort. I saw your argument and can only imagine the words exchanged.”
I sigh and shake my head. “He has no hold over me. He needs to learn that hard and fast, and although he doesn’t bother me, I don’t want him harassing me all night.”
“If you need anything, or if you need an escort, just let me know.” Katya leans over and kisses both of my cheeks.
“I will. Have a fun night.”
I stand while Katya leans over to tell Alessandro what’s going on. I don’t miss the fact that Evgenii gets up shortly after I start walking along the outside of the dance hall.
He is a few steps behind me and quickly catches up. “Shirley.”
I slow down but don’t stop. “I’m afraid I have work tomorrow. I’m calling it a night.”
“At least let me escort you home and make sure you get there safely.” He steps in front of me as he speaks, forcing me to a stop. “I’m sorry if I upset you. Let me make it up to you.”
I look at him stiffly. “I don’t need an escort. I’m not a helpless damsel in distress. Now, please move out of my way.”
He reluctantly steps aside, and I know his eyes don’t leave me as I stride out of the hall, through the various throngs of people mingling, to a car waiting outside for me.
I climbed into the car, and the driver shuts the door for me. Knowing the windows are tinted so no one can look in, I finally look back at the event hall door, where I see Evgenii standing. He looks forlorn and miserable, and I thought this would satisfy me, but instead, I feel sorry for him. Something I wish I didn’t feel at all.
Chapter 10 - Evgenii
As I cruise through the streets the following morning, my mind is thinking of Shirley. My heart ached so much when I upset her, yet I don’t regret it. I was protecting her from that hyena, Mikhail. I don’t understand why she feels I think she’s just going to spill secrets. She wouldn’t do it on purpose, but Mikhail is a slimy snake who will coerce the details out of her.
I pull through the gates and up to Ivan’s house. I shake my head. Women are so difficult to please. I have tons of experience with them, yet I can never seem to get it right.
I walk into the house and down the hall. Just through a door to my right, I see Anastasia checking her makeup in a mirror, so I pause. “Where are you going, little lady?”
She smiles brightly as she smacks her lips and looks at me. “Just going out with a friend.” She slips her lip gloss into her handbag and swings it over her shoulder.
