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Andrei and Daniil exchange a heavy look, one that says there’s more to this story. “You tell them,” Daniil mumbles. “You’re the pakhan.”
Unease creeps under my collar, as Andrei, possibly for the first time in his life, looks just a bit unsure of himself. “We’ve learned Belov is throwing a ball tomorrow night. It’s to introduce the world to his daughter.”
My head snaps up. “I didn’t know he had a daughter.” But then again, Belov only reveals what he wants to the world.
Andrei eyes flick up to the ceiling before landing on Yulian and I. “Alyona is his daughter.”
What!? My jaw drops open, as Yulian rears back like a spooked horse. And just like a spooked horse I’m pretty sure he’s about to bolt, but Andrei presses on. “Dima found the proof. A paternity test.” Andrei’s face softens. “I’m sorry.”
I can’t draw a breath. Everything feels wrong, upended. I look over at Yulian and see the same pain and confusion etched on his features.
Silence descends. A few moments pass before Yulian releases a string of Russian expletives as he storms from the room. Daniil makes a move to go after him, but I stop him with a shake of my head. I had my time to rage, this is his.
I sit down heavily on the couch, my mind churning with everything Andrei’s told us. Alyona is Belov’s daughter? Shit, I don’t even know how to make sense of that. I’m relieved Belov wasn’t hoping for a wife, but also damn confused why he’d abduct her rather than reaching out another way.
But fuck it, there’s only one way to find out. Andrei mentioned that Belov is throwing Alyona a ball tomorrow for all his cronies. That gives me an idea. One I’m sure no one will like, but one I’m convinced could work.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
ALYONA
I tilt my head,studying my reflection in the mirror. I look like I just stepped off the cover ofVogue, draped in a Givenchy gown of sapphire silk, my dark hair is tamed into soft waves cascading down my back. Not that I’m complaining, it’s just surreal being all dressed up for a ball in my honor when I’d rather pluck my eyelashes out one by one.
Kira joins me in the mirror’s reflection, her honey-colored hair is pinned up with delicate silver hairpins. Like me, she’s immaculately styled, wearing a ruby red off-the-shoulder couture gown that Belov somehow scared up in twenty-four hours.
And in the same amount of time, he’s managed to pull together a ball or whatever we’re calling my introduction to high society. Power players and Belov’s political cronies from all over the world are flying in as we speak to take part in tonight’s festivities.
It’s all too much. My head is already spinning, and I swear a migraine has been thumping my skull all day. Sensing my inward spiral, Kira delivers a glass of champagne into my hand.
“For your nerves,” she says, before settling onto an ottoman. “This is nuts,” she adds, tipping her head toward the window. “With all this fuss he’s making, you’d think the Queen of England herself was getting married.” She's right. There’s a glittering fountain at the front of the palace, lit up with spotlights as if it were an old-school movie premiere. A slew of guests continue to arrive by luxury car and helicopter.
“It would be a dream come true for some women," I murmur. "Just not this one."
Kira sets her drink down on the dressing table and sighs. “I worry about you.”
“I’ll be okay. I’ve accepted it, really,” I lie, my stomach twisting in a knot. In truth, I’ve accepted nothing. I’ve barely slept since my meeting with Belov, the father I never wanted. But I’m putting on a brave face for Kira because as soon as I’ve settled into Belov’s life, I'll petition him to let her go. And I don't want her thinking she's leaving me here miserable.
“You’re one of the toughest chicks I know. You take no shit from anyone, but for some reason, you’re not fighting back. Negotiate with him. Don’t let him take all of your power, even if he thinks he’s god.”
“What choice do I have?” I voice sharply. “What choice did he give me!?”
Kira responds with a sigh, her fingers pressing against the bridge of her nose. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but I’ll regret it if I don’t.” She hesitates, her eyes softening. “Are you sure you’re not agreeing to Belov’s terms because you’re scared of what will happen if you actually fight for Leo? If you give him a chance, for real.”
My first instinct is to flat out deny it, but the words stick in my throat. Kira knows me better than most, and she’s sure to see through my lies.
“I don’t know.” I lower onto the edge of the bed and bury my head in my hands. All the emotions I’ve kept at bay for the last few days comes rushing at me like a dam unleashed. I reach for a tissue and dab at my eyes. “When we were on that yacht together something shifted. It’s like… like every single feeling I’d buried came back, but this time more intense, all-consuming. I’m mad at him, but I’m also so in love with him it hurts.”
Even now, Leo is the first thing I think about when I wake up, and my last thought before I go to sleep. He’s consumed me, broken me in ways I can’t even fathom yet, but I still ache for him. Leo might forever have my heart, but the world has conspired against us.
Kira pulls me in for a fierce hug, her arms wrapped around me like a protective shield. When she pulls back, her gaze is gentle. “Why don’t you try reasoning with Belov. Talk to him. I get it, he’s not just going to let you go, but maybe you can work something out. Some middle ground where you get to maintain some control over your life.”
“Maybe,” I say, but I’m doubtful. Why would Belov agree to any of my terms? He may be my flesh and blood, but he’s shown me no mercy, no kindness. And he’s clear about the role he wants me to take in his world.
A knock at the door to the room startles both of us. It must be one of the millions of staff members ready to escort us downstairs.
“Come in,” I say, rising and smoothing my dress. The door opens to reveal not a staff member but Belov. He’s the picture of perfection in his slim-cut black tux, his hair slicked back, drawing attention to his chiseled features.
He leans against the doorframe, one hand in his pocket. His dark eyes scrutinize me. I’m sure it's to ensure I look flawless, as required of his daughter. He must be satisfied with what he sees because he nods approvingly. “You look beautiful, Alyona.”
