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I can sense Allegra’s surprise and note the way Shade grips her hand hard and grins at Regina. “It’s been a long time. Are you still flying around the world pretending to work?”
“Of course.” Regina smiles and turns her attention to Serena. “Miss Vieri. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“And I you, Miss Silver, none of it flattering.”
Regina stiffens as Serena says darkly, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should mingle.”
She pushes her way out of the circle and her mom says quickly, “I should go with her… um…” She can’t even look at Regina as she says, “Have a good evening, everyone.”
As they leave, it takes all my willpower not to run after them, and Shade grins. “Please excuse my sister, Regina. She doesn’t react kindly to social conversation with the person who was hired to murder her.”
“Shade!” Allegra’s eyes are wide and I’m almost amused when Regina falters and says quickly, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Shade laughs out loud. “Just walk away, Regina, before you can’t.”
I pull her from the circle a lot more frightened than when she entered it and she whispers, “They know. Fuck you, Alexei, what’s going on?”
I say nothing as my next target is now talking to our hosts and so with grim determination, I pull her reluctantly toward them. When she sees where we’re heading, she tries to pull away and I force her into my arms and, leaning down, growl, “Trust me, Regina. This is for my benefit, not yours, and you have nothing to fear. Play your part and then Gleb will make certain you are escorted home safely. Nobody is concerned about you; you are merely here for information purposes.”
“Why?” She is shaking and I suppose I would be in her position. She is surrounded by more evil than one of the Devil’s welcome parties in hell and so I reassure her. “Just play along and I will make sure you are safe. Keep your cool and act as if you are any normal date on my arm.”
“Okay.” She smiles up at me and I’m guessing to anybody looking on, we are close for a very different reason entirely and I hope to God Serena isn’t seeing this.
I make a show of touching her face with my hand and staring into her eyes, mainly to diffuse the situation building because I need Regina to be relaxed for my next introduction.
It has the desired effect, and she whispers, “Leave with me, Alexei. We can have a party of our own.”
I say nothing and, gripping her hand, I turn and pull her toward the next test.
I note Killian’s sharp gaze as we enter the group and his wife stares at us with a beautiful smile as Killian says gruffly, “Alexei, it’s good to see you again. This is my wife Purity and my aunt, Giselle.”
I nod as Regina shakes beside me and Purity stares at her with concern before smiling sweetly.
“I’m Purity.” She holds out her hand, and Regina shakes it politely. “Regina. I’m pleased to meet you.”
Killian gazes at her with a blank expression and says gruffly, “Regina. I am a fan of your work, but often find your decisions a little misguided.”
Regina obviously wishes she was anywhere else but here and says nervously, “I understand. I’ll make sure my future decisions would meet with your approval.”
I stare at Giselle, who appears bored already and as she meets my eye, she says politely, “Mr. Romanov. I have heard of you; my husband Carlos spoke of your father warmly. I was sorry to hear about his untimely death.”
I nod. “Thank you, Mrs. Matasso. I will pass your condolences on to my mother.”
“How is she? It’s been years since I saw her last?”
If anything, she appears to be asking about an old friend and I wonder if she knows my mother learned of her past. If anything, her expression is one of polite conversation, not to dig for information, so I just nod respectfully. “She is coping and is surrounded by her family. Thank you for asking.”
Regina is quiet beside me and probably wishes she was anywhere but here and as I see a flash of red disappear out of the reception area, I know my work here is done.
“It was good to see you again, Killian. I won’t take up any more of your time.”
He nods but I catch the expression in his eye telling me our conversation will be revisited in a more private setting. Both Shade and Killian are aware of my interest in their family and this stunt was also for their benefit, which is why Regina is still breathing after apparently seeking to murder their sister.
We head over to Gleb, and I say dismissively, “Make sure Regina gets home safely. Our work here is done.”
She stares at me in disappointment.
“You’re not coming?”
