“I don’t need a sales pitch, Krupnov. If I’m calling you, it’s because I’ve already made up my mind.”
“W-well, yes, sir. It’s just that I’ll need to meet the lady to design a ring that will match her p-physique as well as her character. I don’t have to tell you that w-women can be very particular in their tastes.”
I pull up the forecast for the joint venture. “I want a diamond, the biggest one you have.” Opening the spreadsheet, I glance over the figures. “And rubies. The best quality ones you can find. Set the stones in white gold. I’ll send you the size.”
It shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain that. I can measure one of Katerina’s rings. She has a ring shaped like a rose that she wears on her right hand. Her left ring finger should be no more than half a size smaller than her right. Or better yet, I can buy her a new ring and use the excuse to measure her finger.
Suddenly eager to set my plan in motion, I ask, “How long will it take you to design?”
“F-for you, sir, I’ll put the job in the front of the queue.”
I tap on the button to bring up the cost sheet for the construction of the new reactors. “How long, Krupnov?”
I’ll have to move some funds around and liquidate a couple of other investments if I’m to put this much into the joint venture, but this is important to me. I know what it feels like to be poor and freezing. I send an email to my CFO with instructions to start the liquidation process.
“The d-design can be ready in a week’s time, provided that you approve and don’t w-want to make changes, but it will take me longer to make the r-ring. All my designs are hand crafted with—”
“Delivery date?”
“How about V-Valentine’s Day?” he asks uncertainly. “It’s always a g-good date for an engagement.”
“New Year’s and not a day later. I trust I can rely on your discretion?”
“Y-yes, Mr. Volkov. Of c-course, Mr. Volkov.”
“And Krupnov?”
“Yes, Mr. V-volkov?”
“If it’s not the prettiest ring that’s ever been made, I’ll kill you.”
He gives a high-pitched laugh.
I hang up just as the door opens and Dania Turgeneva walks into my office.
Minimizing the screen, I watch with wary surprise as she crosses the floor. She’s dressed in a red two-piece suit with matching heels. Her dark hair is drawn back in a high ponytail, and the makeup on her face is flawless.
It’s not the first time she’s been here, but she’s never walked into my office unannounced. She’s also always accompanied her father. The fact that she’s here alone tells me this isn’t a business visit.
“Alex Volkov,” she says, stopping in front of my desk with her hands on her hips. “How un-neighborly of you to be back in St. Petersburg for three weeks already without so much as a call.”
Manners dictate that I stand. “I’ve been busy.”
“So I’ve heard.” Her red lips stretch into a smile. “Lena told me you have a guest.”
“Lena, huh?” I round my desk and indicate the sofa in the sitting corner. “I didn’t realize the two of you were so friendly.”
She sits with a graceful movement and crosses her legs. “I called your house to invite you to dinner.” She shrugs. “Lena answered.”
I take the chair facing the sofa. “I see.”
“Friday night,” she says, tapping her long, red fingernails on the armrest.
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”
She gives me a sly look. “Lena already told me you have nothing planned.”
“Lena is my housekeeper.” I add with an unfriendly smile, “She doesn’t plan my agenda.”
“Playing it safe?” She raises a brow. “Everyone knows about the attempt on your life. Is that why you keep your girlfriend locked up in your house?”
“Obviously, Lena talks too much.” I make a mental note to reprimand Lena when I get home.
She waves a hand. “Don’t blame poor Lena. It’s pretty much common knowledge in town. You know how fast news travels, especially when you book out restaurants and boutiques for your girlfriend.” She pauses with a dramatic air. “Or shall I say soon-to-be fiancée?”
If she weren’t the daughter of a business associate whom I happen to respect and admire, I would throw her out of my office and have her escorted from the building.
Instead, I give her a hard look. “Have you been eavesdropping, Dania?”
“I was about to knock.” She makes big eyes. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Krupnov, mm? You’re not playing around.”
“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.”