Chatter flowed out of the ballroom’s entrance.
I continued past, searching for my mouse.
Has she come down yet?
I went to the staircase, paused, and looked up.
There, my mouse stood at the top. Nervousness covered her face, but that was the only sign she wasn’t a goddess.
My gaze traveled down her body.
Gorgeous.
I’d picked out the gown, and she’d obliged. Gold glitter hugged her body. At the top, the gown dipped into her full cleavage. Her shoulders were exposed. My focus went to her waist as the gown narrowed and then flared out over those curvy hips. A long split was on the side, exposing a lovely leg. It was timeless and elegant.
But there was a new addition to her ensemble. Long crimson curls fell around her. The effect of this new wig was daunting.
What disguise is this, mysh?
She would be the goddess of the party. Pure royalty. Gold wrapped her body. Blood red topped it off. Royal, yet deadly. Regal, but ready to murder everyone in the place. With her presence at my side tonight, all would know she was no typical lover.
She was mine.
The most precious person in my life.
If any of these men wanted to live the rest of the year, they’d have to stand behind and protect her. There would be no compromise on that matter.
She gazed down at me and the nervousness left her face.
Good, mouse. Never worry, when I’m around.
Slowly, she walked down, taking her time and damn near floating down to me.
Oh, mouse, I’m going to fuck you in the middle of this dinner. I hope you’re not too hungry.
Her top two men followed behind her—Boris and Yuri.
Annoyance hit my chest, but I pushed it down. They were there to protect her, but still I didn’t like too many men around her, especially ones I didn’t know personally.
Boris had dark brown skin. His hair was cut low. Tiny crosses covered his chin and neck. Young and huge. He was close to my height of 6’4.
Yuri barely hit 5’9. However, his width made up for it. Huge arms, massive fists. I was sure he had no problem in any fight.
Although both men towered over her, Boris and Yuri followed her around the property like lap dogs.
What was I thinking, putting these thugs around her?
At the time, I’d been worried about Sasha getting too close. I wanted Emily to have her own people in Moscow. Now, I wasn’t so sure she needed them.
Boris got to Emily’s side and gave her his arm. She was smart enough to not take it. Did she understand that as soon as they got to the end of the stairs, I would’ve broken his arm off?
Walking past him, she gave Boris a polite smile.
That’s my smile.
I didn’t think about that question anymore as she came closer. Her scent filled the space in front of me. I stepped forward, ready to have her in my arms.
“Am I late?” she whispered.
“The party begins when you enter.” I took her into my arms and kissed her.
A nervous giggle left her as she moved away. “I’m trying to focus.”
“On what?”
“This party.”
“No, mysh. Only focus on me.”
She smiled as if it was a joke. “Kazimir, it would be impossible to not focus on you, no matter how many killers are in the room.”
I’m glad you understand that.
“What’s the name of this wig?” I asked.
“Diana.”
“For princess Diana?”
“No, Queen Diana Ross.”
I lowered my voice so only she could hear me. “I’m going to fuck you with that on tonight.”
“I’m trying to focus, Kaz.”
“Focus on my cock.”
“Still,” she giggled, “I would like to know your candidates for your new positions.”
I grinned.
My mouse planned to hold her own approval process with them.
It felt good to have someone watching over me. And her concern wasn’t based off of fear or money. It was all love.
This is why men fall in love.
“How do you like your gown?”
“It’s lovely, but I wish I had a place for a gun.”
“You won’t need a gun this evening.” I gave her my arm.
“Let’s hope.” She took my arm.
“I’ll only bring up the men that I’m considering.”
“I should still know the other’s names.”
“No. You’re too high to waste your time.”
“But—”
“Trust me, mysh.”
She sighed. “Okay, but you’ll show me your candidates.”
“I will.”
“How many people are you considering?”
I guided her to the ballroom. “Five men for now.”
Emily appeared to do calculations in her head. “Misha and Pavel?”
“Yes.”
“And the other four?”
“Zahkar, Abram, Tisha, and Roman.”
“Okay. I’ve got it.” She looked to be mentally writing it down in her head.
“I will introduce you to them first.”
She tensed but said nothing as she walked along side me. Her gold glittered gown trailed behind her. I could understand her unease. The last Bratva party she’d attended had been at my Uncle Igor’s castle. On that night, she’d lost her closest friend, Xavier, and I’d lost my Uncle Igor.
“Don’t worry, mysh. Tonight will be boring at the most.”
She smiled. “Good. I’m starting to love boring.”
I glanced over my shoulder as her men marched behind them. While Pavel had been right about the shabbiness of their clothes, they’d probably been too proud to let their lady boss buy them tuxedos. Many looked to be trying to earn her respect. I could see the hunger on their faces. They were ready to prove themselves. It stank in the air. For her, they would do more than required.
Power-hungry men. I’m not sure if this will be good or bad for her. It doesn’t matter. I’ll kill them myself, if they step out of line.
I directed my view to the ballroom’s entrance ahead of us. “Let’s begin.”
“With the party?”
“With your first lesson.”
“I thought the ribbons were my first lesson.”
“No, mysh. That was just orientation.”
She laughed, pushing all of my small worries away.
Chapter 2
Emily
We headed to the ballroom. I leaned Kaz’s way. “Any pointers before I enter?”
“They’ll try to talk to you alone as much as possible. They’re trying to get to know you, see what you need so they can give it to you. They’re hoping to make you a friend.”
“And will you let them talk to me alone?”
“Yes, but only tonight. I’ll be near, but I’ll make myself busy.”
I hated how weak my next words sounded. “Don’t go too far away.”
“Never, mysh.”
“Get a feel of the three candidates that are here. You already know Yuri and Misha.”
“Not well enough.”
Kazimir held a wicked grin. “You’ll get your time to question them too.”
Good.
“But more important, enjoy the party and the food. All five courses will be prepared by Vladimir Komm. He’s considered the best chef in Russia.”