Page 57 of The Pakhan

Maybe Sunny would become my heroine. That was good since my hero had fallen to the wayside.

Damn him.

CHAPTER 15

Vadim

“I see you decided against bringing your guest to this evening’s festivities.” Aleksander flanked my side turned the opposite way.

Caroline’s comment not to underestimate her ruled my mind.

At least the one not consumed by lust.

The dress was stunningly gorgeous, hugging every curve, but it was the sheer confidence in her that had attracted me tonight. Well, for the most part.

Aleksander and I had both done little more than observe the groups of men and women. All laughing. All acting as if this was the event of the year.

To me, it was mundane other than those placed on the guest list.

Of course the governor’s entire cabinet was here. They wouldn’t dare defy the man. So were members from the opposing party, prominent attorneys, judges, and even the district attorney.

The list went on with high-ranking members of law enforcement, and a few selected press members who’d never dared cross Frank Chipino, offering glowing testament to his fucking balls in their articles.

It filtered down to several talented stars from Broadway, as well as other acts who all seemed thrilled to be the man’s flunkies.

What they were all too stupid and starstruck to see was that the good governor was just using them. Once finished, they would be tossed aside like unwanted garbage.

While I used people myself, the scale at wish Frank had done so riled the hell out of me. He’d campaigned on fairness in the law, goodness in all things, and extreme family values.

Meanwhile, he was a perverted prick using grayer methods of espionage, extortion, and money laundering to fund his wealth and push his agenda. Unless he was brought down, I had a feeling he’d be on a future ticket running for president of the United States.

Why was it so many politicians believed they could do better but refused to stand by decent standards? I should laugh outright since I was truly a reprehensible man who stopped at nothing to get what he wanted. But I still believed in what had once been decent standards within the political game.

My counselor’s question drew my attention toward my beautiful companion for the evening. I wasn’t ready to admit it to anyone, but the moment Caroline had walked into the room, my breath had been taken away.

I would never have believed how much with subtle yet powerful changes, her entire persona and look could change. She was truly a vision and to her credit, she acted as if parties like this were her usual fare. Talking to the right people. Laughing when required even though I knew her well enough to realize she was faking it.

While she’d had a drink in her hand since we’d arrived, she’d barely taken more than a few sips. To say I was in awe was a huge understatement.

And my cock ached more than ever.

I glanced in his direction, chuckling. “Look again, my dear friend. Or perhaps I should say looks can definitely be deceiving.”

Aleksander did his best not reacting too quickly, merely turning around, searching through the crowd until he caught another glimpse of her.

“You’re shitting me. That’s Caroline?”

“Yes, but for tonight, she’s Sunny, someone I met at another charity event.”

“Whew. That’s amazing. She’s stunning.”

“Don’t get any ideas,” I growled.

Aleksander grinned and threw up his hands. “I wouldn’t dream of it. However, I can tell you have and will continue doing so.”

“Yeah, well, it would seem my daughter isn’t easily fooled.”

“Whew. Ouch. What did Sofiya have to say?”

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