Page 58 of The Pakhan

I’d seen the look on my daughter’s face. As if I’d dishonored her and the family somehow. “Let’s just say it’s not as much what she said as the look on her face.”

“She can give those badass looks with the best of them, my friend. She’ll come around. You need to enjoy your life. Who knows. Maybe that pink-haired girl came back into your life for a reason.”

“Don’t go playing matchmaker. Anything tonight?”

He laughed curtly. “You mean other than two members of the law firm the governor was a partner in approaching me for a job offer?”

“Interesting. Perhaps our good governor is getting nervous.”

“Not an election year.”

“That doesn’t mean a single thing. If I had to guess, I’d say the man is rallying a perfect team around him, one that can easily squelch rumors while driving him into stardom.”

“You could be right. Oh, look who’s headed in our direction. Can… Sunny hold up under the pressure?”

“She can do anything she sets her mind to.”

Including fucking with my mind.

She sensed I was beckoning for her, taking her time smiling and breaking away from the conversation with women high on the scale of wealth. I couldn’t help but notice the same younger women allowed their gaze to follow my date. When Caroline reached me, snagging my arm and looking up lovingly, their expressions immediately changed.

I wasn’t in the mood for a cat fight.

While there were guards posted all around the massive ballroom, Governor Chipino had been roaming more freely, acting as if he was truly leader of the city. The only man present who didn’t seem to be basking in the older man’s glory was the mayor. Sadly, if the man wasn’t careful, he’d be on the hit list.

And there was no doubt Chipino had one.

I’d often wondered if he’d dared place me on it or knew what I would do to him.

“Darling. I missed you.” She rose onto her tiptoes, leaning into me and pressing a single yet juicy kiss against my jaw, her lips partially touching mine. Damn it. Even her perfume was driving me insane tonight.

“And who do we have here, Vadim? I wasn’t certain you were bringing anyone.” He dared take Caroline’s hand and I was ready to cut his off.

Talk about possessive. I could try to hide the way I felt about her from everyone, but it was impossible to do so with the man inside.

“Sunny Caruthers, I’d like you to meet our illustrious governor of this fine state, Frank Chipino.”

Aleksander was waiting beside me like a dutiful servant, the smug look on his face not masking the amusement in the man’s eyes.

“Yes, I’ve been following your career over the years, Governor Chipino. I must admit your views on the international policies on illegal trading activities involving our city’s ports are fascinating and I believe one of the strongest reasons for your support.”

Nothing shocked me any longer; I’d seen and heard too much. But the way she held her own, even giving the man a slight look of disdain when he kissed her knuckles truly indicated a sophisticated woman. And the statement she’d just issued meant she’d been paying close attention to what was happening in our city.

I was impressed, fascinated.

And utterly aroused to the point I was sweating.

“Well, I can tell you have been paying attention, Ms. Caruthers,” the governor cooed, and I’ll be damned if she didn’t lift a single eyebrow, daring to tease him by dragging the tip of her tongue across her painted bottom lip.

“She’s good,” Aleksander dared to breathe as he leaned his head in.

Good wasn’t the word. Dangerous was.

“Absolutely, Governor. Only with knowledge about what’s truly going on behind the scenes can your constituents make an informed decision and of course strong leadership is needed. I’ve often thought Vadim would make a perfect candidate. Strong. Intelligent. Sophisticated.” She gave me an appreciative look.

And the governor was gritting his teeth.

“Well, perhaps I’ll consider him on the ticket as my next lieutenant governor.” He laughed and lifted his glass. “I am curious. Where did the two of you meet?”

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