Page 25 of Dancing With Desire

And at the same time, I say, “No, I don’t.” Even though I think it’s a crazy idea, I’m immediately annoyed that he dismissed the idea without hearing her out. “It’s not up to you,” I add with a frown.

“But you just said you don’t want to go,” he argues.

“Because I don’t want to, but you can’t say that I can’t go,” I yell.

“Here we fucking go again,” he mutters. “Tori’s crazy train is on the go.”

My eyes widen. “Actually, it wasn’t my idea.”

He glares at Phoebe. “You’re the sensible one.”

“I’m so sick of hearing that lately,” she snaps. “We’re all going to this damn gala tonight so Tori can face those fuckers and move on. I don’t want to hear another word about it.”

DMITRY

I covermy ear and press my phone to the other. It’s loud in here, and I’m certain I misheard Marshall. “I know you didn’t just tell me Victoria is coming here,” I snap.

“Boss, I’ve tried to talk sense into her, but you know what she’s like. The more I protest, the more she insists.”

I glance around the room. “Well, let her come. I don’t think my father will be here anyway, and I can handle Vivian.”

“Should I bring extra men just in case?”

“Of course,” I reply. “Double our normal amount.”

I disconnect and begin to move around the room, searching the crowds for Vivian. Maybe I can get rid of her before Victoria arrives.

It’s another hour before Marshall texts me to say they have arrived. I’ve had no luck finding Vivian, so I can only hope she didn’t bother to attend.

I stride towards the entrance, and the second I spot her, my breath catches in my throat. She looks stunning in a navy-blue floor-length gown and her hair pinned neatly up. She sees me too, and for a second, I think she’ll smile, but she turns it to a frown as she stops before me. “Marshall’s brought half of London’s kill team. Is that necessary?” she demands, arching a brow.

“If it keeps you safe, mykrasota, then yes, it is necessary.” I hold out a hand for her to take, and she stares at it before passing me and heading into the room.

I sigh, and Phoebe gives me a sympathetic look. “Just give her time.”

Marshall passes us to follow Victoria, so I slow my pace, my curiosity getting the better of me. “Why didn’t you stop her coming tonight?” I ask.

She smiles. “It was my idea, and if you dare say I’m supposed to be sensible, I’ll steal that man’s gun and shoot you,” she says, nodding to one of the men trailing us.

I smirk. “Why did you want her to come?”

Her smile fades. “Because she’s a wreck, Dmitry. She can’t go out without worrying she’ll see those fuckwits. So, she just needs to pull the plaster off, and what better way to do that than in a roomful of people with you by her side?”

“I hate to break it to you, but they’re not here this evening,” I say, turning to the sound of my name being called.

“Dmitry.” I groan when my father heads over with Vivian hanging off his arm like a damn trophy.

I lean into Phoebe. “Go and inform Marshall. Now.” And she rushes off as I turn my charm dial up and smile wide. “Father, Vivian. Should I start to call you ‘stepmother’?” I quip a brow, and Vivian narrows her eyes.

“Your father is being a great support to me,” she snaps.

I smell her scent before I see her. It’s only when she slips her arm through mine that I stiffen, noting my father’s face turning to stone. “Dmitry, are we going in? Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there,” says Victoria.

There’re a few silent seconds while we all process what’s going on. I clear my throat and force another smile. “Father, Vivian, you remember Victoria?”

“Victoria,” my father repeats, his eyes still fixed on her and his complexion paling by the second. I noticed when he arrived there were only two men tailing him, and I’m sure right now, he’s wondering if Victoria will out him. “Are you . . . well?”

“Yes,” she replies bluntly.

---