Page 26 of Accidental Bratva Daddy

"You've got this, darling," I whisper in her ear. "Just remember, you're Natalia Volkova now. You outrank every person in this room."

She shoots me a look that's equal parts irritation and amusement. "Except you, I suppose?"

I can't help the smirk that tugs at my lips. "Naturally."

As we step through the marble archways into the grand ballroom, I'm struck once again by Natalia's poise. She moves through the crowd with effortless grace, greeting guests with a warm smile that never quite reaches her eyes. I know she hates these affairs—the fake smiles, the shallow conversations, the constant jockeying for position—but you'd never know it from her demeanor.

It's a skill, no doubt honed from years of being Igor Orlov's daughter. As I watch her charm a group of oligarchs' wives, itstrikes me how useful her media training will be for the deal I’ve struck with her. She's a natural at this game of smoke and mirrors, capable of pulling off deceit while charming complete strangers with a smile.

"Luka, darling!" A shrill voice cuts through my thoughts. I turn to see Anya Ivanova, the birthday girl herself, approaching with arms outstretched. Though it’s Anya’s fiftieth, you’d never know it from the work she’s had done. “I’m so glad you could make it!"

I plaster on my most charming smile, bending to kiss her powdered cheek. "Anya, you look radiant as ever. Happy birthday."

"Oh, you flatterer," she giggles, swatting my arm playfully. Her gaze slides to Natalia, curiosity and a hint of jealousy flickering in her eyes. "And who is this lovely creature?"

I wrap an arm around Natalia's waist, pulling her close. "Allow me to introduce my wife, Natalia Volkova."

Anya's eyes widen, her perfectly plucked eyebrows disappearing into her hairline. "Wife? My goodness, Luka, when did this happen?"

"Recently," Natalia answers smoothly, extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ivanova. Your home is stunning."

As the women exchange pleasantries, I scan the room for Pavel. The Governor is nowhere to be seen, but I catch sight of a familiar face that makes my blood run cold. Viktor Orlov, Natalia's uncle, stands near the bar, deep in conversation with a man I recognize as one of the rival mafia's top lieutenants.

Shit.

I tighten my hold on Natalia, steering her away from Anya as soon as it's polite to do so. "We need to mingle," I say, keeping my voice low and calm. "Your family is here."

Natalia stiffens, her smile faltering for just a moment before she recovers. "What? Why would they?—“

"I don't know," I cut her off, guiding her towards a group of bankers I know to be loyal to me. "But we need to keep up appearances. Act natural."

For the next hour, we work the room like the power couple we're pretending to be. Natalia is flawless, her charm and wit keeping our conversation partners enthralled. But I can see the strain around her eyes, the tension in her shoulders.

As we step away from yet another group, Natalia lets out a shaky breath. "I haven't seen my mother or sister since my father's funeral," she mutters, bitterness lacing her voice. "They wouldn't even look at me."

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, a familiar voice cuts through the crowd.

"Natalia?"

We turn to see Alina Orlova approaching, her eyes wide with disbelief. She's the spitting image of her sister, though her hair is a shade darker and her features a touch softer. As she draws closer, her gaze narrows, focusing on me with undisguised hostility.

"What are you doing here?" Alina demands, ignoring me completely. "With him?"

Natalia straightens, lifting her chin defiantly. "I'm here with my husband, Alina. Surely you remember that I told you about the wedding?"

Alina's face contorts with a mixture of hurt and anger. “The wedding that you told me aboutafterit happened, minutes before a gossip column came out about to spread the news? A column that would’ve been written before you bothered to tell me you were married? Yes, I remember! How could you, Natalia? After everything that's happened, you go and disappear?—“

I step forward, my voice low and firm. "I think there's been a misunderstanding, Miss Orlova. Perhaps we should discuss this somewhere more private?"

Alina's eyes snap to mine, blazing with fury. "I have nothing to say to you, asshole.”

"Alina!" Natalia hisses, glancing around nervously. "Keep your voice down. You don't understand?—"

"What's there to understand?" Alina cuts her off. "You married a complete stranger minutes after Papa's death, and you didn't even have the decency to be with us to mourn him! I haven’t seen you in ages.”

I can see Natalia crumbling under her sister's accusations, tears welling in her eyes. Something protective and fierce rises in my chest. Before I can think better of it, I place a hand on Alina's arm, steering her towards a quieter corner of the room.

"Listen to me very carefully," I say, my voice low and intense. "What happened to your father was tragic and awful, and your sister wanted more than anything to be with you to mourn him. But right now, there are forces at work that put your entirefamily in danger. It was my decision to keep Natalia away, to protect her and by extension, you and your mother."

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