Page 96 of Don't Look Back

“I think a lot of people were eager to help launch the gallery, because it gave them a chance to show off their favorite works and they got to hobnob with other collectors while drinking Reuben’s champagne. A few artists, like me, were given the opportunity to submit works for sale. I had only ever been featured in small galleries at the time. And that night was the first time I sold a piece for over fifty thousand euros.”

Now she sold works for three times that and didn’t need a billionaire boyfriend to support her. Kira understood why she would choose not to allow Grigory to purchase her most expensive works. She needed her big sales to be attached to a person who wasn’t sleeping with her if she was going to be able to continue to command high prices for her art.

“It was your father who instructed Reuben to show my work, and it was there that I met Grigory. When I say I’m thankful to Conrad, I mean it.”

Kira’s heart squeezed with a blast of grief that for a moment eclipsed the anger. She touched Juliette’s arm. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”

She needed to return the focus to the oligarchs. The clock was ticking.

“Did Conrad get along with Grigory and Reuben?”

Juliette cocked her head as she considered the question. “I’m not certain he liked Reuben. Conrad was Luka’s crony. Grigory is a decade younger than Luka, but, like Luka, he’s head of the family, so the two of them were aligned in a way that cut Reuben out, until recently.”

“What changed?”

“I’m not sure.” She leaned closer. “I’m sure you’re aware of Malta’s influx of Russian residents. But Luka, he’s the elder statesman in that regard, given that he’s lived here for half the year for over thirty years. They brought their Russian hierarchy with them, and Russian power in Malta goes through Luka. I’ve wondered if Reuben is planning his own coup.”

“And you think Grigory is backing Reuben against his father?” Rand asked.

She shrugged. “I’ve said too much.” She touched Kira’s hand. “But only because it could matter to you if the rumors are true.”

“I appreciate it.”

“I mean, it doesn’t really matter to the rest of us, the power plays of Russians in Malta. They play their little games and strut like they’re a big deal. I figure if it stops them from buying and destroying a useful social media network so they can feel important, let them play.”

Kira let out a sharp laugh. “Better that they spend their money on art.”

Juliette grinned. “My thoughtsexactly.”

Much as she wished she could believe Juliette’s take that the power games of oligarchs were harmless, Kira knew the truth. These men weren’t fighting over who got to be the big man on a small island. The stakes were much higher.

All at once, Juliette’s previous statement hit her. “What rumors?”

“Excuse me?”

“You said it could matter to me if the rumors are true. What rumors?”

Juliette’s gaze flicked to Rand, and her lips pressed tight.

Kira read her meaning and looked to Rand. She nodded toward the door, asking without words for him to give them a moment.

Rand rose and kissed her forehead before stepping out of the sweet shop.

“He’s certainly good-looking, but are you sure you can trust him?” Juliette said.

Kira maintained the very real dreamy look Rand inspired, knowing it would make her seem foolish in the other woman’s eyes. At this point, she wanted everyone to underestimate her. Even Rand needed to present a condescending front. Kira was a pawn in everybody’s game.

The role worked for her.

“He’s fun. Just what I needed for this trip.” She let out a happy sigh.

“That good?”

“Better.”

Juliette’s gaze turned to the window beyond which Rand stood eating his melting treat. “Hmmm.”

“Hey, now. He’s mine.”

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