Page 100 of Don't Look Back

Kira took a deep breath before sliding back into the backseat of one of Grigory’s many vehicles. A strange calmness settled over her. For the first time since she’d boarded her flight, she knew what she was walking into ahead of time.

She didn’t know what they would find out, but this wasn’t about her or her secret history. This was about two Russian oligarchs seeking power and revenge. The drive to Laskin’s estate took another thirty minutes, and at last, it was go time.

Laskin’s villa was modern—likely built in the last decade—complete with an infinity pool and architecture that was more Beverly Hills mansion than Maltese villa.

Inside, Juliette greeted them as mistress of the manor, and Kira wondered if that was generally true. She had her own apartment in Victoria and maintained her own finances, but did she live with Grigory most of the time?

Would she stand by her man if she learned what he’d done and was trying to do?

Did she know already?

Rand agreed to join them for lunch prepared by Grigory’s chef before escaping into the office he’d use to go through his edit letter with his agent on Zoom.

He was appropriately itchy to get to work and declined the sangria cocktail he was offered. Kira figured she had to drink, at least a little, to maintain her role. The maid filled all glasses from the same pitcher, so at least she knew she wasn’t being drugged.

Rand’s gaze lingered on the young woman as she poured, and Kira wondered if she was Nadia. She’d checked in during the brief time they’d returned to the boat, and Collins still hadn’t been able to reach the girl.

The meal was a delicious paella to go with the sangria, and any other time, Kira would be in heaven eating authentic food prepared by a talented chef. Instead, she was as anxious as Rand to get to work. She had a job that was almost as important as his.

The same young woman served the food. She beamed at Rand when he smiled at her and Kira felt a rush of irritation even knowing he was playing a role.

Himbo indeed.

The girl topped off Kira’s barely touched sangria and bumped the glass, causing the red liquid to splash onto Kira’s brand-new white sundress. She let out a soft gasp and a very real pained “No!”

The girl smirked before her face transformed into an alarmed expression. “I’m so sorry, ma’am!”

Kira grimaced as she blotted at the stain that covered her right breast with her cloth napkin. “Where can I find a bathroom so I can rinse this out?”

“Nadia, take Dr. Hanson to get cleaned up.” The instruction came from Grigory.

At least she had confirmation of the girl’s name. But why had the young woman ruined Kira’s dress on purpose? No way had she imagined that smirk. Plus, her drink hadn’t needed topping off.

The girl bowed her head and said, “Follow me.”

She said nothing as she led Kira down one long hall after another. At last, they reached a bathroom that couldn’t possibly be the one closest to the dining room. Not that Kira minded. Seeing more of the house was just what she wanted.

Still, it was odd.

The girl smirked again as she opened the door, and Kira realized why. This wasn’t a guest bathroom. She’d been taken through the servant corridor to their bathroom. Not that Kira cared. A toilet was a toilet.

Inside, Kira locked the door, then tapped the latch release on her watch pendant to turn off the camera. She studied the stain, which was really quite spectacular, before deciding it was a total loss and would be better to have the irregular blotch across one breast than to take off the dress and soak the bodice.

But damn, she’d loved this dress for the few hours she got to wear it.

She pulled out her cell phone and texted Freya.

Kira

What’s up with Nadia?

Freya

Collins made contact. It seems everyone misunderstood Grigory’s plans for you. He doesn’t want you for himself, he wants you for Aleksandr. Nadia is not happy.

Just what I need, another oligarch wanting to control me.

You’re very popular these days. But I think you should stick with the himbo.

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