Page 44 of Brutal Promise

“I’m sure there are things that never make the papers. The Morettis sound like bad news.”

“Yes. But today is our day, we’re here to have fun, so we’re going in here.” She stops in front of a shop I’ve never seen.

The guard has us wait while he does a security sweep of the building. I glance at Alena, who seems completely unfazed. The man returns a minute later, and they escort us in.

The shop is in an old brownstone that’s been renovated. Natural lighting from the windows brightens the original brickwork, and the eclectic copper and porcelain globes give it a nice touch.

“I never knew this was here,” I say, looking around at the clothing racks.

“Yes, so this city doesn’t function unless we get our cut. We give some of it back by sponsoring new fashion designers. That’s why I wanted you to go to the bar with me and make contacts.”

“Holy shit. I’m so stupid. You should have told me all this before.”

“You want to do everything on your own, you’re so independent, but friends and husbands help each other out. It lightens the load, y’know?” She smiles as we descend upon the nearest rack.

I flip through the dresses and run my fingers over the silky fabrics, all well-known designers and pieces not in the boutiques yet. We’re getting first dibs. When I check the price tag, I cringe at the cost.

“Don’t worry about the money.” Alena playfully slaps my hand off the tag.

“I can’t help it.”

“Here.” She hands me a bunch of dresses on hangers. “These are for evening events and dinners.

I look at the beaded cocktail dresses and wonder if we’ll be dining at the Ritz Carlton.

“Oh, you need some suits as well. Those are in the back. The lingerie is on the top floor.” She winks at me, and I wonder if she and Kirill are banging yet.

“So, you and Kirill?” I ask as we head to a dressing room large enough to accommodate a couch.

“Just friends. He likes to see me.”

16

IZZY

“Ithink he has a crush on you. Do you think you will be married off to him?”

“No, my husband will probably be a capo. I don’t know. Because of the stalker we believe is pursuing you, I can’t sneeze without everyone hearing. I have bodyguards everywhere I go.”

“I’m sorry.”

She gives me a look that lets me know this is nothing new.

“No worries. I’m worried about you.”

“Did you hear I have to marry Dmitry?”

“It’s really the best solution.”

“It is?”

“Of course, once you are a Volkov, you’re untouchable.”

This is ironic, considering all Dmitry wants to do is touch and fuck me.

“Why is it that way? It’s so archaic.”

“It’s a man’s world, and they have the muscle, if you know what I mean.”

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