Page 111 of Doubts & Fears

Sighing, I looked through the dresses in my closet. I settled on a beautiful champagne-colored A-line gown from Alek’s section. It had a plunging neckline, and I would have preferred something a bit more demure for dinner with his parents, but none of the dresses in his section matched that sentiment. However, it fit perfectly.

The full skirt had a unique thigh-high slit, and it sat at a perfect length for me. I strapped on the blade Ivan gave me earlier. Then I took my time getting ready,wanting to make sure I looked presentable, and went for a more sophisticated look on my makeup.

Pushing the thought of their mother seeing me sitting on Ivan’s lap out of my head, I painstakingly did my hair. I settled on a modern chignon twist. The loose strands were curled and flowed down my back elegantly.

I finished the look with a pair of six-inch heels, and when a knock rapped on the door, I called out, “Come in.”

Alek walked in, taking me in from head to toe.

“Holy fuck. You look so gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” I fidgeted nervously under his compliment.

He stalked over to my side. “Let me make sure you’re secure.” He adjusted the front of the gown, grinning like a fool.

“Yes, I used the tape again. I won’t be flashing your parents.” I laughed as his gaze centered on my cleavage.

“You’re missing something, though.”

I glanced down at myself.What is he talking about?

“Let’s see how these look.” His voice was husky tonight. He grabbed my hand and set a box in it. I opened it, and a pair of three-carat tear-drop diamond dangle earrings lay inside.

“Do you remember when I said flowers were a perfectly acceptable gift to give?”

“Yeah, well, Ivan gave you a knife. He didn’t get that line, did he?”

I laughed. “No, he did not. You give confusing gifts.”

“Confusing? How do you figure? I insist you put them on. You look practically naked without something in your ears.”

He smiled and helped put the earrings in for me. I didn’t answer him because I wasn’t sure I wanted to put it into words. I was afraid if I told himhisgift felt like something one would give a girlfriend, it would upset him.

He kissed my neck and took a deep breath before taking a small step back and declaring me properly dressed. He took my arm and led me to the foyer, where Ivan and Nik stood. They both turned and looked at us, and my heart raced.

Nik blinked several times before his eyes raked down my body and lingered at my breasts. Ivan’s cheek twitched as he drank me in, the arousal clear as day in his eyes. He swallowed hard. Desire filled my body, and I was overwhelmed as I tried to process everything.

I had no idea why they insisted I attend with them. A good game of chess with Marcus would provide less of a mind fuck. At least in that, I’d be able to trap my king.

I consoled myself that they did this every week, so it wasn’t like it was a special occasion. Marcus whistled appreciatively when he saw me, earning several glares from the guys and a chuckle from me.

“Impressive limo,” I said, grinning.

On the drive over, Nik asked, “Did you have a good day with Ivan, malyshka?”

“No, he spent his day with a new plaything, manhandled me, then denied me what I needed. Apparently, I was undeserving.” I pouted, seeing his eyes dance.

“Is that how you saw it?” Ivan’s tone showed his amusement.

“It’s the truth,” I countered.

“Allison is a trainee, not a plaything. I didn’t touch her, unless you count when I caressed her face before leaving her alone to go check on you.”

“So you did touch her?” I fumed, glaring as Ivan smiled. Alek stayed silent.

“Less than Mr. Dulaine touched you and your ass,” Ivan retorted, pissing Alek off.

“What did I tell you about that man? Marcus, we’ll be making a stop at his studio first thing tomorrow morning.”

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