Page 43 of Ruling Scar
He frowns and runs a hand through his blonde hair. “This is the guy she went out with last night?”
I smile, but my teeth grind together.
Ivan flashes a smirk. The irritating bastard. “She clearly has no taste.”
“That’s my woman,” I warn.
“She clearly has no taste,” he says into his drink.
Before he can say anything else, Leopold stands from his wingback chair, folding the newspaper and tucking it under his arm. During my time at Oxford, I saw less stuffy men.
He ambles over to the bar and I prepare myself. I vowed to myself, I wouldn’t go to him, but he’s welcome to pick up a conversation all he wants. And I know he wants to speak to a Zimin. We’re irresistible.
“Another whiskey, thanks.” Leopold nods to the bartender. “This place is going downhill, if they let you in here.”
Ivan pauses, mid-drink, his eyes slicing over to Leopold.
I lean forward, cocking my head at the man.
Leopold leans into the bar, glancing at the sports replay on the TV screen. “Elijah Zimin, correct?”
“The very one.” I smile politely. “I’m sorry, you are?”
Leopold’s lips twitch. He doesn’t allow a frown, catching himself in time. “Leopold Stuart. We met actually, at a lecture at Oxford.”
I remain polite but uncaring. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember you. What did you say you’re name was again?”
He blinks. “Leopold Stuart.”
I nod slowly. “Oh, I think I have heard the name.”
This pleases Leopold but I don’t let the satisfaction linger.
“You went out with my girlfriend last night. Leonora.” I hate the term girlfriend. It sounds too juvenile. It’s not permanent enough. But if Leonora was my wife, every bastard in the city would already know it. So with a patience I’m not feeling, I smile wider, pretending to be the doting boyfriend of the most beautiful woman in the city.
“Leonora,” Leopold echoes. He glances at Ivan who openly stares back while eating trail mix. “I’d heard the Akatovs were friendly with the Zimins. I remained unaware any were dating, though. Lennie certainly didn’t mention it last night.
I shrug. “She’s private. She told me you two caught up before she met up with Ren. I assume she told you about her friend Ren. I’m sorry if she ran off. Girl’s night often takes precedence.”
A smug grin spreads across his face. “Girl’s night.”
There’s a twinkle in the bastard’s eye.
I cock my head. “You didn’t think she wore that dress for you last night, did you?”
Would she ever dare wear something like that for another man if we were together? No. But I’ll put up with the idea to play this little game.
Leopold is checked by my reaction. A bored, blank mask wipes away the smirk. He might’ve stepped over here, trying to worm his way into an introduction but he’s found something else. An obstacle in his path. He can turn around and walk away but something tells me he’ll continue to fight for Leonora.
I already understand the man. He wants to catch and own Leonora Akatov. He thinks having her by his side will help him own this city.
I struggle to remain calm. Neutral. I do not appreciate it when Leonora arrives at my door shaking and upset. I’d rather stuff this wanker in the back of a car and call it a day, but Leonora’s morals stop me.
Ivan clears his throat, checking his watch. He mutters a few things in Russian, Leopold’s eyes flicking to the man.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I tell him. “But I’m being reminded I have dinner plans.”
Ivan stands up, smiling ruefully. “Ms. Akatov does not like it when I don’t get him home on time.”
