Alexei had forewarned, and she selected a red gown with a high neck artfully draped to cover each breast, leaving her shoulders and arms bare, nipped in at the waist to fall in a swirl of soft material at her feet. Subtle make-up, emphasis on the eyes, bold red lip gloss, her hair styled in large soft waves which fell past her shoulders and curved forward to partly frame her face, a touch of jewellery, she gathered up a wrap in matching red, slid her feet into red stilettos, took a deep breath, and emerged into the adjoining lounge to find Alexei conducting a conversation on his smartphone in a language she failed to comprehend.
Black evening suit, white shirt and black bow tie did much to emphasise his European features, impossibly dark eyes and wide mobile mouth. A mouth that could wreak mindless havoc...as she knew too well.
His cologne held a subtle blend of musk and something she failed to define...a soft sensual whisper that teased, taunted and made her think of the forbidden.
Each breath she took in his presence became measured, controlled, as every muscle in her body slowly tightened. In the close confines of the limousine she felt as brittle as the most delicate piece of Venetian glass.
One touch, and she’d shatter.
THE EVENING AHEAD was a formal occasion. Very formal, Natalya noted, given the venue, the sumptuous grand dining room, the quality linen covering the many tables, exquisite crystal, cutlery and tableware.
Security was evident, invitations carefully checked, and guests personally escorted to their tables.
A gala event of note.
‘Why me?’ she had queried quietly, and incurred his studied look.
‘Why not you?’
‘This is social, not business.’
‘The lines between the two are blurred, are they not?’
Anything else she might have added remained unsaid as a stunning blonde, who appeared out of nowhere behind him, snuggled close against his back, wound her arms around his neck.
‘Guess who?’
Natalya caught a glimpse of diamond rings, a diamond necklace, sensed a drift of exotic perfume, heard the sultry in the young woman’s voice, and felt her stomach plummet.
A friend? Lover? Mistress?
‘Stassi,’ Alexei acknowledged with a tinge of amusement as she released her hands and stepped to face him. ‘Your signature perfume is unmistakable.’
There was a light tinkle of laughter followed by a staged moue...belied by the sparkle in Stassi’s eyes as she stood on tiptoe to brush a light kiss to his cheek before turning towards Natalya. ‘And you are?’
‘Natalya,’ Alexei drawled. ‘Let me introduce you to my irrepressible cousin, Stassi.’
‘Family,’ Stassi declared. ‘So Alexei is off limits, unfortunately. Although he does duty as a partner on occasion.’ She glanced from Natalya to Alexei. ‘And you are Alexei’s...?’
‘Friend,’ Alexei declared.
‘Uh-huh. Euphemism for...?’
‘Friend,’ he drawled, undeterred by his cousin’s inquisitiveness.
‘PA,’ Natalya corrected.
Stassi smiled. ‘Business and pleasure. Interesting combination.’ She offered Alexei a teasing grin. ‘You do realise your mother is planning a family dinner in your honour? She’ll be delighted to welcome Natalya.’
Family? No, not happening. ‘I don’t think my presence would be appropriate.’
‘Alexei will do his persuasive best,’ Stassi stated with a light laugh. ‘He’s very good at it.’ A slow smile curved her lips. ‘I really must return to the parents. They have plotted to introduce me to a gorgeous man who, according to my darling mama, displays excellent potential as future husband material. Should be a fun evening.’ She kissed her fingers and playfully touched them to Alexei’s cheek. ‘Take care.’
She turned towards Natalya. ‘I’ll look forward to catching up with you again.’ With a mischievous smile she began threading her way through the numerous guests.
‘Your cousin is delightful,’ Natalya ventured politely, and caught his musing expression.
‘Yes, she is. She’s also intelligent, with a degree in criminal law. Loves life, has no intention of marrying, now or in the near future. Much to her mother’s despair.’
‘She obviously hasn’t met the right man.’
‘Is marriage so important?’
Sticky question, and not one Natalya was prepared to answer. Five years ago she would have said marriage represented a lifetime commitment, enduring love, growing a family...including qualities such as trust, faith and respect. Sharing the good and the not-so-good times together, without blame or regret.
‘No comment, Natalya?’
She managed a credible smile. ‘Much depends on one’s life plan, don’t you think?’
‘And yours is?’
‘Personal.’
For a moment she glimpsed a slight change in his expression, then it was gone, and she was left to ponder if her imagination was playing tricks.
‘Perhaps we should take our seats,’ Alexei indicated smoothly, inclining his head to a staff member waiting to escort them to their reserved table.
Society’s glitterati at its finest, Natalya noted, as she sipped an excellent French wine. Similar to, but different from, she perceived, other charity functions she’d attended in the past. For there was ample evidence of extreme wealth apparent in the women’s designer gowns, and their jewellery alone could have funded housing and food for a poor nation.
Cosmetic enhancement appeared to be de rigueur for the mature women, varying hairstyles combed and teased to within a whisper of perfection.
Nor, she suspected, was it confined to the women.
It was akin to viewing a movie on screen, where the majority of guests were actors playing a part, prepared by stylists, make-up artists, such was the achieved element of perfection.
The ballroom was enormous, and soon seated to capacity. Soft background music became almost lost to the chatter of voices as stylishly clothed wait staff ensured champagne and fine wines were replenished with reputed flair.
‘Darling Alexei,’ a female guest seated opposite at their table inclined with exquisite poise. ‘I heard you’d touched down in this part of town.’ All that was required to complete the woman’s image was a long cigarette holder, for she had the pose down pat of the lead actress who played the original role of Auntie Mame in an old movie. ‘So delighted you could grace us with your presence. But then, you have a vested interest in the nominated charity.’ Her smile held graceful
