Page 71

“I’m just the girl of the moment,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant, though the words taste bitter in my mouth.
Natalia looks at me, her expression unreadable. She takes a sip of her wine. “He must really like you to bring you here. I’ve never met any of his women before, though he’s had many.”
I drain my glass. “I can assure you, it’s not serious. We’re just having fun.”
Natalia watches me for a moment longer, as if she doesn’t believe me, then, with a faint shrug, she turns and walks away.
I glance back at the party, taking in the scene—the magical lighting, the music, the servants bearing trays of more drinks, the carefree laughter from the elegantly dressed people. And I feel a new worry. Something is eating away at Ivan, something far bigger than he usually deals with, and none of his family know about. It saddens me because I don’t know what it is. And it depresses me that I might not ever really know him.
A voice behind me interrupts my dismal thoughts, and I turn to see Nikolai approaching.
“I’m sorry for putting you on the spot earlier,” he apologizes, leaning against the stone balustrade. “Ivan has a way of making everyone’s intentions seem... untrustworthy.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I dismiss. I feel a bit more at ease with Nikolai than I do with anyone else here. He’s charming, yes, but there’s a sincerity in him that draws me to him.
“What’s going on with your family? Why is everyone so distant with each other?” I ask. The questions slipping out before I can stop them. I’ve been wondering all evening after seeing how detached they all seem.
Nikolai raises an eyebrow, but he doesn’t seem offended by the question. Instead, he sighs and takes a sip of his wine before answering.
“Well, money does that to you,” he says with a wry smile.
I blink in confusion, and he elaborates.
“The family was ripped apart when my father and Ivan got into a bitter feud. It was so bad they refused to be in the same room together. Sadly, they both made us choose sides.”
“I see,” I say slowly. “Did you pick a side?”
He shook his head, and I can see the pain behind his easygoing demeanor. “No, Ivan picked it for me. He cut me off so my father wouldn’t hate me too.”
I listen quietly, my heart aching for Ivan as he continues.
Nikolai’s expression darkens. “I’ve been trying to get along with the family ever since, but it’s pretty impossible. As for Ivan and Natalia... well, they used to be close. Very close. But when things got ugly Natalia made her choice. And she chose my father. Can’t blame her, my father is a very rich man.”
I take it in, feeling like I’m finally beginning to understand the fractured dynamics at play here. It’s no wonder Ivan is so closed off. He’s been walking this tightrope between his family and his own ambitions for years, and it’s clear that no one has made it easy for him.
Nikolai nods. “That’s our story. What’s yours? You’re not Ivan’s usual type.”
“What’s his usual type?”
He smiles suddenly. “How do you say it in America? Bimbo?”
I smile. “Ah.”
The music changes in the background into a fast tune. Nikolai grins and offers me his hand. “Care for a dance?”
I hesitate, glancing around at the guests, the family.
“Come on,” he urges. “You have to dance when you are in France.”
I look into his eyes and I see no malice, no ulterior motive, no sexual come-on. Nikolai is just a nice guy and he means no harm. Maybe I can help mend the rift between him and Ivan. I take his hand and let him lead me towards the merrymakers.
He is a great dancer and I find myself relaxing, even laughing a little. It’s a strange contrast to everything I’ve been feeling, but it’s a welcome distraction. As the song ends, Nikolai twirls me one last time, grinning down at me.
“See? That wasn’t so bad.”
But before I can reply, a cold voice interrupts us. “Mind if I cut in?”
“Papa,” Nikolai exclaims in shock, and immediately steps back. I stare at Ivan’s father curiously.