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“You’re right. I’m sorry. But I can’t help being happy for you both.”

“I wouldn’t like to think of her at a party with another man, so I can see why she’s upset.” I sit. “Viktor’s got some nerve, too, throwing this party after sending a pack of Russians after me.”

“We need to exercise some caution,” Mother says. “We don’t know if Viktor had anything to do with this. Perhaps Adrian hired some Russians, hoping to throw you off the scent.”

“Throw me off the scent? If I’d walked into that warehouse, I’d be dead right now.”

“We need to be sure before we take drastic action,” Mother says. After a pause, she murmurs, “Perhaps I’ll see if Sienna wants to attend the gala as my plus one so that she can see for herself that nothing is happening between you and Anya.”

The idea appeals to me, especially after what Sienna said upstairs about wanting me to tell her what’s going on, so she doesn’t have to use her imagination.

My mother must read the concern on my face. “He’s holding the party at The Adolphus Hotel. Even Viktor isn’t stupid enough to start a gunfight there. And, it will be standard mob rules, won’t it? No weapons allowed.”

“True,” I agree.

“I’m sure Sienna would prefer to be with us than sit around here, wondering what’s going on.”

“I’ll ask her.”

“Ask me what?” Sienna walks in, wearing a bathrobe, her hair wrapped in a towel. “I hope you don’t mind.” She pulls at the fabric of the robe.

“Not at all, dear,” Gianna says. “What’s mine is yours.”

“What were you talking about?”

“Mother wanted to ask if you’d like to attend the gala.”

“Is it safe?” Sienna asks.

“I wouldn’t even consider it if it wasn’t,” I tell her. “Keeping you safe is the most important thing.”

“It will give us a chance for a shopping trip tomorrow,” Mother says excitedly. “We’ll find you the perfect gown.”

“Do you want me there?” Sienna says, looking directly at me.

It would make my life easier if she didn’t come. That’s the truth. But I also suspect she’d torture herself if we left her behind. That’s the last thing I want.

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“I don’t want you torturing yourself. And Ididcall you Cinderella the last time I gave you a ride, remember?”

She smiles. “Okay, then let’s do it! I can’t believe how crazy my life has become. A gala. But won’t Anya mind?”

“You’ll come as my plus-one, dear,” Mom says.

“Ah.” Her expression darkens for a moment, then she smiles. “I can handle that.”

“Just remember,” I say, approaching her and taking her hand. “No matter what happens, you’re the woman for me, Sienna. You’re my…” I search for a word, but none of them seem sufficient.

“Girlfriend?” Mother offers.

I chuckle. “Sounds strange for a man my age to say, but yes, Sienna. You’re my girlfriend.”

I wish I had one-tenth of her talent so I could capture the beauty of her smile. “Okay, boyfriend. I’ll try to keep the jealous genie in the bottle.”

ChapterTwenty