Page 55 of Cruel Russian King

“Ninel?”

Shit. He said something and I was too busy ogling him.

I met his gaze. “Yeah?”

He chuckled. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you. And you don't look too bad yourself.” I smiled.

“Ready to leave?”

“As ready as I'll ever be.”

I grabbed my clutch and Artyom extended his elbow to me. Together we made our way down the stairs and out the front door.

Sitting there, in front of the house, was a limousine and waiting for us were Kira, Zahkar and Yegor. There were also four SUVs parked close by and four guards standing by each car waiting. Ruslan among them.

“I hope you don't mind all of us going together.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Ninel!” Kira screeched when she saw me and made her way up the stairs. “You look amazing!”

I laughed. “Thank you. As do you.”

Kira gave a little twirl, “Thank you, thank you. I try.”

Kira’s dress clung to her curves and her brown hair was curled at the ends framing her face. She had puffed sleeves attached to the underarms of her chocolate gown and the top part was fitted and the floor length dress had flowing material.

Once we made our way down the steps I hugged Yegor and Zahkar.

“You guys look great,” I said.

“We do, don't we…” Zahkar grinned as he struck a pose.

Kira and I laughed while Yegor rolled his eyes and chuckled.

Artyom helped me into the car and I thought he'd sit next to me but a few minutes later Kira came in and took a seat next to me while the guys sat on the other side.

As we drove to the event, my stomach twisted and turned threatening to release the meal I had eaten earlier.

I pushed the feeling down and chatted and laughed with the others avoiding Artyom's gaze that hadn't left me since he got in.

I wondered if I should pull Kira aside and chat with her. Would I be able to do that without anyone hearing us? Without Artyom thinking I'm conspiring with Kira against him?

When the limousine stopped about thirty minutes later, Artyom turned to Zahkar and Yegor and spoke, “If any thing goes south tonight, get Ninel and Kira to Ruslan and he'll take them home. Got it?”

They both nodded. Yegor opened the door and stepped out followed by the other men. Yegor helped Kira and then Artyom helped me.

As we walked into the building, Artyom’s guards surrounded us, we heard the music coming from inside. Guards were everywhere and expensive cars littered the lot.

My stomach churned and I wrapped my hand around my stomach.

“Ninel, are you okay?” Artyom asked.

I nodded and faked a smile. “I guess I'm just a bit nervous.”

“Why? You've been to tons of networking parties like this.”