Page 162 of Dance of Devils

“And you.” I slide my arm around Brooklyn’s waist, eliciting what I am sure are arched brows behind masks from both Yuri and River.

“This is Brooklyn, my?—”

Fuck.

“Girlfriend” sounds odd. But “the woman I’m quickly losing my complete mind over, who I care for more than I’ve ever cared about anyone and would gladly kill for,” feels like a mouthful.

“My…date,” I smile, my fingers spreading over her hip as I tug her close.

“You?” Yuri chuckles as he turns to shake Brooklyn’s hand. “You must have drugged him. This man doesn’t date. Or go out and have any fun at all, ever. What’s your secret?”

Brooklyn shrugs. “Nailed it. Drugs.”

Yuri and River erupt in laughter before the latter turns and smiles as she takes Brooklyn’s hand. “Lovely to meet you. And…really, Kir? Yourdate? You couldn’t come up with something better than that?”

I sigh.

Fuck it.

I turn and smile at Brooklyn as my hand tightens on her hip.

“My…girlfriend,” I growl, relishing the way her beautiful eyes twinkle under her mask as they lock with mine.

“Muchbetter,” Yuri chuckles, clapping me on the shoulder. He turns to grin at Brooklyn. “Make sure you keep a firm hand with this one. Otherwise he’ll disappear into his work and you’ll be bored to tears.”

“She’s more than adept at holding my attention,” I murmur, still looking into her eyes.

“So, Brooklyn, what do you do?”

“I’m a ballet dancer,” Brooklyn smiles. “At the Zakharova.”

“Wow,” River’s brows shoot up. “That’s incredible! I’ve seen your company perform a couple of times.” She beams at Brooklyn. “You must be an insanely good dancer.”

“She’s incredible,” I murmur. “Absolutely incredible.” I cough delicately as I glance back to them. “But we’re trying to keep a low profile, given, well?—”

“That you’re her boss?” Yuri smirks. “Trying to avoid scandal?”

“Perhaps,” I reply.

Yuri shrugs. “I say embrace it. I mean, Ikidnappedthis one.” He wraps an arm around his wife, grinning at Brooklyn.

River laughs. “He’s…not joking.”

“Still, your secret is safe with us,” Yuri chuckles. He turns to me. “Come on, I'm sure Viktor would love to know you’re here.”

“He’d love to know mycheckbookis here,” I grumble.

Yuri bursts out laughing. “You owe him quite the favor, don’t you?”

I snort. “And then some. I haven’t forgotten, just as I’m sure Viktor hasn’t. But I brought something extra special for him tonight—something I’m sure a man of his particular tastes will appreciate.”

Yuri smiles as he glances back at Brooklyn. “Are you part of this special surprise?”

“Oh,” I chuckle, “very much so.”

River loops her arm through her husband’s as they walk ahead. I hang back, sliding my arm around Brooklyn’s waist before I lean down to brush my lips over her ear.

“Before I introduce you around,” I growl, “I need you to do something for me.”