Page 26 of Dangerous Liaisons

“But-”

“You would insult me to reject my offer. I will find you something that pairs with your black jeans and a clip for your hair. Oh, earrings!”

Kira grumbled, but she allowed Isabella to dig through her closet without protest.

Isabella pulled out a pink silk shirt. “This one?” Seeing her friend’s eyes twitch, she chuckled. “Okay, maybe notthis time.” She threw it back onto the rod and spotted one of her favorite red floral tops. “This one will do.”

“But I don’t think this suits me.” Kira looked up from the shirt with a panicked gaze. “I’m not worthy of your kindness.”

“You are more than worthy. We are sisters, and you will let me do this for you.” Isabella patted her on the arm. “It is only a shirt. You are the same woman underneath any fabric. Trust me. Eddie will like this.”

Kira chewed on her bottom lip. “Are there shoes?”

By the time they finished, Isabella got her to wear the top and some six-inch red heels. The Russian had also miraculously agreed to light eyeshadow and a red lipstick, a clip in her hair that pulled the long black strands from her face.

“You look beautiful.”

“I am uncertain. I do not feel… myself.”

“Nonsense.” Isabella shook her head as they returned to the living room. “You are yourself, only amplified. Mikhail, say good night to Kira.”

The little boy sprang off the couch. “Kiki, you look so pretty!”

She blushed, and Isabella was stunned at how beautiful the woman was when she was happy. It was so rare and endearing. Her friend’s life had been one of misery and pure hunger before Nikolai had taken her in as a teenager. Shedeserved to be happy.

She paused when Kira shifted on her feet. “What’s wrong?”

“Perhaps I should not go. My eye is still-”

“No! Trust me, we can fix that. Wait one second.” She ran back to her room, returning with concealer and foundation. Kira stood still while she applied the makeup and, satisfied, she took a step back with a nod. “Perfect. Barely noticeable.”

“Thank you, Moya Koroleva.”

“None of that, I forbid it. You look beautiful, Sister.”

Kira stared at her when she stepped forward and pulled Isabella to her. She hugged her close for a brief second before removing herself and stepping back. “I will return tonight.”

“We’ll see about that,” she chuckled. “Go, have fun on your date.”

Kira paused again to hug Mikhail. “Sweet dreams, little prince.”

“Bye!”

She waited until the woman left, the front door shutting behind her before she glanced down at her son. “Time for bed, Mishka.”

“Aw,” he pouted, “I want to stay up and play with you!”

“Tomorrow we can play to your heart’s content and even go out for lunch, but now we must get some rest. Come along. I will tuck you into bed.” She extended her hand and together, they made their way to his bedroom.

As always when she could, she read him a book before putting him into bed, tucking in the surrounding covers. She lowered herself onto her knees by his bed, elbows on the mattress. “Sleep tight, little one.”

He gazed at her with sadness in his gaze.

“What is it?”

“I miss Uncle Sergei.”

“As do I, but he will be back soon, I promise.”