Page 20 of Nikola

We both glanced her way, giving her another take. She’d opted for a white Givenchy strapless dress with a flared skirt that barely reached her mid-thighs. She looked stunning, if not a little Virgin Mary–like.

“You two look hot as fuck,” she continued, “and I’m terrified that I’ll be left sitting around while you get picked up.”

“You’re beautiful,” I assured her. “And I’m not sleeping with any strangers, so if it happens that you sit it out, I’ll be right there with you.”

Amara grinned.

“I’m just hoping to teach someone a lesson.” When Penelope and I shot her a questioning look, she just blew out a frustrated breath. “Long story.”

Sensing her desire to move on, we linked arms and ventured deeper into the sprawling room, where velvet drapes and gilded accents shimmered under the low, amber light. The air crackled with anticipation, alive with murmured conversationsand flirtatious glances. Some guests wore elaborate masks, their eyes glinting through ornate patterns, while others remained barefaced, their expressions laid bare amid the revelry. I couldn’t help but think of my recent venture into the Nikolaev club.

I shook my head, not wanting to spiral over his lack of communication. I’d already embarrassed myself enough lately with all my—unanswered—texts. Some days I didn’t even know what possessed me when I’d furiously typed a message to Nikola and then hit send, only to watch it change to ‘Read.’

I released a breath and glanced around as a tall man with broad shoulders and chiseled jaw stopped in front of us. A white mask hid half of his face, the color stark against his tanned skin and coal-black hair, but his charisma was impossible to hide.

Amara’s fingers tightened around my hand and I shot her a curious look, just in time to catch her lips moving. “Holy mother of God.”

Penelope licked her lips, giving the stranger and his custom suit a once-over. It was as if she’d completely forgotten about us in his presence.

“I see you got my invitation,” the man said, his eyes burning as he stared at Penelope, while Amara and I just stood there gaping. “Want a tour?”

He extended his hand, and without hesitation, her fingers came to rest in his palm. She took a step toward him when I tugged on her arm.

She turned her head and I signed, “Be safe. Okay?”

A beaming smile on her face and a curt nod was my answer before she left.

“Well, that was…”

Amara seemed at a loss for words, so I helped her. “Intense.”

“Right? Like, who is that guy?”

“A panty-melting hottie.”

Amara’s eyes flashed with something, and I followed her line of vision past my shoulder.

She tugged on my hand for attention. “I think I saw someone.”

Not seeing anything out of the ordinary, I turned back to Amara. “Who?”

“Not sure, but I’ll be right back. Will you be okay?”

I nodded, then smiled and shooed her away when she remained glued to the spot. “I’m a big girl. You just go ahead. I’ll wait for you both here.”

I watched her cut across the room with a purposeful stride, then found a corner with a chair where I could people-watch.

The room pulsed with a vibrant, almost tangible energy. People laughed and conversed while the air buzzed with excitement, as if the very walls were alive with anticipation. A waiter carrying a tray of champagne ambled past me and I flagged him down, taking a glass. I almost expected him to card me, but when he didn’t, I promptly drained the tall flute.

The bubbles hit the back of my throat as I returned the empty glass to the tray and snagged another two.

The waiter disappeared and I fastened my gaze on a couple making out in plain sight, not a care in the world. They were all over each other—kissing and grinding like time was of the essence.

It made me feel like a voyeur, but I found myself unable to look away.

I almost spilled both my glasses over my dress when the woman lowered herself onto a velvet chaise and pulled up her skirt, bunching it around her waist. She parted her legs, revealing her bare pussy, and the man dropped to his knees, burying his face in her sex.

Holy fucking shit. Is that even allowed?I thought, my jaw all but hitting the floor.