Page 26 of Bratva King

Alexei bit back the smile threatening his lips. A week ago that exchange would've ended with someone reaching for a weapon. Now it merely ended with Sofia pinching the bridge of her nose. He considered that progress.

Still, he couldn’t believe that seven days had passed since Alexei had offered Natalia a job, and that she’d decided to stay. His brothers still viewed her as a snake that simply hadn't decided whether to bite. Maksim growled less at her, and Dimitri made absolutely no effort to hide his suspicions.

Alexei couldn't entirely blame them. Well, what did it matter? Here they were now. Come to think of it, Sofia and Lena were the first people to welcome Natalia. Alexei still wasn't entirely certain how they'd managed it. Perhaps women simply possessed an instinct men lacked.

Lena had insisted Natalia join them for breakfast. Meanwhile, Sofia had dragged her shopping. Together they'd somehow convinced Natalia to sit through an afternoon tea without checking every window for snipers. Even now, Sofia leaned toward Natalia with an approving smile.

"You look beautiful,” Sofia commented.

Natalia looked faintly uncomfortable. "Thank you,” Natalia finally mumbled.

"I told you the dress was perfect,” Sofia said.

Natalia smoothed invisible wrinkles from the black fabric. "I still think it's impractical."

Alexei finally looked. The breath caught in his chest. Sofia was right. The dress fit her as though it had been tailored solely for her. It was simple and elegant, just like her. The dress had long sleeves of sheer lace, a fitted bodice that emphasized the graceful line of her waist, then flowed into a sleek skirt that brushed her ankles.

Her ebony hair had been swept into a sophisticated knot, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. The feathered black mask concealed the upper half of her face, making her dark eyes appear bigger.

Danger had never looked so breathtaking. She caught him staring, and lifted one eyebrow.

“Is there something on my face?” Natalia asked him.

"You clean up well,” he said, adoring the faint blush that touched her cheeks.

The limousine rolled smoothly through the illuminated streets. Traffic had been diverted around the museum district for tonight's charity gala. Police officers stood at intersections directing vehicles, and luxury cars stretched for nearly an entire block.

The city's elite had gathered, and that included anyone with influence who wanted to be seen supporting tonight's fundraiser. The limousine slowed, then stopped. Alexei stepped out first. Cool evening air greeted him, and before him rose the museum.

For tonight, the nineteenth-century building had been transformed into a palace of light. Their party walked past white marble columns. Fresh white roses, orchids, and lilies overflowed from towering arrangements, and a string quartet played somewhere beyond the grand staircase.

Photographers also unfortunately crowded behind velvet ropes. Camera flashes erupted continuously, and every arriving guest was greeted by applause.

Natalia emerged beside him. Several photographers forgot entirely about Alexei. Their lenses turned toward her instead. He tightened his jaw as one particularly persistent photographer shouted, "Miss! Over here!"

Natalia instinctively shifted closer to Alexei rather than toward the cameras. He liked that far more than he should have. He offered his arm, and after a moment’s hesitation, she slipped her hand through his arm.

The warmth of her touch seeped straight through the fabric of his white tuxedo jacket. Together they climbed the marble staircase. Inside the elaborately decorated space, every guest wore elaborate masquerade masks.

Alexei made his rounds, mingling with the city’s creme de la creme. Through all of it, Natalia remained one step behind him. She was always alert, and he had a feeling she was silently cataloging guests and staff, searching the room for blind corners and exits.

She always looked so focused and beautiful. Alexei nearly answered a senator's question incorrectly because he'd been watching the way candlelight danced across Natalia's dark hair. Alexei decided

The orchestra shifted into a slow waltz. Couples flowed gracefully onto the dance floor. Alexei found himself watching them, then looking at Natalia. She followed his gaze.

"Do you dance?"

She blinked. “No.”

“Shall we...?” Alexei trailed off, but she raised a hand.

“You know better than to distract me while I’m working, Alexei,” she reminded him.

He sighed and relented. The charity gala finally drew to a close just after eleven. Alexei had never been so relieved to exchange polished marble floors and empty conversation for the privacy of his limousine.

The museum disappeared behind them as the vehicle merged into the late-night traffic. This time, the cabin was blissfully quiet. Dimitri and Sofia had elected to remain behind, coaxed into one last dance. For the first time all evening, it was just Alexei and Natalia.

The silence settled comfortably between them. Natalia removed her feathered mask first, setting it carefully on the seat beside her before leaning her head back against the leather. He noted she looked tired.