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I don’t know why but I think his question is hilarious. “Shouldn’t this have been in my background report?” I tease. “I don’t have time for fun.”
“You’re so young. What do you mean, you don’t have time for fun?”
“I watch movies and read books. Does that count?”
Daniil says, “No,” at the same moment that Leo says, “Sure.”
“No, fuck that,” Daniil says, standing. “I mean real fun. Partying with your friends.”
I shrug. I don’t remember the last time I went dancing or had carefree fun. Not when there was a business to run, creditors to fend off, a father in poor health.
“That is unacceptable. Come with me,” Daniil commands in a way that reminds me so much of Andrei. Bossy pants. Still, I follow him. He leads us to the great room, with its soaring overhead wooden beams and wall of windows.
I’m a bit sad and a bit drunk and I just want to forget about everything. Music pours from speakers, and suddenly dancing seems like a really great idea. Daniil thinks so, too. The music is something sultry and electronic, and I let loose, swaying my hips and throwing my head back as I get lost in the beat.
Leo refuses to join us. Instead, he watches from the couch, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, as he throws back more vodka. I do not know how he’s still drinking and I tell him as much, but he just shrugs and says, “I’m Russian. They practically put vodka in our baby bottles.”
I think he’s kidding, but I can’t tell.
Daniil moves his body in sync with mine. He’s not touching me, just allowing me to let loose and doing the same himself. I’m sure we look like drunk, crazy people, but we sure are having fun.
Until Andrei walks into the room and ruins everything.
Chapter16
ANDREI
“What the hell is going on here?” My words are low and deadly as I try to absorb the picture in front of me. Daniil and Georgia dance around drunk out of their skulls, and Leo happily watching them act like fools.
Myanger cuts through their alcohol induced haze. They all stare at me as I move to turn off the music and grab the drink from Leo’s hand.
“I think you've had enough of this,” I seethe. Leo just flicks me a bored look.
On the other side of the room, Georgia is still swaying to the non-existent beat. A giggle escapes her mouth when she looks at my thunderous expression. “So serious,” she stage whispers to Daniil.
“He is, isn’t he?” Daniil grins at me. “You’re home early.”
“What’s going on?” I demand, even though I know the answer to that question. My brothers played me. Sent me on some fool’s errand so they could get close to Georgia.
“Loosen up, will you? We’re just having some fun.” Daniil continues to sway like he doesn’t have a care in the world. “Georgia’s had a really, really rough few weeks, you may have heard.”
“He knows all about it,” she grumbles.
“Enough.” I take her face in my hands. “Just how drunk are you?”
“I’m fine. We just had a few drinks. I was just getting to know your brothers,” she says, poking my chest with her finger. “And I’m going to let you in on a little secret; they’re a lot more fun than you. By the way, how was your date?” she taunts. “Is she here? Could we meet her?” She glances behind me, swaying a little on her feet, and I reach out a hand to steady her waist.
“A date?”
“Your brothers told me.” She hiccups. “I hope you had fun.” There’s a note of hurt in her voice that twists my insides. Jesus. My brothers couldn’t leave well enough alone.
I send Daniil a lethal look. “You’re a dick.”
Leo just chuckles, sitting back and watching the drama play out, and as usual, staying out of my line of fire. I now understand the kind of ‘work’ my brothers had planned tonight. Scrutinizing Georgia. They still don’t trust her, and they thought getting her drunk would lower her guard. Maybe spill all her secrets.
Georgia stands in front of me, confusion written all over her face.
“Time for sleep.” I take hold of her elbow, but she shakes me off and stomps her foot.
