Alexei's Passionate Revenge by Helen Bianchin

Author:Helen Bianchin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-01-10T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

THE EVENING AHEAD was a formal occasion. Very formal, Natalya noted, given the venue, the sumptuous grand dining room, the quality linen covering the many tables, exquisite crystal, cutlery and tableware.

Security was evident, invitations carefully checked, and guests personally escorted to their tables.

A gala event of note.

‘Why me?’ she had queried quietly, and incurred his studied look.

‘Why not you?’

‘This is social, not business.’

‘The lines between the two are blurred, are they not?’

Anything else she might have added remained unsaid as a stunning blonde, who appeared out of nowhere behind him, snuggled close against his back, wound her arms around his neck.

‘Guess who?’

Natalya caught a glimpse of diamond rings, a diamond necklace, sensed a drift of exotic perfume, heard the sultry in the young woman’s voice, and felt her stomach plummet.

A friend? Lover? Mistress?

‘Stassi,’ Alexei acknowledged with a tinge of amusement as she released her hands and stepped to face him. ‘Your signature perfume is unmistakable.’

There was a light tinkle of laughter followed by a staged moue...belied by the sparkle in Stassi’s eyes as she stood on tiptoe to brush a light kiss to his cheek before turning towards Natalya. ‘And you are?’

‘Natalya,’ Alexei drawled. ‘Let me introduce you to my irrepressible cousin, Stassi.’

‘Family,’ Stassi declared. ‘So Alexei is off limits, unfortunately. Although he does duty as a partner on occasion.’ She glanced from Natalya to Alexei. ‘And you are Alexei’s...?’

‘Friend,’ Alexei declared.

‘Uh-huh. Euphemism for...?’

‘Friend,’ he drawled, undeterred by his cousin’s inquisitiveness.

‘PA,’ Natalya corrected.

Stassi smiled. ‘Business and pleasure. Interesting combination.’ She offered Alexei a teasing grin. ‘You do realise your mother is planning a family dinner in your honour? She’ll be delighted to welcome Natalya.’

Family? No, not happening. ‘I don’t think my presence would be appropriate.’

‘Alexei will do his persuasive best,’ Stassi stated with a light laugh. ‘He’s very good at it.’ A slow smile curved her lips. ‘I really must return to the parents. They have plotted to introduce me to a gorgeous man who, according to my darling mama, displays excellent potential as future husband material. Should be a fun evening.’ She kissed her fingers and playfully touched them to Alexei’s cheek. ‘Take care.’

She turned towards Natalya. ‘I’ll look forward to catching up with you again.’ With a mischievous smile she began threading her way through the numerous guests.

‘Your cousin is delightful,’ Natalya ventured politely, and caught his musing expression.

‘Yes, she is. She’s also intelligent, with a degree in criminal law. Loves life, has no intention of marrying, now or in the near future. Much to her mother’s despair.’

‘She obviously hasn’t met the right man.’

‘Is marriage so important?’

Sticky question, and not one Natalya was prepared to answer. Five years ago she would have said marriage represented a lifetime commitment, enduring love, growing a family...including qualities such as trust, faith and respect. Sharing the good and the not-so-good times together, without blame or regret.

‘No comment, Natalya?’

She managed a credible smile. ‘Much depends on one’s life plan, don’t you think?’

‘And yours is?’

‘Personal.’

For a moment she glimpsed a slight

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