Page 57 of The Russian's Stalked Bride
That should irritate me, but surprisingly, it doesn’t.
In all honesty, I feel good. Better than I have in a week or two. My body has decided to give me a break from swinging between pure exhaustion and nausea, and even if going to whatever this public event is wasn’t on my list of things I wanted to do, I’m just glad to be out of the condo again.
It helps that the dress is nice, and I finally feel put together again.
When we arrive at one of Ivan’s family-owned venues, the massive ballroom is already buzzing with activity. The moment we step inside, I’m hit with the weight of it all.
Between the people in their expensive gowns and suits, the gold accents in the main room, tied in with the old yet luxurious decor, there’s more quiet power simmering here than I’m used to.
Unsurprisingly, many others glance at Ivan with recognition and unspoken respect, nodding in acknowledgment as we walk through. He’s even more put together than usual, with his dark hair styled back neatly, and his features looking sharper than ever.
He adjusts his watch absently, then puts a hand at the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd of people.
Warmth moves down my spine at his touch, and I try to hold back my shiver as a result.
Even looking at him is a little harder tonight, only because he looks every bit the powerful man he is, and it’s more distracting than I want to admit.
While Ivan owns a portion of this room with his presence alone, I feel a bit out of place. It’s not that I don’t look the part of his company, but this isn’t the kind of place I’m used to. Being at his side makes me feel like a bit of a fraud.
I’ve been to big social events before, but nothing like this.
His touch is grounding in an annoying way, but I find myself a little more grateful for it as we run into his family.
Roman’s the first to notice us, with his intense eyes flicking between us before he gives little more than a grunted greeting. Victoria smiles, though, providing enough warmth for both of them.
“You look gorgeous, Mila,” she says kindly, extending a hand to me in a soft gesture.
“You’re glowing,” Elena adds as she slides in with Wyatt, looking as pregnant as ever in her gown.
I feel the subtle tension in Ivan’s hand against my back at that, but neither of us says a thing about it.
“Thank you,” I reply, smiling for them both with surprising ease, and I mean it too.
For as intimidating as the Lukovs are, the girls have been nothing but kind to me, and not in the back-stabbing sort of way either. They’ve made all of this a little easier to bear.
They’re busy taking in my dress and hair while his brothers direct their quiet teasing at Ivan, grinning with their drinks.
I catch as Sergey murmurs, “Never thought I’d live to see the day where you actually brought a date to one of these.”
“You’re one to talk,” he returns, taking the ribbing in stride. “You were worse once.”
“Took you a long time to get where you are,” Nikolai adds, grin so subtle it’s easy to miss.
Sergey narrows his eyes at him and points a finger in his direction. “Don’t start…you’re the farthest from settling down than any of us here.”
Nikolai chuckles while he nurses his drink. “At least I’m quiet about it.”
Ivan laughs with them, looking a bit more at ease with his family, likely glad for the distraction.
Despite the obvious wealth in the room, the night continues on in an unassuming way, pulled into various conversations either with other Lukovs or people they work with. Ivan lingers without crowding me, checking in discreetly with me to make sure I’m holding up all right. Then, he finds himself in a conversation with an older couple and a few of his brothers, schmoozing like it’s second nature.
Personally, I find it a bit tiring, but at least I don’t have to do much of the talking. And, the girls keep me preoccupied enough to not feel like I’m dying of boredom.
With a virgin drink in hand to not raise any suspicions, I stand with them while Elena talks nurseries and baby milestones, making my heart clench every now and again, well aware that the same thing will be relevant to me soon enough.
I’m careful with my responses, trying so hard to not trip up and reveal the secret that Ivan and me have been keeping. We obviously have to tell everyone eventually, but it’s too soon. I’m banking on this time for now.
Talking with the girls is easy, especially while they’re in good moods too, but something in me feels tight and guarded, like I can’t quite let go of my hesitation.
