Page 46 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

A performance before the performance.

“The fight is coming to us. There is no point in rushing it along.”

I pressed a soft kiss to her cheek before releasing her hand, composing my face, and opening the door. Stepping out, I buttoned my suit jacket while scanning the crowd. Then turned and held out my hand to help Kaylani to stand.

Cameras flashed, and heads turned in her direction.

Kaylani had not worn red as Julian had demanded. She chose navy instead.

Another deliberate choice. Not quite a refusal, but a signal of autonomy. Control without spectacle. She wasn’t one to fade into the sea of black and red formal wear.

Kaylani dominated the room.

I had never seen her look more stunning. The rich fabric shimmered when she walked. It was moulded to every curve and had a slit up one side that bordered on indecent.

Her grip on my hand was steady. No tremor. No fear.

Whispers rippled through the crowd. Mikhailov. Princess.

Julian waited near the entrance, irritation evident on his face. Whether it was because I was here or because Kaylani had chosen a color he didn’t approve of, I wasn’t sure. But I suspected it was both.

His eyes flicked to me first and paused.

Good. Julian knew I was a threat to whatever he had planned.

Then he looked at Kaylani.

His smile widened, far too practiced, as he walked out to greet us. I didn’t release Kaylani’s hand, not yet. Instead, I enjoyed the look on his face while I envisioned knocking his teeth right out of his head.

Just as he had done at lunch, Julian leaned in and air-kissed both her cheeks, careful not to overstep.

“Ms. Mikhailov, you look extraordinary. Not the color I expected, but no less radiant.”

She inclined her head. “Yes, well, I’m not fond of being told what I should wear. And this dress makes a certain statement. Don’t you think?”

Julian offered his arm. “Yes, it certainly does.”

Then he turned his attention to me. “I’m sorry, but there were no accommodations made for you. I didn’t expect you to join us.”

“Goran is my guard. He will attend,” Kaylani said without hesitation.

“Unfortunately, there simply isn’t space,” Julian tried again.

The more he insisted that I not be here, the more determined I became to stay.

Stepping closer to him, I lowered my voice. “If I don’t accompany Ms. Mikhailov inside, she does not attend.”

I held his gaze, letting him see the depths that I would go to keep her safe.

His jaw tightened. “Is that so?”

“These are my orders.” I let the words hang between us before continuing with the ace up my sleeve. “If you want confirmation, you’re welcome to call Mr. Mikhailov.”

For a fraction of a second, the mask cracked. Just enough for me to know I had won.

Julian studied me. Pride weighed against consequence. Men like him despised being challenged by men they considered beneath them.

Then he smiled. “Of course. I wouldn’t want a misunderstanding. Shall we?”