I scan the room, keeping close to the perimeter as I search for Natalya. My heart is pounding hard and fast at the prospect of seeing her and what she’s going to say when I hand her the NDA signed by Finn Murphy.
A flash of unmistakable dark hair catches my eye and then I see her, walking through the ballroom in the most exquisite lilac ballgown that frames her assets so fucking well she looks like a princess—no, a queen.Mi reina.
I walk across the ballroom and head toward her, knowing I’ve never felt this nervous before. Will she be glad to see me?
There’s only one way to find out.
I walk up behind her, my body tingling with anticipation as I grab her hips and squeeze, making her tense. “Hey little pet,” I breathe into her ear.
30
NATALYA
Ipull away and spin around. My mouth falling open as the sight of Elias standing in the ballroom of our home in a tuxedo almost knocks me off my feet.
“What are you doing here?” I hiss, glancing around in search of my brother.
Elias shrugs and moves toward me. “I figured you’d need a date and I have some news about our Finn problem.”
“Our Finn problem?” I ask, shaking my head. “It was never really a problem for you.”
His jaw clenches. “It was my fault that he found the information, so I sorted it.” He runs a hand across the back of his neck. “Everyone knows that slimy son of a bitch is king of the academy.” I shrug. “At least I’ve passed the figurative crown. Whether anyone will take note is another matter.”
“And the two million dollars?” I ask, finding it hard to believe that he found that cash already.
“Sorted. My uncle wired the money to him today.”
I feel the tension in my body escape as I nod in response. “But what guarantee do we have that he won’t come back asking for more?”
I pull a contract out of my pocket and pass it to her. “A non-disclosure agreement. Iron clad and written by the best fucking lawyer in North America. Finn signed it. If he breaks it, he will be in a lot of trouble.”
I search Elias’ face, wondering why he would do all of this for me. If it is still a game, then he’s being very fucking convincing right now.
“Thank you,” I mutter, taking the contract and placing it in my purse. “However, you can’t just show up to a wedding uninvited.”
He tilts his head, smiling. “Well then, you’ll have to tell people you invited me.”
I shake my head. “How did you even get out of the academy?” I ask, knowing that they don’t grant leave of absence during a semester just for flippant reasons.
“I forged a letter from my uncle requesting I return for an urgent family matter.” He shrugs. “It was obviously rather convincing.”
“And how do you expect me to explain you being here to my brother?” I set my hands on my hips, glaring at him.
Mikhail won’t like Elias being my date to his wedding, no matter who his uncle is. My brother has always been fiercely protective of me when it comes to men, and Elias has been blackmailing me since the start of the year.
“Just tell him I’m a friend,” he says, shrugging.
“My brother will know something is off.”
Elias takes my arm and pulls me close. “Only if you don’t play your part convincingly.” His breath teases against my ear as he pressed his lips to the hollow beneath it. “Stop fighting this, Natalya.”
“Fighting what?” I ask, pulling back to search his beautiful eyes. “You treating me like a dog you can order around?”
He winces at that. “Things have changed.”
“Changed for you, maybe.” I swallow hard, as I know that’s not true. Things have changed between Elias and me in ways I never could have imagined and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want him still, even after everything he’s put me through.
“You are lying,” he says, but there’s no anger in his voice. “I see it in your eyes. You know we are meant for each other.” His jaw clenches the moment he says that as if it is painful for him. “I’ve been a complete and utter dick to you for years, and yet I want you to put all of that aside somehow.” He cups my cheeks in his hands, eyes searching mine again. “I want you, Natalya.”