As I gaze around the room, I’m sure the ball is busier than any other year, which only shows how my father’s popularity is growing in Moscow.
A server walks past with a tray of champagne and I grab one off of it before he sweeps away into the crowd.
Something tells me that I’m going to need a strong drink to get through tonight, particularly the introduction my father is going to subject me to.
“Anya!” my father’s voice sets my nerves on edge as I down the rest of my glass before turning with a false smile on my face to greet him.
The expression on his own face is irritated as he glares at me, a middle-aged man trailing him through the crowd.
“Good evening, Father.”
He shakes his head. “Where have you been? I have someone I need you to meet.”
The man who had been trailing after him comes to a stop and looks me up and down, objectifying me with one gaze. Instantly, I dislike him.
Not to mention, he’s not exactly attractive. He’s overweight and plain looking, and at least two times my twenty-two years, perhaps more.
“This is Boris Golubev. He’s a senator from Saint Petersburg and I thought you two would get on.”
I glare at my father. “And why is that?” I ask.
Father tilts his head. “Why is what?”
“Why did you think we would get on?” I shake my head. “Do we have a lot in common?”
His expression turns furious. “Because Boris is a well bred and intelligent man.”
Boris steps forward and takes my hand, kissing the back of it and making dread crawl down my spine. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Anya.”
Even his voice is creepy as he leers at me, and I can’t bring myself to return the sentiment.
“I’ll leave the two of you to talk,” Father says, grabbing my elbow and yanking me toward him. “Behave. You would be lucky to make a match as good as Boris.”
With that, he releases my arm and walks off into the crowd, leaving me with this overweight vulture.
“So, Anya, what is it you enjoy doing in your spare time?”
I clench my jaw. “I enjoy reading.”
“Oh? Anything I would know?”
Shaking my head, I step toward another server who is passing with some of Nadia’s tasty canapes, grabbing one and placing it into my mouth. He wouldn’t know any of the books I read, as I get them all on the black market.
The one positive about having a father in crime means he can get all the best books from America, ones that are banned for sale here.
“Try me,” he says.
“Honestly, you won’t know them. They’re not exactly legal,” I say.
His brow arches. “Banned American literature, then?”
I nod. “Yes.”
He smirks. “I should have known, considering who your father is.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Your father is the biggest criminal in Moscow, so it figures you would follow in his footsteps.”