Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
C aroline
“You’re awfully quiet,” Sofiya said as she dragged me into the bathroom.
Yeah, I was quiet alright. I was hurt and angry and… frustrated. Heartache had kept me awake all night but even more than that, fury had. I was enraged with myself for being so stupid not once but twice.
And I’d all but seduced him. Jesus, I was out of my mind or something.
Vadim had ignored me all over again, barely saying two words before leaving the house earlier in the day. At least he’d given me a burner phone, which allowed me to feel some sense of freedom. Right now, I’d take what I could get.
“Just a lot on my mind,” I answered, which wasn’t a lie.
I’d tried my best to broach what had occurred between us, but he’d shoved me off, acting as if it had never happened. How long was he going to ignore me? I’d finally asked a single question, demanding an answer. Why had he wanted to hurt me?
The big boy’s answer? He hadn’t been trying to and never would intentionally.
I’d played the princess card, after locking eyes with his and telling him in no uncertain terms that he already had.
She pulled some hair supplies from a bag, placing them on the counter. “Uh-huh. Did anyone ever tell you that you’re a terrible liar?”
I laughed but it was short lived before I chewed on my bottom lip nervously. The last thing I could do was to share the juicy bits about last night.
God, last night.
Had it been just a dream?
Maybe I’d been a fool to think anything good would come out of our wicked tryst, but Vadim had been everything I’d wanted to feel, the passion erupting between us like something from the most romantic book.
Only I’d had the dashing, rugged man in my bed for real. Well, his bed. And his desk. And… My fingers were still tingling, not from the brutal slap but from the electricity of touching him.
What was wrong with me? I had to stop acting like some lovesick girl.
He’d been clear and direct. Kind of. But I wasn’t going to throw myself at him ever again. He’d lost that privilege.
“I’m not lying. I’m just…” Losing my freaking mind. “Tell me something. Is your father always so damn infuriating?” I glared at her in the mirror because of my anger with the man, not with her. She opened her eyes wide before laughing again.
“For all the years I was growing up. He drove both Daniella and me crazy with the rules he imposed. Let me guess, he did that to you. You can’t leave the house without a guard. You can’t have people over unless he approves them, or I should say he has the time to run a background check. Right?” She pulled out the small bathroom stool, pointing at it for me to sit down.
“You do know.”
“Of course I do. That means he’s taking the threats seriously, which should make you a little less… self-assured.”
“Do you mean cocky?”
She grabbed a hairbrush, starting to brush out the tangles. “Okay, since you said it. Now, sit up straight. Your transformation needs to be in place before Daddy comes home.”
Sighing, I tried to do just that, but God, I was still so furious with the man. I suddenly slammed my hand on the counter. “Damn him. I could smack his face.”
“For what reason? What did he do?” Sofiya was chuckling. For now. But she would likely figure it out.
“He’s just a pain.”
“Uh-huh. Why can’t you confide in me all of a sudden?”
“It’s not that. I’m just not used to being treated like a child.”
She lifted her eyebrows as she gathered the bottles of hair color, mixing two of them together before slapping on a pair of latex gloves. “He’s famous for that, especially when he cares about someone. And he obviously cares about you.”
I huffed and raked my hand through several pink strands of hair. I was ready to look more like an adult. Maybe that was the issue. The man saw me as a child, not just a weakness. Yes, I knew there was significant danger. I’d lived through that horrific night, but the man was oppressive as hell.
And sexy.
That would forever haunt the front of my mind. I still ached from his roughness, which I’d adored. I still hungered as well. Just thinking about him made my pussy throb deep into my core. Deeper than before.
Yet it was as if he’d used me. Damn him.
“Yeah, well, he has a shitty way of showing it.”
She parted my hair, preparing to add the color and eyed me carefully. It wasn’t just her usual friend to friend casual gaze or one with slight concern. I could swear that woman could read minds.
“Did something happen between the two of you?” she finally asked, losing her teasing voice from before.
“Yeah, something happened. We argued like cats and dogs.”
“My father doesn’t argue. He lays down the law. He rarely says much so if that’s true, maybe I should call a doctor.”
“Very funny. He’s acting like Mr. Grumpy, the bastard.”
Sofiya chuckled. “You’ve never said that before. You’ve never called him names before. All those years I whined to you about his gruffness and his strict rules and you barely said a word against him. Now, you call him a bastard.”
“Yep.” I was forced to look away. I was walking a dangerous tightrope at this point. Yep. The girl was looking right through me.
She started squirting hair color with more vehemence than I’d anticipated, even pulling hair as she did so.
“Ouch. What’s gotten into you?” I finally barked.
“Me? Are you sleeping with my father?”
Oh, shit. There it was. The one thing I’d hope to be able to ignore for a long time. “Why would you think that?” Even as the evasion slipped past my lips, I could see my face flushing and was pretty certain she noticed it too.
She lifted her head, her fingers flying as she grabbed a brush, getting another color she was highlighting my hair with.
“Sofiya. Talk to me. Why do you think that?”
“Because I know you too well. Remember? I just… Let’s not talk about it. Okay? I think it’s best that way.”
“It’s not what you think.”
Sofiya’s snort indicated otherwise. “It never is. That means it’s worse. And I’m right.” She continued and we remained in utter silence for the full ten minutes as she continued painting my hair. When she yanked off her gloves, tossing them into the sink, I knew she wasn’t just angry with me.
She was furious.
“Forty-five minutes. Then you know what to do after that with jumping in the shower, lather, rinse. All that shit.”
“Yes, thank you for helping me do this.”
I heard a curse word as she headed for the door, maybe more than one. She snapped her hand around the doorway, not bothering to turn and look at me. “I forgot to tell you that my father called before I left to ask me to pick up some masks. I guess the festive ball you get to go to is a masquerade party.”
“Oh, wow. I had no idea. Do I need a costume?” I was doing my best to ignore her heavy emphasis on a few words. But my heart was racing. I’d never intended on hurting her.
“No. You’ll look fabulous in either one of the dresses we bought. Just… I’m going to have a glass of wine.”
She left and I felt sick inside. Sicker than before. After glaring at my reflection, I headed downstairs, finding her already out on the patio lounging on one of the chairs, a glass of wine in her hand. I did notice she’d brought out the bottle and another glass.
When I slid into the seat near her, she didn’t bother looking in my direction or lifting her sunglasses.
“Do you want to be alone?” I asked.
“Have some wine. Why not? You deserve it for putting up with the man.” Now she was acting as if our indiscretion didn’t matter to her.
“Don’t do that, Sofiya. There is an attraction, but I assure you that your father made it perfectly understandable he wants nothing to do with me.” I poured some wine, wondering if we could stay friends after this.
She finally threw me a look, laughing. “Perhaps I should have warned you since I’d sensed your attraction to him the other day. My father doesn’t do relationships. He barely talks to a woman more than once.”
“Because of your mom.”
“Yes. Because of my mother. He loved her completely. But I think it’s more about his fear of daring to care again and losing someone else. He is in a dangerous business.”
“I know. Don’t worry. I’m not the relationship type.”
Another moment of tension settled in. “I should be fucking angry with you, but I’ve pushed Daddy into finding someone in his life and he ignores me. Maybe you’ll be good for him.”
“I’m not certain I’m good for myself. And seriously, he was very pointed and clear. I’m his employee and in exchange for me working for him, he’s determined to protect me.”
She had a wry smile on her face. “Looks and words can both be deceiving. When my father sets his sights on something, he refuses to back down, even to his own detriment. However, I will never call you step-mommy.”
I almost choked on the wine, my mind instantly shifting into some crazy fog. What could I say to that? That I had no intentions of becoming further involved with Vadim? That what we’d shared had simply been about… the hottest sex around? Or that I wasn’t going to surrender to his dark needs more than I already had? Yeah, well. I was certain that would go over well.
Whatever happened, I had a very bad feeling everything I’d known was about to change.
Again.
I only hoped Vadim’s entire family wouldn’t be caught in the crossfire.
“I must admit and it pains me to say but you look absolutely beautiful,” Sofiya said as she stood back, surveying my hair, my dress, and the sexy rhinestone lizard necklace I’d insisted on purchasing.
“Why does it pain you?”
“Because you’re a bitch.” She rolled her eyes when I stared at her in horror. “I don’t really think that.”
To be honest, I no longer recognized myself at all. And I was a bitch. Concentrate on your hair. Nothing more. She’d not only colored my hair blonde, she’d also removed the dead ends and added a few layers. The woman was super talented in far too many things.
With my new hairstyle being curled, and the dress making me look almost ten years older, I was stunned how different I appeared. No one would recognize the pink-haired girl who usually wore ratty jeans and playful bright red Converse sneakers.
But of course, that was the idea.
I was supposed to be some spy, although that was too strong of a word. But it was my job tonight to hang on Vadim’s arm as well as his every word, acting all mysterious while listening to see if I could recognize the voice on the audio I’d heard. It was still a tall task given my social graces were rusty.
I’d gone to many lavish parties growing up, but I’d been wearing cutesy girlie dresses and flat shoes, my hair in ribbons, and this was a far cry from that.
I twisted one way then the other, noticing how perfectly the emerald dress with the sparkling rhinestones accentuated my curves. Sofiya had even piled my hair into a loose bun, allowing tendrils of curls to float down on my face and neck. With my red lips and polished nails, I looked ready for the femme fatale part.
It was funny that I had no issue with playing a game, pretending to be someone I wasn’t. Except for being so close to Vadim. It was going to be tough to tolerate his sensual aura for hours without swooning or maybe spouting off nasty quips.
“I dunno,” I said casually.
Sofiya pushed me gently. “You look like the ultimate fantasy woman. I think this is the perfect mask.”
The mask was perfect, the Mardi Gras-style eye covering matching the hue of the dress perfectly. It had feathers and shiny gold rimming the entire piece.
“You’ll look like a masked princess.” She laughed but I could still hear the uncertain, even bitter tone in her voice.
The last thing I wanted was for her to hate me and that’s what I was terrified of.
“Do you think your father will like it?”
Now she squeezed both arms. “You’re a beautiful girl who tries to hide behind eighties grunge, which I never understood. Flaunt your hourglass figure and strut with the most powerful women in the city. You deserve to be right along beside them. As far as my father is concerned, well, I think you’ve just sealed your fate and future.”
“What does that mean?”
She snorted her laugh. “Come on. You don’t want to keep Daddy waiting.”
I groaned inwardly, but since Vadim had returned, she’d purposely ignored him. Even if I doubted she’d admit to it.
“Okay. Let’s get this over with.” I grabbed the small clutch bag with the burner phone, lipstick, and a compact. I’d been forbidden from carrying anything identifying since that would blow my cover. Okay, I had to admit this was kind of exciting, but the sexual tension was going to kick my tail. I just knew it.
She trailed behind me, not saying a word. As usual, he was in his office talking to someone. I paused just outside the door, smoothing my dress with my hands even though that wasn’t needed. It had been ages since I’d walked in heels so I had to pray I wouldn’t fall and break my neck. I held my head high, even sucking in my breath and my stomach like models did on a photoshoot, taking careful strides into his office.
Vadim was talking on the phone, facing the window.
“Yeah, I got it. Just keep an eye on the construction site, Tanner. And if anyone contacts you again, act like you’re happy to help then fucking call me. Do not screw with me or the gravel pit will be your new home.” He hissed after ending the call, aggressively shoving his phone into his pocket.
He was wearing a dark suit and from behind, I couldn’t help but think he was the most handsome man on the face of the earth.
When he stiffened seconds later, slowly turning around, the ache in my heart and my stomach was worse than ever.
I’d heard stories that when a man looked at a woman, especially his woman, you could read exactly what was on his mind from the twinkle in his eyes.
What I noticed was that Vadim’s expression was one of shock at first, his eyes slowly making their way down to my heels. When he pulled them back to mine, he shook his head beseechingly slowly.
But there was no mistaking the looks of lust, need, and possession.
When he finally noticed his daughter was also in the room, he totally shut down, masking his emotions completely.
“Ladies. I want to thank you for helping Caroline get ready, Sofiya. I do appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule.”
Sofiya folded her arms across her chest, staring at him haughtily. “No problem, Daddy. Anything for your main squeeze. You kids have a great time but don’t be out too late.”
Her voice was teasing yet held complete darkness. She spun around, heading out of the room without looking back.
And I’d never felt so awkward or more like I’d betrayed someone in my entire life.
“Are you ready?” he asked quietly, his heated gaze returning.
“I think so?” I wasn’t certain I was ready for anything else odd to happen in my life.
“You look beautiful. For tonight, you need a fake name. Whatever you’d like.” He rounded his desk and I was already swooning. The man looked like a walking, talking glimpse into perfection.
He might be in his forties but Jesus Christ, he could rival any model, any actor in the world in the looks department.
“How about Sunny, for my sunny disposition?”
He didn’t seem to appreciate my teasing. “Sunny is fine. Just remember that.”
“Where did we meet?”
He stopped short just before he closed the distance, but I was already intoxicated by his aftershave. He’d chosen something different, the scent much more exotic. Was I swaying because of it?
Holy crap, I think I was.
“We met at an auction event a few weeks ago and started having coffee then drinks.”
“Plausible,” I told him.
“Do you feel confident you can handle this?”
I laughed and remembered some things about my childhood I’d never wanted to really think about. “My father wasn’t the warmest of men and there was no doubt he wanted a son. I learned early on that if I wanted to garner any attention from the man, I had to pretend to be something I wasn’t. Part of the adopted persona included becoming a tomboy, literally throwing away my stuffed animals and dolls. I learned to play baseball, not softball, at seven. I was even on the little league for a little while until I broke my arm. It’s one of the reasons I never fell in love with dresses. So, the short answer is yes, I can pretend to be anybody you want me to be, including a doting girlfriend.”
His smirk was almost the kind I wanted to wipe off his face. “I’m curious. Did it work?”
“What?”
“Garnering attention from your father?”
I laughed more bitterly than before. “My father cares about nothing but himself. But I certainly gleaned a few helpful techniques from my experiences. I might be a few years your junior but don’t underestimate me. I have talents that would shock you.”
Vadim lifted an eyebrow. “Of that I have no doubt. Come on. We’re already going to be fashionably late. Not that I give a shit about that. A word of warning. There are venomous snakes who will be at this party tonight, the kind of men who feed off gossip, blackmail, and inflicting emotional pain. Be wary of their advances. No one is to touch you. Period. And do not disappear from my view even if pulled away by some wayward guest. Am I clear?”
“Why, yes, sir. I wouldn’t want to receive your version of harsh punishment.” My caustic mouth had returned but he was certainly doing his best to remain at arm’s length. That’s what I needed to do. Who knew. Maybe I’d flirt a little bit right in front of him. It wasn’t a behavior Caroline would consider, but Sunny?
Hell, yes.
Maybe Sunny would become my heroine. That was good since my hero had fallen to the wayside.
Damn him.