It was Jenna’s unwavering gaze, devoid of warmth or welcome, that unnerved me momentarily. Cocking my head to the side, I stared back at her as if to ask,what? Clearly, we weren’t going to be besties anytime soon. Perplexed by her complete disapproval of someone she’d never met before, I was happy when she placed her order and directed her gaze to the waiter.
As the elegant music played in the background, the chief of police and his wife made their way through the crowd of elegantly dressed guests. With his head held high and a confident smile on their faces, the chief looked at his wife.
The love and affection he held for her could be seen by everyone in attendance. They approached our table, and the chief extended his hand to the King brothers in greeting, while his wife leaned in for warm hugs. Alek made introductions all around.
“Does this mean no complaint form is necessary, then?” the chief joked while his beautiful wife swatted his arm.
“You stop,” she murmured to her husband.
Turning her attention to me, she inquired about my teaching dance. I flushed, wondering why on earth Alek was discussing me. It turned out their four-year-old daughter loved to dance.
“You could come down anytime during the week. I’ll be there. I’m at the studio usually from noon to three,” I told her.
“That would be great. I’d love to grab a coffee with you and get some details on the different styles.”
“Absolutely. With her being so young, it’s really the perfect time to get her involved. I’m sure we can find one she’ll take to,” I said, stealing a glance at Alek. He studied me intently, and the scrutiny had me shifting in my chair.
The conversation flowed, and I enjoyed listening to the lively discussion and resulting laughter. However, just as the chief was beginning to recount a humorous anecdote, a harried-looking assistant approached our table, whispering in the chief’s ear.
He looked disappointed as he apologized to us before he and his wife followed the assistant. As they turned to leave, Alek caught my eye and gave me a genuine smile, conveying the warmth and sincerity he had shown throughout the evening.
“You’re a natural.” The compliment had me feeling bashful.
“Thank you,” I murmured.
I figurately patted myself on the back and heard Summer bear in my head.
“Nailed it! That was flawless. You may have blown it with the parents, but you have redeemed yourself beautifully. Keep it up.”
My confidence increased a smidgen, and I turned my attention back to the occupants at the table. Dinner was served shortly after and was excellent. The steak was so amazing, I had to temper myself not to inhale it like a starving beast.
The Kings teased one another and made light conversation. I could watch them banter for hours. Their faces were animated as Nik told us a story from when they were in school, about a girl he and Alek had thought was cute.
“How the hell was I supposed to know you’d asked her out already?” Nik scoffed.
“And that right there, Crow, was the exact day I decided to narrow down my portfolio. Blondes for life,” Ivan mused.
Alek shook his head, rolling his eyes. He turned to me and lifted my hand to his mouth, kissing it.
“Tell me, have you had your fill? Did I earn that dance?” His eyes were on fire, and he reached over and tucked one of the loose strands of my hair behind my ear.
“You’ve been fairly well-behaved, I suppose. And you sent the waiter back for more cheese.”
I tried to keep my voice even, but the thought of dancing with Alek again had my heart beating fast. I remembered how his hard body felt pressed into mine and how I wanted to grind on him so badly.
“Save one for me, malyshka,” Nikolai said, lifting his drink to his lips.
I swallowed hard.Was he joking?
I was mesmerized as his full lips wrapped around the glass. His mischievous green eyes twinkled with humor, and mine flicked to Jenna sitting next to him.
“She won’t mind, will you, Jenna?” His question seemed almost a challenge to her.
“Of course not. Whatever pleases you, Nikolai,” she breathed, looking at him for approval. Jesus, I was right about my earlier assumptions. There was no denying her words and her facial expressions.
“All for one, and one for all. Save me one too, little love,” Ivan’s deep voice rumbled across the table as he stared at me. Alek fumed, and Nik laughed, but my heart fluttered at the name.
Did he just nickname me along with Nikolai?What was happening here?
