I look like a fucking princess.
* * *
“Russia isbeautiful in the winter. It might be cold, but the landscape more than makes up for it. Besides, you are used to cold here, da?”
I give the man before me a small smile, but even I can tell my face is pinched up.
I’ve been here for over an hour, during which time my father has brought me to one suitor after another. My head has already started to throb, the stiffness in my neck causing me discomfort.
Not to mention the shoes. The silver shoes might be gorgeous, but six-inch Jimmy Choos are not made for standing in one place for long periods of time. From all the stares, I have no doubts about why he chose this dress either.
Even though I’m not the only daughter being presented tonight, he wanted me to stand out.
My breasts are covered, but it doesn’t stop the men from looking though. I regret the necklace Miss Kelly put on. It only draws more attention to my bare collarbone.
“Excuse me.” I turn to Killian as he steps in the circle. “Can I borrow my niece for a moment?” He poses it as a question, but his tone is a demand.
“Of course. We will catch up later, da?” The man leans in, kissing my cheek.
I stand still and try to repress the shudder from his nearness.
“Thank you,” I murmur to Killian as he leads me away and onto the dance floor.
“That bad?” he asks.
“He’s forty-two years old, Killian. He is looking for his fourth wife.” I pause. “His fourth,” I repeat with wide eyes. “It seems the others keep dying mysteriously. Is that seriously someone you think I want to be with?”
His face turns grim. “How do you know that?”
“I hear the rumors. The fact that Dad is entertaining his offer is worrisome to me. I don’t think he truly has my best interests at heart. If he did, he wouldn’t be offering me to a man who can’t keep a wife alive for more than a few years at a time.”
He lets out a heavy sigh. “I’ll talk to him. Trust me.”
I nod, solemnly.
We continue to dance through to the next song, me lost in my thoughts as Killian’s eyes roam the room.
A moment later, I feel his body tense.
I look up, following his gaze to a beautiful woman. Her long dark hair flows down her back as she wears a dark green floor-length gown. I watch her scan the room with a confidence I wish I could have.
“Who is that woman you keep staring at?” I whisper to Killian as he continues to move me around the floor, never taking his eyes off her.
“No one.” His gruff answer tells me everything I need to know.
My uncle Killian may be eleven years older than me, but I still know that look in his eye. It’s no different than a child whose favorite toy is being played with by another.
Jealousy.
“Whatever you say. If you keep staring, she is going to notice,” I tease him.
He redirects his gaze back to me. “Tell me about school.”
“Nice change of subject,” I tease under my breath. “I haven’t chosen a school yet. I want to go somewhere new. I asked to go to NYU and be near you, but father said that I can’t make any decisions until I have a betrothed. He said that it would hurt more to have my life uprooted than to not be able to go at all.”
“I can see why he would think that.” Killian nods, gathering his thoughts. “How about I talk to him and see about you coming to visit for a couple of weeks? There are worthy men in New York. Even some that would be the truce he’s looking for.”
“You too? Come on, Kill. I was really hoping at least one person would be on my side.”
