She said nothing as she led Kira down one long hall after another. At last, they reached a bathroom that couldn’t possibly be the one closest to the dining room. Not that Kira minded. Seeing more of the house was just what she wanted.

Still, it was odd.

The girl smirked again as she opened the door, and Kira realized why. This wasn’t a guest bathroom. She’d been taken through the servant corridor to their bathroom. Not that Kira cared. A toilet was a toilet.

Inside, Kira locked the door, then tapped the latch release on her watch pendant to turn off the camera. She studied the stain, which was really quite spectacular, before deciding it was a total loss and would be better to have the irregular blotch across one breast than to take off the dress and soak the bodice.

But damn, she’d loved this dress for the few hours she got to wear it.

She pulled out her cell phone and texted Freya.

Kira

What’s up with Nadia?

Freya

Collins made contact. It seems everyone misunderstood Grigory’s plans for you. He doesn’t want you for himself, he wants you for Aleksandr. Nadia is not happy.

Just what I need, another oligarch wanting to control me.

You’re very popular these days. But I think you should stick with the himbo.

Kira laughed and deleted the conversation. She used the facilities, then blotted at the stain with a damp towel. After taking a deep breath, she turned the camera back on, then left the bathroom. She was tempted to explore while she had the chance, but she knew Rand wouldn’t leave to start his work until after her return, and that was the priority today.

She could explore later.

She returned to the table to receive apologies from her hosts and another apology from Nadia, whose face was red and angry. It was clear she’d been chastened, whether it had been delivered by her boss or other staff, she didn’t know.

She was a beautiful young woman with a lifetime ahead of her, but at any moment, she could be sent back to Russia if Laskin or his son tired of her. It wasn’t a wonder why she’d fixated on marrying the heir, but she had to know her odds were slim to none. Even if Aleksandr loved her, he wouldn’t squander his ability to gain power and more wealth by marrying a servant.

Much like Grigory wouldn’t marry Juliette.

At least Juliette understood the game and took care of her own needs. Protecting her financial stability so she wouldn’t be dependent on her lover if he chose to marry again.

Nadia’s situation was much more precarious. The daughter who’d been her best friend in spite of her status as servant had died. Her father had fled. She could be cast off any moment.

Kira couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

Rand reached for her hand under the table and squeezed. She wished she could tell him what she’d learned from Freya, but he’d find out soon enough. She took a sip from her new glass of sangria and wished she could indulge, as it was the best sangria she’d ever had.

Maybe when she got home, she’d dye the entire dress sangria red. It would be a souvenir, of sorts.

Conversation was light. Rand talked about his work as a trainer at a gym, saying he’d finally quit that day job upon turning in the third book to his editor, which had coincided with the release of his second novel last month. He was convincing.

Freya had made sure book review websites and online vendors populated with this slight tweak to Reece Foresman’s bio. Laskin didn’t have Rand’s pseudonym yet, but it was only a matter of time before he got it. Literally, it could be counted in minutes as they all knew the moment he logged in on the Wi-Fi, they’d monitor his communication.

Rand flashed a grin and glanced around the dining room, which had original art on the walls as they ate from fine china using sterling silver utensils. “If my meeting with my agent doesn’t go well…I don’t suppose you’re in the market for a personal trainer?”

His said it with just the right amount of humor that could hide the underlying plea.

Grigory gave an appropriate laugh. “I’m not, but my son is in need of someone to make a man out of him. Can you do that?”

Kira hid her grimace. What a delightful thing for a father to say.

Rand gave a diplomatic response. “Physical training for bodybuilding only works when the client is personally motivated.”

Juliette flashed a smile. She was seated across from Rand, and her gaze traveled down his face and torso, landing on his forearms which were exposed thanks to the short-sleeved Aloha shirt. “You must be very motivated.”

Kira snickered. “His motivation is quite admirable.”

Grigory frowned.

Juliette patted his hand. “Teasing, dear.”

She wasn’t sure if he was mollified, but to Rand he said, “Talk to him. Your physique will show him what’s possible.”

“Is your son here?” Kira asked.

“Yes. He just returned from Russia this morning. He’s eager to meet you, Kira.”

Yeah, I bet he is.

She furrowed her brow and inserted confusion into her tone. “Why would he know or care about me?”

Grigory gave an enigmatic smile. “I believe your mother’s painting intrigues him.”

That was a bit creepy, actually.

Rand rose from his seat. “Thank you for the delicious lunch. The sooner I get to work, the sooner I’ll be free to enjoy the afternoon with Kira. When I’m done, I can take a look at your gym and talk to your son about his routine if he wants, as a thank you for the meal and letting me use your office.”

Grigory nodded toward a servant who stood in the corner, waiting to serve. “Show Mr. Fallon to the conference room.”

Rand bent down and pressed his mouth to Kira’s, giving her a long, lingering kiss that was entirely inappropriate, but perfect for laying claim. He’d understood the subtext about Aleksandr.

Good.

He then left the room, following the servant down the corridor in the opposite direction from where Nadia had led Kira earlier.

Alone with Grigory and Juliette, not even a servant to overhear, the oligarch studied her. “He really is an author?”

She rolled her eyes. “You were a fool to listen to Reuben. Of course he’s an author. I’ve spent my career vetting provenance, and I know how to spot a fraud. That includes clients and potential dates.”

“You aren’t bothered he followed you to Malta?”

“I’m not convinced it wasn’t a coincidence.”

“According to Reuben, he didn’t contact the gallery to ask about the reception until hours before his arrival.”