Page 28 of Dark Seduction

Don't even glance at the price tags. Choose something that dazzles. Also, ensure your hair and makeup are done by professionals. And one more thing… visit La Seduction Lingerie.

As much as his demands frustrate me, especially with what happened yesterday afternoon, they also thrill me in a way I can’t deny. There's a part of me that revels in trying to meet his high expectations, a rush I get in satisfying his specifications.I find myself struggling to hold onto my self-declaration last night, to be nothing more than his employee. I both hate and love my reaction.

I hate that he knows just how to pull my strings, but at the same time, I love the attention he gives me, the way he makes me feel so sensual and beautiful.

I take a deep breath, ready to step out into the night that Lev has so meticulously orchestrated.

As I approach the entrance of the Art Institute, a sea of glitz greets me. Swarms of elegantly dressed people, women in luxurious and flowing gowns, men sporting sharp, tailored tuxedos, mill about. My nerves spike—I'm so out of my element here, a girl from a small town where the most exciting event is the annual Fourth of July parade.

Amidst the crowd, I spot Lev and his family, the picture of class and power. He catches sight of me and quickly strides over.

He greets me with a warmth that makes my heart race. "You look absolutely stunning, your gown selection is perfect."

I had promised myself I'd keep things strictly professional, but my resolve begins to crumble the instant I see him, all dashing and devastating in his tuxedo.

He wears it with such an air of nonchalant elegance. And that voice… that voice that always sends shivers down my spine, it's unfair how quickly he can make me forget my own rules.

Lev guides me through the crowd, his hand lightly resting on my lower back. "How are you holding up?" he asks.

"I'm fine," I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel. Part of me clings to the hope he'll apologize for his abrupt departure yesterday, for the cold distance that seemed to spring up out of nowhere. But he doesn't mention it. Instead, he's all smiles, as if eager to sweep past any lingering tension betweenus.

"There's someone I really want you to meet," he says as we weave through the growing crowd of attendees.

We approach his family, who are clustered together, chatting animatedly. Luk, Yuri, Vanya, Vladimir, and Elena all greet me warmly, making me feel surprisingly welcome. A stunning woman with striking Irish features—fair skin contrasted by dark red hair—stands beside Luk.

Luk steps forward, a proud smile lighting up his features, and gestures to the woman beside him. "Dalia, I'd like you to meet Maura, my wife," he says affectionately.

"Hello, Dalia. It's so lovely to meet you," Maura says, her voice warm and inviting.

Her presence is elegant yet approachable, and she extends a hand, which I shake, feeling the genuine kindness in her gesture.

Maura leans in with a conspiratorial smile, her eyes sparkling as we step aside from the group. "So, Dalia, how are you settling into our little Ivanov universe? It's quite a world apart, isn't it?"

I nod. "It's definitely a whole new dynamic for me, but everyone's been incredibly welcoming so far."

She gives a knowing nod, her voice lowering a bit. "Lev is a good man, really. He might seem all tough on the outside, but he's got a softer side, too, just like my Luk." Her gaze briefly flits to her husband, filled with tenderness and affection.

I can't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from deep within.

"Lev? Sensitive? Now that's something I'll have to see to believe." The idea of Lev being anything other than the stern,commanding figure I know strikes me as both amusing and oddly intriguing.

Maura's laughter is a light trill that draws me in further. Curiosity piqued, I lean closer, "So, how did you find yourself part of this world? With the Ivanovs, I mean."

Her green eyes flash with mischief as she begins, "Oh, it's a funny story, actually, filled with arranged marriages and a bit of old-world intrigue."

I laugh, already captivated and wanting to know more. "You can't start with that and not finish. I need to hear the whole story."

Maura's smile widens. "It's quite a tale. I'd love to share it over a glass of wine some time."

"It's a deal.”

“As a matter of fact, let’s grab that glass as soon as we get inside,” she adds.

I hesitate, a sudden wave of nausea washing over me. "I think I'll wait a bit actually," I reply, placing a hand on my stomach. "I’m feeling a bit squeamish. Must’ve been something I ate."

Maura nods understandingly. "It could just be nerves. The Ivanovs can be quite the intimidating bunch."

I exhale a long sigh. "You've got that right."