Page 72 of Fallen Roses

A strong jaw and full lips are framed by a countenance of masculine beauty. His dark hair is well styled and his broad shoulders and muscular arms are straining against the fabric of a well-tailored suit. The pristine crisp white shirt is in contrast to his black tie and he pointedly takes my hand from Boris’s sweaty one and shakes it formally, his grip hard and cool, official even.

“Miss Pavlov. I am star-struck.”

For some reason I blush, probably due to the intensity in his eyes, and before I can say another thing Boris interrupts.

“Tatiana, Rodion has agreed that you will accompany Mr. Romanov to dinner at the Kremlin. You have thirty minutes to change and then you will leave with Mr. Romanov. A car has been arranged.”

I blink in surprise and only a sharp nudge from Rodion makes the words spill from my mouth. “Thank you. I would be honored.”

I swing my gaze toward Titus Romanov and shiver inside. There is something I’m missing here, an agendaof sorts, but I have no time to ponder what it could be as Rodion says loudly, “Excuse us gentlemen. I will deliver Tatiana to the car personally.”

It’s only when we leave the room that I can breathe again and as we walk, Rodion says cruelly, “Don’t let the Bolshoi down, Tatiana. Do as you’re told and speak only when spoken to. If I hear to the contrary, you will be dancing the matinee.”

As I make my way back to my dressing room, I’m shocked to see a beautiful beaded red dress glimmering on the back of the door and Nadia’s eyes gleam as she holds a box tied with red ribbon.

As soon as Rodion leaves, she whispers with excitement, “You will never guess what’s inside.”

“What?”

I’m mystified and as she opens the lid, I stare in shock at the beautiful red silk lingerie nestling among the folds of white tissue paper. However, it’s the velvet box that captures my attention because if I’m not mistaken, sparkling inside, is the biggest diamond engagement ring I have ever seen.

“What’s this?”

“Whatever it is, it’s accompanying the outfit, and I have been told you must be ready in twenty minutes.”

I stare in dismay as Nadia fusses around me, removing one costume and replacing it with another and as she styles my hair and reapplies my make-up, I stare at the ring she has slipped on the third finger of my left hand. It sparkles so brightly I am dazzled and I whisper, “There must be some mistake. It can’t be an engagement ring.”

I slip the ring onto the other hand and instantly feel better.

I have no time to dwell on it though because, true to his word, Rodion appears with a frown and says shortly, “Come. It’s time.”

Nadia gives me the thumbs up as I cast a helpless glance in her direction and before I know what’s happening, I’m walking toward the VIP entrance where a man that makes my breath desert me is waiting.

Titus Romanov is like a black hole in space. Mysterious, incredibly dark and will probably swallow me whole, unlikely to return to sender. I feel it. I sense it and I strangely welcome it because if he has some agenda concerning me, surely it’s better than the one my stalker is plotting.

He says nothing as I approach and if anything, appears angry. I note the tightening of his jaw, his reluctant nod, and the anger swirling in his eyes. He is as unwilling as I am, and I wonder why. It’s as if we are being guided into a dark room with no flashlight.

It’s only when we are sitting in a black car surrounded by outriders that I sense this is something I have no control of and as the door slams behind him and he takes his seat beside me, he glances at the ring on my finger and says gruffly, “The other hand, Miss Pavlov.”

“Excuse me.”

I pretend not to know what he istalking about and he turns, his eyes flashing in the dusky light and says gruffly, “It appears we are on the way to our engagement party and before you question that, neither of us have a choice.”

My eyes widen as he laughs bitterly. “Welcome to your worst nightmare, Miss Pavlov. Now sit back and enjoy the ride.”