Page 114 of Sinful Promise

“Yes, you do, Irina.” Alex drinks in the sight of her, his dark eyes intense. “You are a great shot, as always.”

“Close range,” she replies, lifting a champagne flute to her ruby lips.

Reading between the lines, I’m sure they are talking about how she and Roman ended Andrian.

“Well, look at that,” Francesca murmurs, gazing at a man in the crowd. “The man himself.”

“An American movie star?” I ask.

“Yes.” She rattles off an A-list of celebrity names. “It’s a who’s who of Hollywood and Europe.”

“There’s the Princess of Monaco,” Irina says, nodding toward a woman in a light blue dress with a flowing cape to match.

There is an announcement for us to take our seats, and soft classical music surrounds us. The evening’s event is about to start.

I don’t mind the long evening, as the food is exquisite. I converse with my new friends, laughing at Alex as he pops nicotine gum in his mouth. Irina teases him, but there’s an approving smile on her face. Alex must be interested in her. He’s trimmed his hair, and his tux and dress shoes are impeccable.

I gaze at Roman, who is focused on the famous musician on the stage. I don’t hear a word. I’m lost in observing the man at my side.

He feels my eyes on him and turns to meet my gaze. “Everything all right, my love?”

“Perfect.” I smile.

My hands are folded in my lap. He slides his large hand over mine, giving them a squeeze.

It’s a new beginning, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.