Page 96 of Wicked Villain

She gazes ahead at a tall blond man with a tattoo on his neck. He’s talking with a group of guys, but he glances over his shoulder and catches her looking.

“Is that the guy you’re dating?” I whisper back, but my voice is a little too loud.

“Shhh, yes. Come on. I want to look my best.”

“You already do.”

“You’re sweet. But I need to look perfect. Come, come.”

She gestures toward the door. The ladies are so engrossed in their discussion about the new Dior collection that they don’t notice us leaving.

When we get inside, Anushka links her arm with mine. “I’m sorry. I know I’m a little crazy.” She giggles.

“It’s fine. I like you a little crazy.” I grin back. “It turns out that might just be what I need.”

During the time I’ve known her, she’s never spoken about my father or the reasons why Lev married me. I wanted to ask her because I thought she might know something, but then I figured she might not have the answers I seek. She may not be so lighthearted if she knew the truth. Everyone else in Lev’s life scrutinizes me. She doesn’t.

Aleksandr, for instance, looks at me like he’s always on the verge of killing me. I’ve seen him a few times and he always gives me the same death stare.

“Are you going to tell me more about this guy of yours?” I ask, pushing my thoughts aside.

Her cheeks turn rosy. “His name is Alexei. He’s a Romanov, my father’s sworn enemies. But since my Papa is currently in Moscow, I figured what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

“I guess not.”

“Please don’t tell Lev. Or anyone.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” One more secret to add to the list. At least this one is neither life-changing nor dangerous.

I’ve started feeling guilty for my secret, but telling her because she’s the only friend I’ve ever had is not something I can entertain.

“Let’s go to the ladies’ room on the first floor; it has a Moulin Rouge boudoir style.”

“Sounds great.”

We walk a little faster and take the stairs up to the first floor. There seems to be no one on this side of the building. It’s quiet and the scent of roses fills the air.

Just as we turn the corner, I spot Lev at the end of the hallway. My heart beats faster, but stops when I see he’s with a woman who has her arms loosely around his neck.

Anushka stops abruptly. So do I.

“Oh my,” Anushka mutters under her breath.

I keep my gaze ahead, watching my husband with this strange woman who looks like a fashion model. It takes me a moment to realize it’s the same woman I saw in the house the other week.

We’re not that far away that I can’t hear her giggling.

“Lev Karsavin, you used to love my little surprises,” the woman coos, tilting her head back. “So many empty rooms in this big old place. Why don’t I remind you of what you’ve been missing?”

Lev catches her wrist as she runs her fingers down his chest. “Behave, Korrina.”

She smiles. “But you’ve never liked me well behaved.”

“Not here.” He gestures to the door opposite them. “Inside. Now.”

He slips an arm around her and guides her into the room. I stare at the empty space, my cheeks hot, my heart racing.

There should be no surprise here. No one told me that being married to Lev meant he had to be faithful to me. I just…