Do yourself a favor and pipe down. Kate surmised that Alexei had an inside contact at the well-known magazine. One he had considerable influence over.
“You will receive a call from Stan Weston shortly.” Alexei flashed a dominant grin, reached into his pocket and slipped a business card into Ritchley’s hand. Kate tried to sneak a peek and failed. She glanced at Alexei curiously. “In the meantime—” He continued to issue instructions to Ritchley. “You should go pack.”
“Pack?” Kate muttered.
The color drained from the reporter’s face as he examined the business card. “Mr. Petrova.” He glanced back up at Alexei. “I-I’m sorry if I’ve offended you in any way.”
Offended him? Kate questioned that logic.
“The offense is not mine. You owe Ms. Peterson an apology.”
Ritchley’s tone changed in an instant, groveling. “I meant no harm. I was just looking for the story...” his voice trailed off.
That’s it? Ran through Kate’s thoughts. That’s all you’ve got?
“If that’s the best you can do...” Alexei practically snarled at Ritchley and then dismissed him with an insignificant wave.
Ritchley scrambled away like a wounded puppy.
Kate looked at Alexei, really looked at him this time. Her unlikely savior. Their thoughts so in sync, but would he so willingly protect her once he found out about Katya?
He turned to her, and a pleasurable smile crossed his face. “Digging up dirt on your employer is...how do the Americans say...?” Laughter danced in his tawny eyes a split-second before escaping and filling the air. “A surefire way to get canned.”
Alexei clutched her elbow. “Huh?” she murmured, letting him led her away. “Are you telling me that you own Modern Life?” she asked, just above a whisper.
“That would be correct,” he said, staring straight ahead.
Kate was starting to see a side of Alexei that she didn’t find flattering. Sure, she liked seeing the reporter put in his place, but firing him? Did his actions deserve such extreme consequences? Was Alexei trying to protect Kate, or was he just on a power trip?
“Did he really need to be fired?”
Alexei halted and stared at her, annoyance ruffling his brow. His eyes darkened, searching her face. “Sweet, little Katya...” A soothing, expressive piece of a smile curled on one edge of his lips. “Still so thoughtful and forgiving of others.”
“A trait you seem to have forgotten.” She wanted him to know she wouldn’t succumb to his bullying. If Alexei was on a power trip, what did that mean for Katya?
He tightened his grip on her elbow and began moving again. She went willingly. Refusing to let him intimidate her was one thing, but pissing him off wasn’t smart.
Kate glanced over her shoulder, looking for Debra. Seeing her hurrying up behind them, she barely mouthed the word, “What?” With Debra nearly at her side, she began to feel better. She turned back to Alexei. “Where are we going?” she asked, noticing the door ahead.
“I’ve arranged a private conference room for my interviews.”
Of course you have. The almighty Alexei Petrova had to be singled out from the minions. Kate wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he ended up leading the way to the torch tonight with everybody else having to follow three steps behind.
“It’s probably best if you interview in there too.” He opened the door and gave her a little shove inside.
“What?” She failed to contain her irritation over his self-imposed superiority. “You afraid I can’t keep my mouth shut?”
Debra stepped inside the room and Alexei closed the door, before saying, “Whatever happened in the past should stay there.”
CHAPTER 5
ALEXEI HATED SAYING that to Kate, but if she turned out to be married it was true. Dredging up the past wouldn’t do anybody any good, and it could possibly shatter her marriage.
He didn’t care about her marriage, per se. But he did care about her happiness. Alexei would like to think she still felt something for him, but he didn’t want to be known as a home wrecker who rolled into town and took what he wanted without regard for the lives he’d destroyed in the process. Plain and simple, if she was married, she was off limits.
That didn’t mean he couldn’t defend her though. She might be forgiving, but he didn’t have to be. Alexei was infuriated with Ritchley and he was in a position to do something about it—unlike before, when his coaches dragged him out of her hotel room.
The door opened and Alexei’s head shot like a bullet in that direction. Serge. What the hell was he doing here? Alexei needed answers. “Back already?”
“I sent Benny.”
“Hey, look,” Kate interrupted, moving toward the door. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Alexei, but I’ve got to go.”
“You’re safer in here.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine out there.” She reached for the door and opened it. Her friend was all but pushing her out now. The woman clearly was looking after Kate’s marriage, and she was right to do so. Nobody wanted Kate seen in a bad light—especially Alexei.
He waited until the door closed between them before he turned back to Serge. “Why did you send Benny? I wanted you to handle this directly.”
“And I would have, had you not alienated a US senator.”
Oh her. Alexei rolled his eyes and groaned.
“Look...” Serge said in an upbeat tone. “If you want to know about her marriage, why don’t you just ask her?”
“What would you have me do, Serge?” Alexei voice remained low, but full of intensity. “Are you married, is the question of a desperate man.” And he’d vowed a long time ago to never again appear desperate.
“You want me to ask her?”
Alexei ignored him. “What does the Senator want?”
“To have you deported.”
Alexei chuckled.
“Laugh all you want.” Serge paused, rocking back and forth on his heels. “A judge friend of hers has promised to sign the order...tomorrow.”
“You’re kidding!” Alexei cursed his luck and tried to hide his misfortune behind an aggressive scowl. “Right?”
“We will of course attempt to delay the inevitable. I’m sure Immigration will agree to wait until the Olympics are over to enforce the order.”
“What?” The confidence drained from Alexei’s voice.
“Deporting you in the midst of the Olympics would make the United States seem rather like sore losers.” Serge’s biting laughter brought back memories that Alexei would just as soon forget.
His last Gold Medal had been awarded amid controversy. His contender, American James Barker, was favored to win the Gold. Some say he should have. Others supported the judges’ decision to give Alexei the higher score.
The hullabaloo would rise again in light of the media’s desire to dig up dirt. No doubt, Andrew Ritchley would have a chip on his shoulder and spearhead the campaign.
Oh well, Alexei loved a good challenge. And in light of Kate’s current situation, he needed something to distract him and keep his mind off the one thing he wanted but couldn’t have. No matter what her marital status turned out to be, he couldn’t—wouldn’t involve her in his war with the Senator.
The bright lights of the Opening Ceremonies swathed Kate in apprehension that swallowed her up. Fear set in. What if her vision faded? The whole world would discover her secret.
She glimpsed at Alexei—half surprised, half elated that he’d chosen to hide alongside her inside the crowd of skaters. She almost felt bad for tagging him as having a superiority complex. There was plenty of time for that later. Right now, she needed to get through the Torch Lighting Ceremony without busting her ass. To be on the safe side she laced her fingers around Alexei’s upper arm, just in case. If her sight took a hike, he could unknowingly lead the way.
Alexei looked at her hand on his arm and stiffened. Now she felt justified about not having found sympathy for him moments ago. Her instincts begged her to pull
away, but her better judgment told her otherwise. For the time being, she’d endure Alexei’s distaste for her touch. He’d get over it much quicker than she’d recover from falling on her face. Besides, it was just until the ceremony had concluded. After that, he could take his pompous butt and go bully whoever he wanted. She was done giving him the benefit of a doubt.
Still, she was thankful they were well-hidden among the medalists from days gone by as they paraded down the fairway. At the end of the path, select members of the group—those gregarious extroverts in pursuit of the limelight—battled for control of the torch as it ignited the Olympic Flame. The spectators cheered.
Alexei leaned toward Kate and whispered, “Are you okay, Katya? You look a bit pale.”
She scanned the magnitude of the crowded stadium. “The reporters are freaking me out,” she murmured half her fears. The other half—the way Alexei was making her feel—wasn’t something she’d ever admit. Not in a million years.
“Ritchley didn’t approach you again, did he?”
“No!” She shook her head. “A different one this time. He wanted to know where I’ve been hiding these last eight years.”
Alexei didn’t say anything as his mouth slid into a one-sided smirk and he waited for her reply.
“I haven’t been hiding anywhere.” She tried to give him her hardest glare, but had no idea if she’d succeeded. “I’ve just been living life like everybody else.”
He hesitated, looking at her with a stoic face before gesturing toward their peers. He moved forward, toward the crowd, and she’d better do the same if she didn’t want to get left at the tail-end of the group—exposed.
Kate clung to Alexei’s arm as he led her back inside the group, and outside the range of the television cameras.
When it was over and the cameras had been turned off, the group of skaters disbursed and she could feel the eyes of the press zeroing in on her and Alexei. Kate recognized the reporter from earlier and tightened her grip on Alexei’s arm. She had more to fear now than tripping and falling because of failing sight.
Alexei’s already rigid frame stiffened more under Kate’s tight grasp. She tried to play it off. Act like it was no big deal. He didn’t need to know their past bothered her so much.
She avoided looking at Alexei and scanned the crowd of reporters instead, getting caught in one’s stare. Great. The last thing she needed was some nosy journalist poking around. She didn’t want the whole world to find out about Alexei’s betrayal, or his connection to Katya.
She let her insecurities coax her attention back toward Alexei. His gaze was darting back and forth between Kate and the reporter.
“Is that him?” Fury lit Alexei’s eyes. “Was he the other one harassing you?” Anger had a way of affecting Alexei’s speech, making his Russian dialect sound more prominent.
“Alexei...” Kate’s voice shook. “You can’t do away with every member of the press.” She drew a breath and held it. He couldn’t keep hounding the journalists just because he’d become accustomed to getting his way. She couldn’t afford for some nosey reporter to go on a crusade against her. There was too much at stake. “Can you just get me out of here?” Better to go with Alexei now and figure out how to ditch him later.
He draped a protective arm around her shoulders and swept her toward the exit, rushing her past the other skaters still milling around. Some of the reporters looked like they were ready to pounce on them but Alexei didn’t give them the chance.
Just as Alexei and Kate stepped outside the Hall, his limo driver hopped out of the car and trotted around to open the door.
They stood beside the car’s opened door and she glanced up at him, ignoring the few passersby strolling along. He offered a quick, reassuring smile. With a bit of reluctance, she stepped inside the car and slid across the seat.
Kate surveyed the limo’s interior—something she failed to do when making her great escape last night. Tiny lights in the mirror above sparkled like stars against the evening sky creating a romantic ambiance. Great. That’s just what Kate needed, to be stuck inside this small space with Alexei, and it was brimming with impractical illusions.
The driver closed the door and Alexei turned to Kate. “I’ll take you to the U.S. compound directly, but there may be reporters waiting there too.”
Kate hadn’t counted on that. She watched the driver trot back around and hop into the driver’s seat. He’d shifted the car into drive before she could get out the words, “What am I gonna do?”
“Let’s get you a suite in another hotel,” Alexei said, and it was no question.
“I can’t,” Kate murmured, shaking her head. She lowered her gaze and turned away from him. She didn’t want to be separated from Katya, and she couldn’t afford to rent another suite—especially in some fancy hotel.
“I’ll have someone bring your daughter to you,” he offered in the calmest of tones.
Kate gasped and tried to choke the panic back down in her gut. She knew she’d failed when it burned her cheeks. “You know about her?”
Alexei nodded, and Kate couldn’t tell from his poker-faced expression what was going on inside him.
She’d never wanted to believe Alexei would turn his back on her, but now she had proof. He knew about Katya.
“Of course you do.” Sarcasm oozed out in her tone. She turned away, checking her anger. “Just take me back to the U.S. residence. I can handle the press.”
She stared out the window, getting lost in the Olympic lights glistening against the night sky. Thoughts of desertion tugged at her heartstrings and Kate pushed aside the urge to cry.
Alexei leaned across her and slid a side compartment open. To avoid him, she diverted her interest to what he was doing instead. Inside the hidden cubby, fancy glasses lit up under the glow of soft lights. Skillfully, he scooped a couple into one hand and closed the small door with his forefinger.
The chalice he offered, accompanied by his devilishly-handsome grin, was hard to resist. He swapped the other glass into his hand that’d been resting along the back of the seat behind her. Leaning in again, he flipped the lid next to the compartment housing the glasses. His intoxicating cologne swept her away. Ice chips rattled as he claimed the champagne bottle. Kate recognized the Krug label—not that she’d ever handled one.
“Let’s have a drink...to sooth our nerves.” A wink accompanied Alexei’s suggestion, baiting her. He popped the cork and filled their glasses—hers first, then his.
He set the bottle back in its bed of ice chips and gave her little nudge, coaxing her to drink up.
Well, he’s got it down to a science. Sipping the champagne, she realized the seductive trap that Alexei had perfected. The limousine’s sparkling and persuasive atmosphere, expensive champagne and the promise of romance, all strategically used to score with the ladies.
What happened to the Alexei she used to know? The one who’d made her feel like she was the only girl in the world? This Alexei preferred a variety of women—a new girl every night—to her and Katya. Kate’s anger bubbled over.
She stiffened her upper lip and ordered herself not to fall for his charms again. She wouldn’t allow herself to forget how this had played out in the past. “So...how is Mikhail?” Unable to hold his gaze, she glanced away.
Alexei’s manager and guardian, all those years ago, hadn’t cared for Kate. She knew that. He was the one responsible for Alexei’s abrupt return to Russia, once he realized how far their teenage affair had gone.
She’d cried of course, and begged Alexei not to go. Her tears, although heartbreaking, accomplished nothing. At seventeen, her lover had no choice in the matter.
“Mikhail and I have long since ended our connection.” His words came slowly, as if searching for the right ones.
“Really? What happened?” She stopped, checking herself. “Oh, wait. Never mind. That’s really none of my business.”
“I don’t mind.” The car rolled to a stop in front of the US residence. Kate, leaving no
thing to chance, pulled up on the lever and prepared to open the door. Alexei laid a gentle hand on her arm. “Dennis will get that for you,” he said of the driver.
“Alexei, I can open the door.” She shook her head. “There’s really no need for the man to get out of the car.”
“It’s his job.” His tone was too calm to suit Kate. “Besides, he likes to do it.” He flashed that smile of his and Kate’s heart did flip-flops against her chest. His gaze was tantalizing and left her feeling vulnerable. “Do you really have to go?”
“Yes. I do.” And she was going to give Dennis about thirty seconds to open the door or she’d do it herself.
“I understand.” For a second, she thought she’d heard disappointment in his voice. But just as quickly, his tone hardened, “I’m sure your daughter’s waiting.”
“That she is.” Kate studied Alexei’s face, wondering if he felt any kind of remorse or regret. She didn’t see any. “And I should get going.”
“I won’t keep you then.”
Hunh. Don’t put yourself out. She held onto the urge to laugh, keeping it inside and undetected.
Kate had always hated the side of herself that ridiculed Alexei for leaving her back then, thinking he could’ve somehow refused. Sensibly, she knew better. But maybe his actions after the fact played a part in her choice to lay blame at his feet. He didn’t answer her letters. He’d turned eighteen less than six months after he was forced to return to Russia, and he didn’t come after her. That hurt. She wasn’t about to let him do the same thing to Katya.
Dennis opened the car door and she let out a sigh. She fled from the limo and checked the sidewalk beneath her feet, looking for slippery ice. The last thing she needed was a repeat from last night. Her slow, guarded steps didn’t lead her to the entryway fast enough, but it increased the odds that Alexei would stay inside the car.
Passing through the glass doors, she dared to cast a clandestine glance over her shoulder. Good. Alexei’s limo was gone. She hurried to the elevators and commanded the doors to open as she hit the “up” button. As if on some cosmic wave with her, the doors parted.
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