Rapture & Ruin by Julia Sykes
Chapter 11
Allie
“Charlie, you take the selfie. You’re tallest.” As always, Isabel commanded the space around her; her bright smile and effervescent aura were utterly captivating. We all squished together in a tight group hug as Charlie dutifully accepted Isabel’s phone.
“Excuse me.” Davis pouted. “I’m a short dude, but I’m still taller than Charlie.”
“Not when she’s wearing heels.” Isabel brushed off his touchy remark.
Davis sighed. “And your legs do look killer in those heels, honey. I wish I could pull them off.”
“You totally could.” I hugged him more tightly to my side. “Come on, smile before my lips seize up. I’ve already posed for like a hundred photos with my dad.”
I was beyond ready to ditch the mayor’s daughter public persona and just hang out with my friends. These fundraising events were always difficult for me, but my besties made them actually enjoyable. Once I finished with all the photo ops, we could indulge in the sumptuous atmosphere and copious Champagne. The gilded ballroom and glittering decorations were ridiculously fancy this evening, and it promised to be a great night. Kelvin McCrae, Gavin’s dad, had been generous enough to offer space in his most prestigious hotel to support my dad’s cause.
Yet another reason why I couldn’t get Gavin fired.
I shook the small thought of Gavin from my mind before he could sour my night, and I leaned into the selfie with my friends.
“Oh, because it would be such a tragedy if your radiant smile remained fixed in place.” Davis huffed at me, but his mouth stretched in a broad grin.
Charlie snapped a handful of pics before we finally released each other and relaxed into more casual postures.
I turned to Davis, my photo-ready smile melting with concern. “You okay? You seem kind of bummed out tonight.”
“Yeah,” Isabel agreed, focusing on Davis’ sour mood with intense brown eyes. “It’s not like you to be this snarky. What’s going on?”
He tugged at his tux, straightening the unique navy jacket. He looked so dapper it almost hurt. The man might be a fashion icon one day if his dancing career took off. His five-foot eight-inch frame was densely packed with lithe muscle, and his anvil-square jaw framed the flat planes of his handsome face.
“I just feel kind of blah,” he lamented. “I think I’m about to start my period.”
Charlie’s darkly penciled brows rose to her platinum blond hair. “You don’t get a period.”
“A sympathy period, then,” he amended. “I must be syncing up with one of you. Allie?” He turned sea green eyes on me. “You’ve seemed kind of down recently. It’s you, isn’t it? You’re pulling me into your cycle.”
Despite the twinge in my stomach, a giggle burst from my chest. “Crap, you noticed that? I thought I was doing a good job looking put together. And sorry, but sympathy periods aren’t a thing. You can’t blame me; you’re not getting out of this so easy. Tell us what’s up.”
He scoffed. “Why do I have three nosey women for best friends?”
“Because we’re awesome,” Isabel reminded him. “Now, spill.”
He grabbed a glass of Champagne from a passing server and took a long gulp. “Johnny broke things off with me.” His usually jovial features fell, and my heart tugged toward my hurt friend. “I know it was just a few dates, but I really thought there was a spark. Or something. I don’t know. Romance is stupid.”
I wrapped him in another one-armed hug. “Don’t say that. You love love.” I clinked my own glass to his. “Screw Johnny. His beard was too perfectly groomed, anyway. You can’t trust a guy who spends that much time in front of a mirror. You deserve someone who will give you their full attention.”
“I won’t be screwing him. Ever,” Davis said glumly.
“Then we’ll find you someone better,” Isabel said decisively. “I bet there are a dozen guys at this fundraiser who would love to ask you out.”
She gestured with her champagne flute, taking in the hundred or so tuxedo-clad men that filled the ballroom. Glamorous women in colorful gowns shimmered like scores of jewels amongst the sea of black and white.
“I don’t know.” Davis took another gulp of his drink. “I don’t think I’m in the mood to flirt with anyone tonight.”
“Then we’ll just enjoy each other’s company,” I promised.
“That’s right,” Charlie agreed. “Who needs men?”
“Not us,” Isabel declared. “They’re nice and all, but we don’t need them.”
Davis raised his glass, offering a toast with his first real smile of the night. “Self-actualization, bitches!”
I laughed and drank to that, sinking into the warm comfort of my friends and the slight buzz from the decadently fizzy drink. Now that my photo ops with my dad were over, I could finally relax. It was his big night, and I’d done my part to show my support. The worst of my anxiety had passed when the journalists had moved on to take candids of the most fabulous, wealthy guests at this gala. I could unwind and have fun.
“So, Allie.” Davis’ attention fixed on me, his tone dropping to something more serious. “Are you going to tell us why you looked all bummed out and tired recently? Don’t get me wrong, you look lovely tonight.”
“Stunning.” Isabel nodded.
“This gown is perfection on you,” Charlie added, tilting her head at the softly iridescent, sage silk dress that draped over my modest curves in all the right places.
I gave her a wry smile. “Well, you picked it out. Thanks for all your help getting me ready for this fundraiser. And you guys.” I included my other friends.
Davis waved up and down my body. “Honey, we had nothing to do with this hotness.”
I beamed at them. “You all talked me down from the worst of my anxiety in the limo before we arrived. I couldn’t have gotten through that photo op otherwise. My smile would’ve looked like a grimace. It wouldn’t be the first time.” I shuddered at memories of my most awkward years and how they’d been plastered all over the news every time my dad hosted a public event. Now the embarrassing pictures endured on the internet for everyone to see.
“This is what we’re here for,” Charlie declared.
“And the free Champagne,” Davis amended.
“And these freaking delicious hors d’oeuvres. I am dying for the bacon-wrapped shrimp.” Isabel popped another one in her mouth for effect, and her eyes rolled back in her head in a show of exaggerated ecstasy.
“But you were looking a little down before tonight.” Davis wasn’t willing to drop this.
Damn it. I couldn’t breathe a word about Max or my confrontation with his awful sister.
“I was staying up late researching an old case.” I settled on most of the truth. “It was really gruesome. I didn’t get much sleep for a week or so because of some of the crime scene photos.”
“Aw, babe.” Isabel’s long fingers wrapped around mine and offered a gentle, supportive squeeze. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
I shrugged, resisting the urge to bite my lip. I hated lying to my friends, even if I was only skirting the worst of the truth. “I have to look at stuff like this for my job. I’m going to have to get used to it.”
“But you don’t have to do it alone,” Charlie said sternly. “Talk to us next time. Or you don’t have to talk about it at all; just call, and we’ll come over with a bottle of pinot and a Disney film.”
My heart swelled. “I love you guys so much.”
“As much as you love the Beast?” Davis snickered.
My cheeks heated. “No,” I groaned. “I never should’ve told you that I think the Beast is hotter in his beast form than as the Prince.”
Isabel giggled. “I’m in total agreement. The prince is just meh. The Beast is all growly and possessive. It’s so romantic.”
“What happened to self-actualization, bitches?” Charlie asked. “Are we really going to romanticize your favorite childhood Stockholm syndrome movie?”
“Beauty and the Beast is not a Stockholm syndrome story!” Davis countered, exaggeratedly affronted. “He becomes a better man to deserve her because he loves her. And she falls in love with him for who he is on the inside.”
Charlie snorted. “See? You do love love.”
“Gaston is kind of hot, though.” Isabel’s voice took on a dreamy quality. “I know he’s the baddie, but…yeah. He’s hot.”
Davis gaped at her. “Okay, honey. We’re gonna to need to discuss this. Chauvinists are not hot.”
“Totally not hot,” I agreed with shocking vehemence. Max’s dismissive eye roll flashed through my mind, and my fingers flexed as I remembered how the nickname Bambi sounded in his rumbling, deep voice.
“Yes!” Davis high-fived me. “Allie knows what’s up.”
“Um,” Charlie began hesitantly, “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think your dad is waving for you to come over.” Her cornflower blue eyes were apologetic.
I offered her a small smile. “It’s not your fault. You guys don’t drink all the Champagne without me. And Isabel, I want to hear all the details about your audition yesterday. I’ll be back soon.”
I rubbed my thumb over the smooth back of my locket once before slipping on my composed mask and making my way through the crowd. My dad was talking to Mike and another middle-aged, dark haired man I vaguely recognized.
As I joined them, I recalled that his name was Mikhail Ivanov, a Russian billionaire who was one of my father’s most important donors. An exceptionally tall man, he towered over Mike and had several inches of height on my dad. His hair was so densely black that I suspected a dye job, but it matched his close-cropped beard, so it might be natural. His dark eyes focused on me, thick lashes narrowing as he assessed me.
I wanted to flee in the face of his scrutiny, but I resolutely maintained my composure.
“There she is!” Mike beamed at me, and his eyes widened with something like relief. His tux was a little too tight around his belly, one of the buttons straining slightly. Next to the imposing Russian, he seemed far more human. I’d always thought of him as a larger-than-life personal hero. My heart tugged, and my steps quickened as I hastened to join my mentor in a show of solidarity.
Mikhail offered me a polite smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. The man was notoriously calculating, an obscenely rich, billionaire businessman who’d worked his way to the top through ruthless acquisitions and international maneuvering. For a moment, the flash of his dark eyes reminded me of Francesca’s shark-like, calculating gaze, and my steps faltered.
What else did your daddy tell you about his dirty dealings? Tell me everything you know about his relationship with the Russians. Max’s deranged question echoed through my mind, and the memory of my time in his basement chilled my skin.
I shook my head slightly, as though I could forcibly rid myself of the thought. It was insane that I would even recall his words in this moment. Just because Mikhail Ivanov was Russian didn’t make him a dangerous criminal. No matter how intimidating I found him, the billionaire businessman had a fearsome but respectable reputation. My father wouldn’t associate with him if he was at all involved with the Bratva.
It was ludicrous to even consider otherwise. I’d looked at the evidence for myself; there was no Bratva involvement in the Five Families case. There were zero connections between my dad and Russian organized crime.
I focused on Mike, his need for help bolstering my resolve. I straightened my spine and spread my lips in a practiced smile. When I attended these events for my father, I’d learned to slip into a different persona, drawing on my confident façade like a costume. Isabel had coached me using acting techniques, and I’d gotten pretty good at appearing poised when necessary. No matter how shaky I felt on the inside.
“Allie, I was just telling your dad about all the hard work you’ve been putting in at the office. Especially considering the extra time you’ve spent researching our old cases for your studies. Ron, you’ve raised a brilliant young woman.”
My father’s proud grin flooded my chest with warmth, and my own smile broadened with genuine delight. “That’s my girl. Allie, you remember Mikhail Ivanov.” He made sure to include one of his biggest donors in the conversation. “Mikhail, my daughter, Allie. She’s interning at the US Attorney’s Office this summer.” His chest practically swelled with pride, and my eyes stung.
I blinked hard before the burst of emotion could crack my composed mask.
Mikhail nodded at me. “Yes, I remember.” His Russian accent was still thick despite his years in America. “It’s lovely to see you again, Allie.”
“You too,” I replied automatically. “And it’s great to see you, Mr. Callahan. I didn’t realize you would be here tonight.”
He clapped my dad on the shoulder. “Your old man was nice enough to extend an invite.” He didn’t tell me to call him Mike, and I was glad I hadn’t. It seemed more appropriate to address him with professional courtesy in public, especially in front of important, intimidating men like Mikhail.
“You’re studying your father’s old cases?” The Russian shocked me by appearing interested. “Which ones? He had a very impressive career before finding his place in politics. It’s why I’ve supported him for many years.”
My cheeks heated at the sudden, intense attention. I’d expected to come over and snap a photo with Mikhail and then return to my friends. He’d never wanted to talk to me before.
But it only made sense for him to praise my dad. Especially when there was a journalist taking pictures nearby.
I took a breath and slipped deeper into my polished, charming persona: the confident woman who felt completely alien to me. “Yes, he’s had an amazing career.” I beamed at my dad. “Your work on the Five Families case was totally brilliant. No wonder crime rates are at an all-time low now that you’re mayor.”
My dad chuckled. “Flatterer.”
“It’s true,” I asserted, rattling off crime statistics for the benefit of the hovering journalist. “You and Mr. Callahan were instrumental in dismantling the Mafia, and they haven’t gained a foothold since.”
“Why is a young woman like you spending all her time rehashing the past?” Mikhail questioned in an incisive tone I didn’t care for. It took effort not to visibly bristle as he continued. “Surely, there’s no need to go through records of such grisly crimes, when they happened so long ago.”
“There’s always something new to learn.” Mike came to my defense, and I shot him a small, grateful smile. “Who knows? Allie might have fresh insight into some aspect of the case that we missed. In the future, she could use that in her own litigation. She has a very bright career ahead of her.”
My heart swelled with gratitude and pride. “Thanks, Mr. Callahan.”
Mikhail regarded me with those shark’s eyes for a moment. “Yes, very impressive,” he agreed in a monotone. “I’d like to introduce you to my son.” He released me from his sharp gaze and searched the room. “Nikolai!” he called, beckoning.
Daddy laughed. Did it sound forced? “I’m sure the kids don’t want to be set up by their parents.”
My stomach dropped. Oh, no. Mikhail wanted to set me up with his son? I didn’t think I’d be able to remain composed if flirting was involved. I didn’t even know how to flirt; I rarely went on dates, and I’d never had so much as a casual relationship. Living in my father’s overprotective shadow, only a couple guys had worked up the courage to ask me out during my college years. I was pretty sure the mayor of New York had scared them off quickly. That, or it was just me and my social anxiety that made me too awkward to date.
This summer was supposed to be my opportunity to experiment and build my confidence with men. But I’d been so busy with my internship that I hadn’t gotten a chance to practice dating.
My teeth sank into my lower lip, and I quickly pressed them together to stifle the nervous tic. I had no idea how to act charming around a guy my age, but I couldn’t allow myself to appear awkward and standoffish in front of important donors.
I flexed and released my fingers at the small of my back, struggling to conceal the sudden tremor that manifested along with the spike of anxiety.
“Is there something wrong with my son?” Mikhail asked, his voice cold enough to frost our champagne glasses.
“Of course not,” Daddy said quickly, his charismatic smile sliding firmly back into place. “He’s a Harvard man, right? Very impressive.”
“Yes,” Mikhail replied, his tone still icy. “He just graduated and is now working at our family’s organization.”
“Another bright young person following in their father’s footsteps,” Mike interjected, coming in with the assist. His voice hitched slightly, but he still managed to support my dad despite how intimidated he was by Mikhail. He really was a great friend. “Allie, I’m sure you’ll get along great.”
It’s not like I have to marry him, I told myself, struggling to calm the butterflies in my stomach. I could meet a guy and be polite to him, just like I would talk to any other important person at this event. It didn’t matter if his dad wanted to set us up; I didn’t have to go out with him. All I had to do was get through the next fifteen minutes or so before I could politely excuse myself and rejoin my friends.
“Niko.” Daddy’s gaze glinted at something over my shoulder. The hard warning in his eyes belied his broad, charming smile. “It’s great to see you again.”
I turned to face the Russian businessman’s son, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. Nikolai Ivanov was stunning. His sable hair was effortlessly styled, pushed back off his brow to reveal the full impact of his perfectly masculine face. He was all hard planes and slightly rough edges, with designer stubble shadowing his square jaw. Aquamarine eyes glittered like gemstones, ringed in indigo that made them shine all the brighter. At well over six feet tall, he towered over me as he approached.
He might even be taller than Max. And judging by the way his tux fit close to his massive frame, he was every bit as heavily muscled as my dark stalker.
A shiver raced over my skin. Why was I thinking about Max? I had to focus on maintaining my composure. The last thing I needed was to think about the scarred, damaged man who’d kidnapped and interrogated me in his basement.
I shoved him from my mind and focused on Nikolai. It wasn’t difficult; as he brushed against the edge of my personal space, his powerful, confident bearing practically pulsed over my flesh. His shockingly blue gaze swept my features, not dipping any lower than my modest sweetheart neckline. Despite the respectful appraisal, my skin tingled everywhere his eyes trailed over me.
I’d never enjoyed the attention of a man this beautiful, and my body was reacting strangely. My belly quivered, and something hot zinged down my spine to warm my insides.
“Nikolai, this is Allie.” Mikhail introduced us. “She’s Ron’s daughter. She’s a very impressive young woman, and I wanted you to meet.” His voice dropped deeper on the last, ringing with command.
Oh, god. He really did want to set us up.
My stomach did a funny flip.
Nikolai extended his hand, and I accepted it automatically. Long, warm fingers engulfed mine in a gentle handshake. I returned it firmly, like my father had taught me, and a dazzling smile illuminated his features. “It’s nice to meet you, Allie.”
“You too.” Was that my voice? It sounded far too breathless and weirdly husky.
“Allie is interning at the US Attorney’s office,” Mikhail continued. “Where do you attend college?” he asked me.
I realized I’d held on to Nikolai’s hand for a second too long, and I snatched mine away, my cheeks heating. I turned back to his father, willing my features to arrange in a polite smile. I barely managed it.
“NYU,” I supplied.
His thin lips quirked in a frown. “Not Ivy League?”
The slight disapproval in his tone helped wash away some of the weird jitteriness that’d fizzed through my veins. “No, I didn’t want to go Ivy,” I asserted evenly.
“It’s Ron’s alma mater,” Mike interjected, providing more help.
I shot him a grateful glance, and I could’ve sworn his lashes twitched in the hint of a wink.
“Oh, yes.” The furrow eased from Mikhail’s brow. “I’d forgotten.”
“My dad thinks Harvard is the only good university in the country,” Nikolai explained. “I’m sure your resume must be very impressive if you secured an internship at the U.S. Attorney’s office.”
I turned my grateful smile on him. As soon as my eyes met his stunning blue gaze, my cheeks flushed with a rush of heat. He was so brilliantly beautiful that I could barely stand to look him in the eye. How was I going to stand here and make small talk for another fifteen minutes?
“Thanks,” I managed to murmur, resisting the almost overwhelming urge to drop my gaze in shyness. “You went to Harvard?”
He shrugged, as though his prestigious degree meant little to him. “Yes, I just graduated. I’m thinking about getting my MBA next year, though. Maybe I’ll apply at NYU.” His grin hit me square in the chest.
“Don’t joke, Nikolai,” his father scolded, his voice heavy with disapproval. “You’re working for the family business now. No need to waste another year on your education.”
Nikolai’s smile twitched ever so slightly, faltering. With annoyance? He’d clearly been needling his father with the NYU comment, but he didn’t seem to like being censured in public.
I didn’t blame him. I’d want to sink into the floor if my dad rebuked me in front of people I barely knew.
“Excuse me,” a new, masculine voice cut into our conversation. “Could I get a photo, please?”
Oh, no. Now so wasn’t a good time for a photo op. I was way too off balance for this moment to be permanently captured and potentially posted on the internet.
Nikolai cocked his head at me, those glimmering eyes quickly studying every nuance of my expression. The intense attention was riveting, and I stared up at him in stunned silence for a second, utterly entranced.
The heavy click of a camera jolted through my body like a firecracker, and I jumped slightly. A warm hand brushed my elbow, steadying me. The camera clicked again as I looked up at Nikolai in surprise at the casual touch. Heat sank into my skin where we made the lightest contact, and warmth flooded my stomach when I found myself locked in the glow of his heart-stopping smile. He was close enough for me to smell his cologne: something expensive that was an intoxicating combination of spice and tobacco and man.
I’d been on a total of five dates with boys before, and I’d been close enough to kiss two of them. But Nikolai wasn’t a boy; he was an imposing man. No one had ever affected me this strongly, and he was barely touching me.
A memory of Max’s big hands engulfing my calves burst across my mind, and I felt the phantom heat of his massive body as he leaned in close.
You don’t have to be afraid of me, Bambi. I’m sorry if I scared you.
A small shiver ran through me. The camera clicked again, snapping me fully back to the present.
Nikolai was still watching me with that almost predatory focus, his eyes tracing the pebbled skin at my collarbones. “That’s enough,” he told the journalist, never taking his eyes off me.
I was peripherally aware that the cameraman left, but I couldn’t tear my gaze from his. He was magnetic, and his intense attention captivated me completely. I’d never experienced anything like it. It was unnerving, but it set off all my feminine gratification signals. The warmth that bloomed in my chest was heady, a pleasant sensation I’d never felt before.
“Hey, Allie.” Isabel’s melodic voice wrapped around me, tugging my attention away from him. “We’re missing you over by the chocolate fountain.”
I turned to her, grateful for the lifeline. My protective friend must’ve noticed my discomfiture and come to my rescue.
“There’s a chocolate fountain?” My voice squeaked slightly, increasing the burning heat in my cheeks. I was probably red all the way to my ears by now. No amount of makeup in the world could conceal a flush this intense. Damn my pale complexion.
She wrapped my hand in hers, lacing our fingers together. Isabel really was better than any big sister I ever could’ve asked for. I returned her gentle squeeze, a silent thank you.
“Will you excuse us, Mr. Fitzgerald?” she asked, all charm and grace. “Allie needs sustenance.”
My dad laughed, a rich, warm sound. He’d always liked Isabel. I was pretty sure he approved of her protectiveness. “I’m not sure if chocolate counts as sustenance.”
“There are strawberries,” Isabel countered. “Totally healthy.”
“Totally,” he agreed, chuckling. “Go on.” He waved toward the fountain, giving me an out. “Have fun, sweetheart.”
Isabel tugged on my hand, leading me away from the anxiety-inducing conversation and the mind-scrambling, handsome man who’d cracked my composed mask.
“Oh my god, he’s so hot,” Isabel said in an undertone as she led me away. “Are you sure you want to be rescued? You seemed shaken, but OMG. That man is sex on a stick.”
My giggle was slightly manic. “He’s way too hot for me. I could barely look at him! Thanks for coming to get me. I think his dad wanted to set us up. It was really uncomfortable.”
Isabel stopped in her tracks. “Wait, wait. You actually have an opportunity to date that man candy? We’re going back.”
I dug in my heels. “No!” I hissed. “He’s too beautiful. I couldn’t handle it.”
I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand on my arm. And for some reason, I sensed the lingering caress of Max’s touch on my legs.
I shook my head to clear it. The fact that I was thinking about Max was a total red flag. If Nikolai intimidated me as much as my stalker, that wasn’t a good basis for a relationship.
I needed to put both men firmly out of my mind. They were clearly dangerous for me in different ways. Nikolai was tempting and impossibly gorgeous, whereas Max was… I didn’t really have words for how Max made me feel. There were too many conflicting emotions where he was concerned: fear, anger, pity, gratitude.
My stomach flipped, and I took a decisive step toward the chocolate fountain. “I need sugar,” I announced, imbuing my voice with as much confidence as I could muster.
Isabel sighed. “Don’t we all?”
She clearly didn’t approve of the fact that I was running away from a man as appealing as Nikolai, but my friend was loyal to her core. If I didn’t want to think about darkly imposing men, she would distract me.
And I definitely didn’t want to think about Nikolai or Max.