Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
I’m dressed in a little black dress, the only elegant dress I brought because every girl needs an LBD and I didn’t know when I’d need something formal. I dressed it up with a pair of gold hoops and gold heels, and I even did my eye makeup for once. After the display of golden opulence here, I sort of wished I’d worn silver jewelry.
Markov looks exceptionally hot in his suit, and it will feel nice walking in beside him, even if we have to pretend we aren’t a couple.
I haven’t told Markov much about my father, but he knows plenty and will see soon enough. My father is a man always looking to make an impression. I’m only his daughter inasmuch as I benefit him, just like my mother. And because I’m loyal to her, he means nothing to me.
Taller than me and polished and refined, if you didn’t know my father, you’d think he was an absolute charmer. His hair and beard are laced with silver, he’s impeccably dressed, and when he smiles, the flash of perfectly straight white teeth nearly blinds me. The smile doesn’t reach his eyes, though. They never have.
Markov opens the door for me, nods to my father, then quickly turns to offer me his hand to help me out of the car. It will be the only time he touches me this evening, and I savor the seconds we’re connected before he releases me.
My father doesn’t recognize Markov. I’m guessing they haven’t met yet. But when he sees me exit, he grins broadly, his eyes shining at me. I can’t help it—for one weak moment, I wish it was genuine. I wish he really did want to see me. I wish he cared.
But I quickly push that thought away because I know the truth.
“Hello, Father.” I give him a small, tight smile, which he doesn’t even see because he’s too busy looking around, more concerned with being seen by whatever social circle he’s in than engaging with his daughter.
“How are you?” he asks, kissing both cheeks before reaching to shake Markov’s hand. A wave of cloying, expensive cologne consumes me. My stomach roils.
“And you’re Markov,” he states. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
Markov scowls at him, even though he shakes his hand. “Pleased to meet you, sir.” I silently fist-bump him. He is absolutely not going to play a part to please my father.
“And how is everything going at your. . . your program?” my father asks.
“Markov, join us.” It’s unusual for a bodyguard to join us for dinner, so I’m not sure what my father’s planning.
“Oh, things are going well. I’ve been working alongside Professor Morozov. He’s world-renowned for his leading research on the advances made against biological threats. We actually had a simulation today.”
“Oh good, good,” my father says placatingly. He hasn’t heard a word I said.
I wink at Markov behind my father’s back as he arranges for us to have a seat inside.
“We were able to extract DNA from monkeys to cross-breed them with the African elephant with much success. We’ll be able to market our new breed to upcoming entrepreneurs within three years. They’ll be able to climb high trees while maintaining the status as the largest land animal on earth.”
“Is that right?” my father asks, following the waitress toward our table, a circular one at the way back, clearly reserved for VIP guests only. “Fascinating.”
He’s still not listening to a damn thing I say. Ugh. I grit my teeth and go on, making it more ridiculous.
“Mmm,” I say. “Quite. They’ll subsist on a diet that would be far too pricy for the average consumer, but perhaps some of the elite would find a way.” I give him a huge smile. Under the table, Markov pinches my thigh to remind me to behave. I turn and look at him while my father peruses the wine menu and shake my head at him. He narrows his eyes and makes a subtle swinging motion with his palm. Good. I hope he spanks me tonight. Might calm me down after all this nonsense.
“So proud of you, Vera. You always were exceptionally brilliant.” He looks up and winks widely at Markov. “For a woman, am I right? Do what you can, love, before you have to take maternity leave.”
He laughs loudly at his own joke, but I’m pleased to see Markov actually looks horrified. He quickly schools his features, though. “Actually, sir, I don’t believe brilliance is confined to gender. In the short time I’ve witnessed Vera’s accomplishments, I have to say her abilities are at a level and intensity that outshines all her peers. She’s earned that scholarship.” He smiles, and it sort of chills me. He says something to my father in Russian that I don’t understand, then decidedly ignores the glare I give him for freezing me out of the conversation.