Twelve Nights Before Christmas; The Alpha Revenge Bride

TO CHR

The mansion ahead looks more like a palace than a home, wreaths on the iron gates, an ice sculpt

s, "Remember, dear, smile when someone's l

dress. "That's your a

her, checking his watch. "Don Vasiliev runs

air. The doorman in a navy coat nods them throug

nds over marble columns, candles in crystal holder

gowns and polished shoes. Laughter and champagne fill the room.

en in suits along the walls. The guests dance, exchange cheek kisses, talk

man by the fireplace, that's a senator. Don't mention pol

w who that is," E

act

tly through their chatter.

wns. "T

scends with the quiet attention of a king who doesn't need an announcement. Black tuxedo, clean lines, posture str

n Vas

's younger than she expected, maybe thirty, maybe less but he carries himself like

how tightly she's holding her cl

Don," her father says under

. He's speaking to another guest now, but his attention keeps flicking to

elbow. "He'll come ove

begins, but a v

or Mo

faint line of a scar under his jaw, and that his tie pin isn't gold,

d. "Don Vasiliev. Thank

cian says, his voice steady, slightly rough

r says quickly. "She's been l

d. "It's a beautiful

"Everyone calls me Lucian toni

He reaches for a passing tray, takes a glass of champagn

trying to seem composed

o make her heart skip. "You're the only one look

awkwardly. "She's yo

y on hers. "Let's

ffet, a tray of crystal glasses tipping, shattering a

s from her hand and Lucian catches it midair,

, one brow raised

rtled. "I did

e glass on a nearby table. "T

back at her, then gestures toward the dance floor as the orchestr

e, Miss Moret

s to protest, "D

"It's Christmas. You wouldn'

only a secon

is hand. Sh

ghts, the guests start whispering

glance they draw. The music is softer now, a slow piece arranged for Christmas

you dance,

to embarra

en you're already ahea

start moving together, quiet and careful. He's practice

e in Milan," he says. "Your father's n

she answers. "Except his versi

der his breath.

strangely private, even

ne who belongs in this cro

hat's that sup

in the eye. Most of them st

es him. "

d before

her mouth lif

prac

ine and warm wine lingers around them. He smells faintly

is fingers tighten slightly on her waist. "You shou

s a compliment,"

wa

eel the attention return. A woman near the o

a second, unreadable. Then back to

," Eve says. "I'm

ll survive this

m the edge of the dance floor. He leans in close to Lu

ure changes. The eas

ppened?"

hand. "Excuse

He nods once and starts toward the doors, his

ts, who are already mo

oing on?"

on her arm is firm

night just

his men to clear a room, so

ness sweeps through the chandeliers, and for one breath, everything is sti

n is

bout the outage, wave down waiters for reassurance. The chandeliers hum back to life,

lar, watching people drift toward the buffet again. Her par

father says bef

does

Lucian disappeared. Two guards in black stand by

"Just a small problem, miss.

starts again before she reaches the main floor. A slow waltz, delibe

y of champagne passes by, and she takes on

oned a