“Yes, sir. I apologize…”
“Shoo.” Alexei flicks his hand once, then twice. “Like a bird. Go on.”
Malachi doesn’t move fast enough.
Alexei flaps his hand more aggressively. “Shoo. Shoo shoo shoo. Why are you still in my line of sight?”
“I’m leaving…”
“Then do it faster.” Alexei makes sweeping motions with both hands now. “Off you go. Somewhere else. Anywhere else, really.”
Malachi bolts.
Chapter 16
Alexei
He runs off, and I immediately pull my handkerchief out. I start wiping her shoulder and her waist…anywhere that fool touched her.
“It’s not like he’s dirt that can come off with a handkerchief,” she says.
“You never know.” I finish the job and toss the cloth onto a waiter’s tray as he passes us. I extend my hand. “Now, my beautifulVedma. May I have this dance? I’m pretty sure I can do a better job than he did.”
“Alright.”
We move to the floor, and I take her in my arms, pulling her close. We start dancing, and I spin her, watching how easily she follows. I lift her, feeling her weight before setting her back down. My mouth finds her ear. “You’re so beautiful.”
She doesn't answer, just keeps pace with me.
“You dance well. Better than I thought you would.”
“Well, I did have dance training when I was young,” she says. “So I’m not a bad dancer.”
“I know you did.” I turn, the room blurring around us. “I came into your life when you were still doing those questionable jobs online. I saw you dance.” I tighten my grip on her waist. “I would like you to dance privately for me.”
“As long as you make the cash rain.”
I stop moving for half a second. “Are you serious? You would dance for me if I made it rain?”
“Yes.”
I’ll make it happen. We start moving again, her body following every spin and lift. But something feels off. “There’s something missing from this dance.”
“What? The song is fine.”
“Yeah, but you aren't stomping on my foot.”
“That's because I actually know how to dance. I only did that to annoy you before.”
“Then why stop now?” I pull her flush against me. “What’s getting into you? This good girl act? I don’t like it. I like a bad, mean woman. I like evil. You know you’re my type.” My lips brush her ear. “So why are you softening up? Please, beautiful. Step on my foot.”
“No.”
“Please.”
“That’s weird.”
“I know. Do it anyway.”