“What?” Cassie prodded.

Evette snickered. “It’s just funny—being on the outside and watching the things I experienced happen to someone else.”

“Such as?”

“Such as seeing another woman be the sole target of a Russian man’s attention. I was there once and let me tell you—Cinderella got the short end of the stick compared to these guys. When Russian men decide who they want, they’ll move heaven, hell and the big bad wolf all at once to make them theirs.”

“But Kir and I aren’t like that. We agreed to just be partners.”

That was right, wasn’t it? They’d said they’d be silent partners. Just two people helping each other out.

Evette rolled her lips inward for a second then cleared her throat. “Don’t know how to break it to you, sister, but from where I’m sitting, the partnership you thought you were in has escalated to a very serious committed relationship.”

No way.

Things like that didn’t just happen. Not with as little history as they had between them. Especially with the kind of history they had between them.

But Kir had been much more attentive. Possessive and protective. Had used those sexy Russian endearments more times than she could count tonight and been concerned about her home’s security.

You are exactly where I want you to be.

The muted thrum of her pulse grew louder in her ears, and her legs shook as though she’d sprinted up three flights of stairs.

“Don’t be too hard on him,” Evette said as though she hadn’t just completely upended her world. “My guess on the reason Kir hasn’t said anything is the fact that he hasn’t fully admitted it to himself yet. But he’ll get there. And when he does, you’re gonna have to hold on for all you’re worth, because he’s gonna be a hell of a ride.”

“I don’t...” Cassie licked her lips—or tried to, considering how dry her mouth had become. “I don’t know what to do with this. With him. I don’t know that I’m cut out for him.”

Evette cocked her head. “Do you like him, Cassie? Not what he does, or what you’ve heard from your friends, but him. The man. The way he treats you and how it feels to be with him.”

She did.

Always had.

Even beyond the stellar physical interactions they’d had, spending time with him was easy. Uncomplicated and fun the way it was with her aunt, but on a more intimate level.

She nodded.

“Then don’t do anything except enjoy yourself. Be who you are and let Kir be him. The rest will take care of itself.” Evette cupped her shoulder and urged her to the door. “But do it out there, because if we don’t make an appearance in the next few minutes, we’ll have Kir, Sergei, and maybe even Roman in here, and I don’t think you’re up for that much testosterone right now.”

How Cassie put one foot in front of the other without toppling off balance, she couldn’t say. The plush details in the hallway were little more than a blur, and the growing murmur of those in the dining room like thunder rumbling in the distance.