I pushed all these thoughts down and instead focused on my surroundings. I’d already spotted Ivan, surrounded by his men, charming the fucking asses off of everyone here.

Kissing her cheek, I kept my lips close to her ear. “Mr. Hampton seems to think it is okay to take money from us to help him win his political career, but when it comes to keeping his end of the deal, he seems to have forgotten.”

“What was his end of the deal?”

“To look the other fucking way,” I said.

We never asked for much from people like Roger, but what we did expect was for them to honor it.

“Now, we’re going to dance and play the part of a doting couple.”

“Wait,” Aurora said, her hand on my arm. “Why are we here? I mean, you’re … you know, and I’m well, no one.”

“Sweetheart, didn’t you know you married a very powerful entrepreneur? My expertise is expansion. I have casinos, real estate, and an entire investment portfolio.” I winked at her.

“Of course you do.”

We covered our tracks well. I was known as a member of the Volkov Bratva, but no one would have any evidence. It was what made us so powerful and also untouchable. We were businessmen, nothing more.

Taking Aurora’s hand, I led her onto the dance floor. After placing a hand at the base of her back, I pulled her in close. The feel of her soft body against mine was close to driving me insane.

Years of control kept me sharp and my dick soft in my pants.

I checked around the room, noticing the additional guards on the doors. Roger also had a man by his side constantly.

Looking back over at Ivan, I saw he kept his distance. This was always the case with parties like these.

“What do you need to do?” Aurora asked.

“Pardon?”

“You’re here to talk to him, right?” She glanced behind her. “I guess you can’t get too close to him, can you? He knows who you are. What you’re capable of.”

“Most people do.”

She licked her lips and dropped her hands. “Excuse me.”

I frowned as I watched her leave. She’d abandoned me on the dance floor. Running my hands down my jacket, I checked out her ass. The gown she wore covered her body and yet left nothing to the imagination.

I didn’t know how it happened, but each time I looked at her, she got sexier. The curves of her ass and hips called to me. I wanted them in my hands as I took her. Maybe it was time for me to get a woman on the side because right now, all I could think about was sex and fucking my woman.

She moved through the throngs of people, and I finally got my feet moving, following behind her. She broke through the group surrounding Roger Hampton, and I was close enough to hear her speak.

“Mr. Hampton, it is an honor to finally get to meet you in person,” Aurora said. “I watched the last talk you did, and it was inspiring. In fact, I was wondering if it would be at all possible to have a quiet word with you. I’d like to consider investing myself in your future.”