Maximus (Guardian Security Shadow World #15)

Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

“ Y ou look stunning.” Max walked a circle around Elena, who wore a sleeveless black gown that had a slit up her thigh. A bit high for her liking, but it was the style. The material clung to her curves, and she hoped she didn’t look lumpy. A small gold chain glistened around her neck, a graduation gift from her mother, and she had matching drop earrings her father had purchased. Max had warned her she wouldn’t be coming back for anything, so she wore what was most important to her. Her hair was swept up in a smooth coil, with curls strategically escaping and framing her face.

“Thank you.” She waved at her face. “I usually don’t worry about makeup, but tonight, I needed something to hide behind. Does that make sense?”

He smiled and touched her chin with his finger, tilting her face up. “You’re absolutely beautiful without makeup, but I understand the need for a little armor tonight.”

She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “I’m worried I’ll screw up.”

“You won’t. Just do what you normally do.”

“And listen to Val.”

“At all costs.”

“He should be here soon.” She glanced at the clock. “And we should go downstairs. Guests will start arriving shortly.” She brushed his tux’s collar. “You look amazing.”

He smiled at her. “You’ve got this.”

“I know.” She nodded.

They made their way to the event. The facility security nodded as they passed. She and Max had been in and out of the venue all day and were known to everyone. She went directly to the small room in the back where the champagne and small bites would be loaded onto trays and circulated through the crowd. “Is the champagne properly chilled?”

“Yes, ma’am, and the servers are on a timed release as per our conversation. Champagne service for the first half hour, then food trays are mixed in,” the kitchen lead said. She looked around. “We have more than enough for the number of people attending tonight.”

“Good. Thank you. If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to come get me.”

“I will, but we’re fine,” the woman assured her.

She smiled and returned to the venue. The lights were now dimmed, and the spotlights on the paintings were in full view. She moved to the Monet and adjusted the light to the left to draw on the lighting over the pond. Each painting was mounted and highlighted perfectly, but she had to check one last time. By the time she’d finished, guests were arriving. The manager of the resort was taking invitations and checking the people off as they came in. Max lingered in front of the Chagall, and she walked up to him. “I have to go play hostess.”

He smiled at her. “I’ll join you.” He extended his arm, and she slid her hand into the crook of his arm. “Breathe.”

“I am.” Wasn’t she?

As they reached the front of the venue, habit clicked into place, and she greeted each of the couples as they walked through the door. She asked about children, pets, and vacations. She didn’t know the people but remembered what she’d learned from the last showing, and her recalling such facts made them feel special.

Max visited with people, introducing himself and talking about the paintings with such authority it was hard to believe he’d just learned about art. Elena smiled and turned, bumping into someone.

“I’m so sorry …”

Sokolov grabbed her arm. He jerked her closer and hissed, “The boss is here. If he hears anything about what happened at your apartment, I’ll kill you and then your boyfriend.” His hand tightened around her arm.

“Elena, darling. There you are.” The woman she knew as Val walked up to her, smiling. She glanced at Sokolov and then down to his hand on her upper arm. “Is there a problem here? Should I call security?”

Sokolov blinked at the rare beauty in front of him. Elena could tell he was mesmerized by the woman’s absolute radiance. Her white gown, white hair, and diamonds at her neck, dangling from her ears and clasped at her wrists, made her appear to be the winter snow maiden or Snegurochka. She looked like the pictures she’d seen in her children’s books. All that was missing was a white fur hat and coat.

The woman frowned. “Please release my friend before I contact security.”

Sokolov dropped his grip and bowed before throwing Elena a warning glance and walking away. Elena rubbed her arm, looking around to see if anyone else had noticed. “Thank you. I didn’t see him come in, and your Russian is excellent.”

“Thank you, and I saw him come in and make a direct line toward you. I’d hoped to intervene before he could get to you.” Val took two glasses of champagne from a passing tray and handed her one.

A sudden hush from the crowd turned Elena. “Ah, my employer,” she said as she accepted the champagne.

Val turned to look at the man. “The man of the hour.”

“How much longer?” she asked.

“Not long. A white jacket, black slacks, and shoes. Black shirt and white tie,” the woman described what her boss was wearing.

Elena frowned and looked at Val. “What?”

“Just admiring his taste in clothes. The black trifold kerchief in the jacket is impressive.”

Elena frowned. “Somehow, I feel you’re talking around things like Max does.”

Val looked at her and smiled. “I think you’ll do. You’re sharp.”

“Sharp?” Elena asked.

“Smart, on the ball,” Val clarified. “I’ll keep you in sight. Max needs you now.” She moved away as Max walked up to her from behind. “I’d like you to introduce me now.”

Elena set the entire flute of champagne on the tray of a server as they passed. “Sokolov warned me not to say anything about what happened in the apartment.”

Max growled. A low, menacing sound only she could hear. “Val rescued me from him.” She patted his arm as they walked the length of the venue.

They approached the group of people surrounding Abrasha. He was holding court. That was what she always called it. Now, she understood the fear in people’s eyes. Now, she knew those people didn’t accept the invitations because they wanted to be there. They accepted because not coming could lead to complications should Abrasha become upset. It was as if a film covering her perception had been peeled back, and she could see the truth instead of the story she’d believed.

When she could, she interjected, “Sir, may I introduce you to Max Stryker.”

Abrasha turned to Max and smiled, extending his hand in the western custom. “A pleasure. I understand you’re very influential in the art world.”

All heads turned toward Max. He took Abrasha’s hand, speaking with his American-tinged Russian accent. “A pleasure to meet you, sir. I also have the pleasure of telling you my boss will be here in about fifteen minutes and would like to meet with you about a certain investment.”

“Perfect.” Abrasha almost shouted the word. “This is something I’m very excited about. You’ll inform me when the prince has arrived?”

Max’s eyes darted from Abrasha to the crowd around him. “Ah …”

“Do not worry. I have security, and no one here would dare repeat anything I say. Am I right?” He laughed and made a grandiose gesture as he turned to the crowd. A nervous ripple ran through the crowd, along with smattered words of agreement.

Max cocked his head to the left, and Elena felt her pulse quicken. That brilliant mind of Max’s was processing. He lifted his chin and stated, “My employer is a private man, regardless of your assurances. Perhaps this was a mistake.”

The humor on Abrasha’s face fell away immediately. “Do not call off this meeting.” Elena watched the crowd drift away. No, ran away. Everyone except Abrasha’s bodyguards pretended to find the paintings suddenly interesting.

Max cleared his throat and squared his shoulders as if trying to give himself strength. “Do not broadcast my employer’s title around as if it were a trophy for you to hoist in the air, sir.”

Elena watched Max’s eyes dart around nervously. So did Abrasha. The man smiled evilly. “If you insist.”

Max nodded and then looked at her. “Would you like a refreshment, my dear?”

“I’d love one.” They turned to leave, but Abrasha stopped her.

“Elena, a moment.”

“Certainly.” She stepped away from Max. “I’ll be right there.”

Max nodded and walked away.

“This man is not good enough for you.” Abrasha sniffed as if he smelled something bad.

“Excuse me?” She blinked at his audacity.

“He’s too weak. I can see it in his eyes. He has no steel in his body. You need someone who is strong.” Abrasha extended his empty champagne glass, and one of his bodyguards filled the glass from a bottle they’d brought to the show. She’d always assumed it was because he had a favorite year or brand. Now, she realized it was his paranoia.

She glanced around them before answering, “I think I should be allowed to be with whom I choose.”

“Of course, just know he is weak and a waste of your time. This one will not stand during bad times.” Abrasha turned his back on her, dismissing her as he walked over to the only Pissarro he owned. Several couples flocked around him to compliment him on the art.

Elena turned around and walked over to where Max was waiting for her with a glass of sparkling water. “He told me you were weak and wouldn’t stand during bad times.” Taking the glass from Max, she turned her back on Abrasha. “How could I have not seen him for what he is?”

Max turned to look in the same direction, so his back was also to Abrasha. “The important thing is you see it now.”

“I do.” She nodded.

Max put his full glass on a small table meant for that purpose, then squeezed her hand. “It’s time. Go with Val. Now.”

Elena put the glass down and let go of his hand, heading straight for Val, who was watching her. She got to the door, and Val opened it. They both ducked out of the event room. “To the front parking lot. Do not stop.”

Elena put her head down and walked as fast as humanly possible.