Page 99 of Betrayal and Vows

Technically not nude, but the color of the dress and the transparency gives the illusion she is.

The bodice clings to her breasts, the delicate fabric doing nothing to hide her body.

The skirt flows like liquid gold, but every step reveals the outline of her thighs, the curve of her ass.

Silvery threads are carefully sewn over her nipples and crotch to provide what I assume is modesty.

She's breathtaking.

And the dress should be a fucking crime.

Her makeup is heavy tonight.

But I know my little sunshine. The slight puffiness around her eyes that no amount of concealer can completely hide. The way she holds her shoulders back like she's afraid she'll shatter if she relaxes even slightly.

"Ladies," I say, my voice professionally neutral. "The family is waiting."

Lena's eyes meet mine for exactly one second. In that brief moment, I see everything. She’s in pain. And she’s ashamed.

I step back and allow them to exit.

I glance at her hand and see she’s wearing my mother’s ring.

I casually undo a button on my shirt to show her the new chain I’m wearing. With her grandmother’s cross. Her eyes widen briefly and then I see her lips twitch.

We walk in formation down the hallway. Me slightly ahead and to the side, both women behind me.

Professional distance. Nothing suspicious about the bodyguard doing his job.

The ballroom buzzes with conversation and laughter. It's beautiful and civilized and completely fucking obscene.

I position myself against the far wall where I can see every entrance, every guest, every potential threat. Where I can watch her without appearing to watch her.

Mikhail swoops in immediately, like a vulture sensing wounded prey.

"My beautiful bride," he purrs, reaching for her hand.

I see her flinch—so slight most people would miss it.

But I catch everything. The way her fingers tremble before she lets him take her hand. The microscopic step backward. The way her body leans away from him.

"You look stunning,printsessa." His eyes rake over her body with obvious hunger, and my hands curl into fists behind my back.

"Thank you," she murmurs.

He tries to pull her closer, but Elena appears like magic at Lena's other side.

"Mikhail, darling, I must introduce Lena to someone.”

Mikhail looks pissed, but he has to keep appearances.

The next two hours are much the same. Mikhail moves in and Kira and Elena are always there.

At dinner, security is denied entry into the formal dining room. It makes my teeth grind but the contingent of guards lining the hall gives me some comfort.

I decide to take advantage of the time with everyone occupied and focused on the dining room.

It takes seconds for me to black out the couple of cameras before I slip into Vadim’s office.