Volkov

Chapter 9

As soon as I stepped into the grand ballroom, I felt it—the weight of every pair of eyes on me. The air was thick with elegance, laughter, and the sound of glasses clinking, but all of that faded into the background the moment I crossed the threshold. The marble floors, the gleaming chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the distant hum of soft music—all of it seemed to fade, focusing all my attention on the whispers and the stares.

I felt every gaze on me. At 5'10", I'd always been aware of how much space I took up, but tonight was different. Tonight, it wasn't just my height or my curvy figure that drew attention. It was the dress, the way it hugged me, the way the backless design showcased my smooth skin. And my hair—my bob silk press glowed under the dim, golden light. I felt like a goddess entering a world that had been waiting for me to arrive.

For the first time, I didn't shrink back. Instead, I savored the attention. I took my time to walk through the entrance, my heels clicking with purpose against the marble. I could feel the stares—some lingering, others brief, but all of them impossible to ignore. As I moved deeper into the room, I could feel the admiration in the air, the way the crowd parted just slightly to make way for me.

I wasn't just here to attend a gala. I was here to make an impression, and I had every intention of leaving my mark.

"Raven!"

I turned at the sound of my name to see Elijah Volkov making his way toward me, a confident smile spreading across his face. As always, his presence was commanding—tall, with broad shoulders, and dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that fit him like a glove. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his warm brown eyes were locked on me as he moved with purposeful grace, easily weaving through the crowd.

"Raven, you look..." He paused, his smile widening. "Absolutely stunning."

I felt my heart skip a beat. Elijah had always been charming, but tonight, there was something different about the way he looked at me, something deeper. His gaze lingered just a little too long, and I noticed the slight twinkle of mischief in his eyes. He stepped closer, his tone lowering as he added, "If my brother doesn't watch out, he might be losing you to me tonight."

A laugh escaped my lips, though I tried to keep it controlled. "Elijah, you're incorrigible," I said, shaking my head. But the truth was, his words didn't fall flat. I couldn't help but feel a small thrill at the thought. Elijah was Maksim's younger brother, but they were nothing alike—where Maksim was all business, cold and intense, Elijah was warmth, charm, and a sharp wit. And there was something about the way he looked at me that made me feel like the center of the universe, even if it was just for a moment.

Before I could say anything else, Elijah offered me his arm. "Come, let me show you around. I'm sure my brother will be too busy to do so, and I don't want you to get lost in this sea of suits and heels."

I raised an eyebrow but took his arm, letting him guide me further into the gala. The music swirled around us, a soft mix of classical and modern, while the chatter of business moguls and entrepreneurs created a low hum in the background. There was a grace to Elijah's movements, an ease that made me feel comfortable even in the middle of this extravagant affair. We passed by various groups of people, each more important than the last, but none of them seemed to notice us. Elijah had a way of making everything feel natural, unhurried.

He leaned in slightly, his voice just above a whisper. "Don't let Maksim get to you tonight," he said, his words laced with an unexpected tenderness. "He might be my older brother, but I know him. He'll do what he does best—bury himself in work and forget to enjoy the moment. So, if you want something else from tonight... well, you know where to find me."

I chuckled, though I could feel my pulse quicken. The way Elijah spoke to me—playful, yet with an underlying sincerity—sent a rush of heat to my cheeks. "Don't worry, Elijah. I'm here for the night. I'll enjoy it, no matter what."