“Curious fellow,” Thorne murmured next to her.
“Oh?” she asked just as softly.
“He seems most interested in the jewels, and he…” The old man shook his head, erasing whatever errant thought had strayed into his mind.
“Mr. Thorne, could I trouble you for some champagne?” She hated to impose upon his good nature, especially with an ulterior motive at play, but she was hoping to get a minute alone with Mikhail. It was silly, but she wanted to see if he would talk to her again.
“Of course.” Thorne patted her hand and wandered off in search of a waiter. She composed herself, painted a cool smile on her face, and readied herself to greet him. When she turned back to Mikhail, she growled in frustration. He was gone. Again. She whipped her head around, searching for him, and caught a glimpse of
