Masquerade [Kuskovo Estate]

[Adrian Kane]

Colette had been forward that night at 41 Kras’ rooftop bar, therefore, he wasn’t surprised when she contacted him again. Adrian agreed to be her date and promptly set about the task of researching exactly whose party he would be attending. The Vasilievs were a recognized name within the city, and for those who skirted the periphery of the power players, were a name to respect. Filtering through the contracts under AK Holdings’ many businesses, he identified multiple circumstances where services had been provided in one way or another. It meant Adrian was several degrees of separation away from Konstantin Vasiliev, but it meant he was in the world nonetheless. If the roles were reversed, he would be sure to conduct similar research on every guest attending the function tonight, flagging men of interest to monitor. Therefore, he assumed he was noted, but probably dismissed as someone of low rank and power. Things would not always be like that. Not after he mastered this infuriating power within, and not after he finally forced his way onto the center of the stage where he belonged. Until then, he would enjoy watching the people who would eventually become part of the history books.

Since Colette was still a guest of Radiance, it was only a short elevator ride to meet her at her door. He knocked and waited like a proper gentleman at the appointed time, only for his brow to furrow down in frustration when there was no answer. A moment later, his wallet buzzed and upon it, he discovered a message from Colette, indicating that he was to 'come and find her'. The message was playfully intended, but he grumbled to himself anyway. 41 Kras was a large building. She could be anywhere. They were going to be late if he took an hour to seek her out, not to mention trodding up and down his own building was a joke he wasn’t wanting to play. Luckily, he could cheat.

He dialed security. Surely she would know he would do that. So what was the point?

He located her in the lobby bar, perched upon a seat like a bird on a limb. The same drink from the night they met was twirled in her fingers. He intended to walk directly up to her and congratulate her on a game well-played and lead her out so they could depart, but instead he found himself strangely still. A staff member’s voice permeated the strange fog that descended upon his mind, though he did not look away from Colette when it did.

“Mr. Kane. Can I get you something?”

Adrian’s answer was a frown as he slowly made his way to her.

“I see the chase was worth the effort. You look stunning,” he said. He would not allow what was stirring within to grab hold, and instead, he told himself it was merely because she was a classically beautiful woman pursuing him. Such women were a dime a dozen, but allowing himself to appreciate one was no more than a minor disruption. It meant only that he was certain to draw jealousy from the other masquerade guests, leverage he could use to his advantage. 

He held out his arm for her to join him, and he escorted her to the car that would take them to Kuskovo.