3. THE FIRST EYE CONTACT

SPENCER HAYES'S POV

I adjusted the delicate straps of Annika's gown, ensuring they lay perfectly on her shoulders. My hands moved with precision, a symphony of touches to bring out the best in my design.

"Relax, Annika," I whispered, soothing her nerves. "You're going to own that runway."

Annika's gaze met mine in the mirror, her eyes sparkling with determination.

"Let's do this," she said, her voice steady. 

We were in the midst of rehearsals, fine-tuning every step, every gesture. The NYC Fashion Week show was just hours away.

As Annika practiced her walk, I observed every detail—the sway of her hips, the tilt of her head.

"Shoulders back, Annika," I reminded her. "You're the star of the night."

Annika laughed, her tension dissipating.

Oliver Chase, my well-wisher and my boss. entered the rehearsal space, his eyes scanning the room.

"Spencer, how's our opener doing?"  he asked, his voice expectant.

"Perfect," I replied, confidence in my tone.

Annika's gaze locked onto Oliver's, her expression resolute.

"I've got this," she declared.

Oliver smiled, nodding.

"I know you do, Annika. Now let's make it happen."

The rehearsal continued, our team working seamlessly together.

As we broke for a short interval, Annika's phone buzzed.

"D," she whispered, her eyes lighting up.

My curiosity piqued, I wondered about what Dmitri had to say.

I have heard a lot about him from Annika.

He is her favorite brother after Alex, her twin. "The most easygoing," as she always says.

But for now, I need to focus on the show.

"Time to nail this show," I reminded myself as we prepared for the final rehearsal.

Annika returned, a radiant smile on her face.

"Everything okay?" I asked, adjusting the hem of her gown.

Annika nodded enthusiastically. "Dmitri said the whole family's coming to the show."

My eyebrows rose.  "That's fantastic! You must be thrilled."

Annika's eyes sparkled. "I am! Dmitri, Alex, Mum, Pa, everyone. They're all going to be there to witness their daughter rule the night tonight."

I smiled, sharing her excitement. "That's amazing. You totally deserve it."

Annika's gaze turned serious. "Spencer, I really want to make them proud. And you, of course."

I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.  "You will, Annika. You're going to own that runway."

Oliver Chase approached, his expression approving. "Annika, I've been thinking. For the finale, let's add a special touch."

Annika's curiosity piqued, she leaned in.

"What did you have in mind?" I asked, intrigued.

Oliver's eyes gleamed. "A custom-made jewelry piece. Something that complements your design."

Annika's face lit up. "That sounds stunning!"

As Oliver elaborated on his idea, Annika's phone buzzed again.

She glanced at the screen, her smile faltering for a moment.

"Everything okay?"  I asked, noticing the brief hesitation.

Annika nodded quickly. "Yeah, just Alex wishing me luck."

I nodded but sensed there was more to it.

However, with the show looming, focus was crucial.

"Let's get back to rehearsal," I suggested, guiding Annika back onto the ramp walk.

.

.

.

At night

The countdown to Fashion Week had begun.

Night descended upon the fashion show venue, chaos erupting as last-minute preparations reached a fever pitch.

Annika paced backstage, her nerves frayed.  "Where is he?" she muttered, checking her phone for what felt like the hundredth time.

Jeremy, Dmitri's trusted aide, approached her. "Annika, relax. Dmitri will be here soon."

"But he promised he'd be here an hour ago," Annika fretted.

Jeremy offered a reassuring smile. "Princess, New York’s traffic is a nightmare. He'll be here in a few minutes."

Just then, Alex burst into the area, excitement radiating from him. "Annika, you're going to rock this!"

Annika's tension eased slightly as she hugged Alex. "Thanks, baby brother."

Other family members arrived, offering words of encouragement.

But Dmitri's absence lingered, a nagging concern.

Annika's gaze drifted to the entrance, willing him to appear.

Jeremy's phone buzzed.  "Ah, Dmitri's on his way up."

Annika's face lit up, relief washing over her.

As the minutes ticked by, the show's opening music began.

Annika took her place at the entrance.

Jeremy gave her a nod. "Dmitri's here."

I turned to see Dmitri striding toward us, his eyes locked onto Annika.

A tall, brooding man entered the backstage with a dark navy blue overcoat enhancing his shoulders and, underneath, a black Armani suit with cufflinks and a red tie.

"Sorry I'm late," he whispered, brushing a kiss on Annika's forehead.

Annika's smile widened for a moment before she composed herself.

"Showtime," Oliver Chase called out.

Annika's gaze locked onto the ramp.

This was it.

The moment she'd been working toward.

As Dmitri emerged from the chaos, our eyes met.

For a fleeting moment, time froze.

I'd never seen anyone like him.

Jeremy, Dmitri, and Nikolai were triplets, but Dmitri's aura was distinct.

An undeniable presence commanded attention.

Chiseled features, piercing eyes, and an enigmatic smile.

Annika's tension dissipated as Dmitri's gaze locked onto hers.

A softness in his eyes, a gentle smile.

Jeremy and Nikolai shared the same striking features, but Dmitri's energy was unique.

A quiet confidence, a depth that drew me in.

As a fashion stylist, I'd worked with countless beautiful people.

But Dmitri Romanov was breathtaking.

His eyes held a story, a complexity that intrigued me.

I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Dmitri's gaze drifted to me, our eyes meeting briefly.

A spark of recognition.

Did he sense my fascination?

I looked away, focusing on Annika.

Showtime.

Annika's moment.

But Dmitri's presence lingered, etched in my mind.

As the show wrapped up, I helped Annika change out of her finale gown.

Dmitri lingered backstage, exchanging congratulations with Oliver Chase.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed.  "Excuse me," he said, stepping away.

I watched him exit the backstage area, curiosity getting the better of me.

Without thinking, I followed him.

Dmitri navigated through the crowded venue, his tall frame disappearing into the night.

I trailed behind, my heart pounding.

Why was I following him?

We turned into a dimly lit alley, the sounds of the venue fading.

Dmitri stopped beneath a flickering streetlight, his back to me.

His voice was low and urgent.

"I don't care what it takes... Find out."

A pause.

"Yes, I'll handle it."

His words sent a shiver down my spine.

What was he discussing?

Dmitri's gaze scanned the alley, his eyes narrowing.

He cuts the call and starts to walk towards me.

I retreated into the shadows, holding my breath.

Had he seen me?

The tension in his body language was palpable.

Suddenly, Dmitri stopped walking, and a dark shadow behind him had a gun pointed at Dmitri's head.

What had just happened?

I remained hidden, unsure what to do next.