Just as Aleks was about to open his mouth, considering the best possible option to answer the old lady at the reception desk, Lilth's voice struck him from behind. [i]"What an impeccable timing,"[/i] he thought to himself as a small smile appeared on his face, he was wondering what Lilith looked like, as he was certain she took great care to look the part. But still - he didn't flinch, not yet turning to face her. "I'm thankful you took your time to talk to me, babyshka. Take care of the old ticker," he let out a low laugh, one which was clearly not too genuine, but executed to perfection, only the most insightful of people would have the chance to assume something was off. Years of hiding behind fake laughs do that to a man. He leaned forward, his hands resting on the reception desk, whispering to Roza, "Maybe I can persuade her to stay for a bit longer." He flashed a kind smile, acting as he took care so Lilith wouldn't be able to hear him, but he didn't care if she did. It was just a means of tying all the loose ends. Who knows whether he'll need an alibi at one point, so there was an underlying need to be extra careful around people that saw the two of them together. Even if the person was, at first glance, as unimportant as an old lady at a reception. 

The thought of Lilith fuming behind him was as wonderful as it was dangerous. He felt her gaze burning into his back. Of course, teasing around a bit was allowed, but it was necessary not to go overboard with it. After all, the two of them had to be on the same page if everything was to go according to the plan. "My apologies, Lily," Aleks said as he swiftly turned around, fully expecting to see a beautiful lady in front of him. Instead, his pupils widened a bit, as he felt a sting of something rush through his body. [i]What is it?[/i] he asked himself as he looked at the woman in front of him. Excitement, shock, genuine surprise? It felt like nostalgia, but that did not make any sense. However, anything was a probability at this point, but the lingering fact was that she - even for this brief moment - got to him. Her appearance was absolutely stunning, but something was odd. It was not as if she had not have been beautiful during their first meeting. He wasn't able to put his finger on exactly what it was that struck him as off. [i]"Remember - she is something else; may change the fur, but she is still a fox."[/i]

Clearing his throat, trying to reassure himself of the reality that stood in front of him, he took few steps to approach her. Certainly, she noticed that shift. And probably felt good about herself. Yet, there was a distinct look on her face, look of... displeasure? But the fierce glance made her look that more wondrous. She was truly something special. Aleks was going to compliment her anyway, but his next sentence was maybe the most genuine thing he had said to her ever since the two met. "To say you look stunning is an understatement... Your are nothing short of perfect."

As he looked directly into her eyes, a certain voice echoed inside of his mind. The voice of his step father, telling him not to trust anyone with such eyes. It instantly snapped him back to reality, realizing what he was here to do. It was not the time, nor the place to get lost in someone's gaze. A moment of weakness - nothing more, nothing less. 

Yes, she may look beautiful, but without being able to see her dress, there was a possibility that she would feel slightly out of place at the party. After all, she wasn't merely supposed to play the role of his companion, but she would find the true nature of her role due time. Aleks felt a bit sorry for pulling wool over her face, but it was necessary. Her expression will be priceless, though, and the thought made a smirk appear on Aleks' face for a brief moment. He wasn't sure whether she saw it or not and, instead, decided to break the silence that had accumulated in the room, "Please, ladies first." 

~*~*~*~*~*~

The villa was packed with people of middle status in Bratva, anyone who was anyone was invited, bar the more higher up officials. Although it looked like a fancy gathering for more wealthy members of society, Aleks saw it as nothing but a bratty kid trying to suck up to older kids while his parents were not at home. That wasn't far from reality, indeed - the parking was filled with fancy cars, men and women could be seen coming in pairs, but more often than not, men came with more than one companion by their side. Aleks called for a taxi to bring them couple of blocks from the villa and from there, they walked. The less records existing of them actually attending this party, the better. Music could be heard from inside of the mansion, what could have had potential for a classy gathering sounded more like a low budget rave. The music, at least. And not the good kind of rave. It was obvious the kid was trying to impress. "Jesus," Aleks muttered out as he already counted over 10 men. The number of women was at least twice that much, and then some. It was not going to be easy. 

As they approached the main entrance, a bulky man crossed their path, first carefully inspecting Lilith - taking his time, before setting his eyes on Aleks. He nodded with approval, before opening his mouth to speak, "names?" His accent was thick, making Aleks sure the man was not from Russia. The question was - how familiar then was he with Bratva's hierarchy? "Aleksei Titov," a sharp, serious tone came out of Aleks' mouth as he enjoyed the look on the bouncer's face. So, he was familiar with Bratva after all. "And Nikolina L-" he went on to add, but the man cut him off. "No need for further names - Titov is more than welcome here." 

A small smile appeared on Aleks' face - it was a relief. The other people were getting searched for weapons, yet he had a free pass. He expected as much, but the small trace of doubt was there when he initially heard the man's accent. Had he searched Aleks, maybe he would find the first weapon of the evening. It was fortunate Aleks didn't have to explain himself. He looked to the side at Lilith, nodding for her to move inside, before turning his gaze back to the man, the smile now gone. "Thank you, but a small word of advice - don't interrupt a Titov again." The intimidating glare Aleks' gave the man remained on his face for a couple of second, before he swiftly switched back to the relaxed, smiling persona. He tapped the bouncer on his shoulder and moved past him.