The tall man was standing firmly in the doorway, his arms folded, and shaking his head at the small woman in front of him. âSorry, sweetheart,â he said, âI told you, the theme is blue tonight, and that dress is clearly in the greens.â He rolled his eyes as she protested and called him something he was sure was an ugly name in what he assumed was Russian, but he didnât really know. Whatever it was, and whatever she said, he wasnât getting in past him. Or at least, she wouldnât have, if an equally tall man hadnât come strolling up past the line, his hands casually in his pockets, and his stance well at ease.
âPaul, Paul, Paul,â he said, his voice light, âWhat on earth is causing you to hold up the line so badly?â He glanced down, and a look of surprise crossed his face as he recognized the woman before him. That look quickly turned to a grin and he looked back at his bouncer. âOh I see now. Listen, Iâd say her dress is close enough, for someone whoâs a friend of mine anyways. Sheâs my personal guest tonight. I hope youâll be nicer to her.â With the doorman looking embarrassed enough to not argue, Alexander turned his full attention to Mila and offered her his arm. âMay I?â