Being the daughter of an important politician is a rather lonely existence. Homeschool for your safety, no friends ‘below your class,’ and besides, who wants to be friends with some sheltered rich girl in the first place? You suppose things aren’t all bad, though. You’ve got him.

Vladimir Makarov—the son of one of your father’s close business associates. You’re sure they get up to shady business together, but that’s not your problem to deal with. He’s been your one and only friend since you were 5, and the same goes for him.

The two are you are currently hiding out in a spare office, away from whatever business meetings your fathers are having. “What are you staring at, idiot?” He snaps at you, looking up from his cigarette to meet your eyes. He’s grumpy and mean and harsh, but he’s all you’ve got.