Edwina lowered her voice.“Why is your business so important?”
Anger stole his breath, but not at her.She was asking astute questions.“I disliked how the business was heading before I took over control.My cousin presumes he’d do a better job.He has my grandfather’s ear and isn’t above pushing against my decisions.”
“That must make life difficult.”
“Also, my cousin is part of the Russian mafia,” he said.“I refuse to let my family get dragged into that life.”Plunged back into that madness.
“I see.Is that the reason you have bodyguards?”
“My cousin has tried to kill me,” Mikhail said.
She blinked.“Am I in danger?”
Mikhail hesitated, debating if honesty was the best policy.He preferred not to lie.So much easier to keep his stories straight since he was juggling enough with his grandfather.“Possibly.Not at first, but maybe once my cousin understands the consequences of our marriage.”Children.
Her eyes narrowed.“What happens when the year ends?Your problems will still be present.”
“No,” Mikhail said, even though she was right.His difficulties would return to bite him on the butt.He intended to use this time to his advantage and line up his geese.No, it was ducks, and he wanted them in neat, tidy rows.“I will handle my cousin.”And he would, even if he had to kill the conniving bastard and stomp on his grave.
Edwina sipped steadily at her wine.
“Don’t you want to learn about the family heirloom jewelry you’ll wear to the ballet and opera?”he asked, tired of juggling the truth.She was nothing like Clarice.Nothing.“About your clothing allowance?How much money you’ll have at your disposal?”
Edwina snorted.“I don’t need jewelry and expensive clothes.They’re not important to me.”
Mikhail’s mind screamed liar, but she met his gaze without flinching.
“I’ve done without luxuries for years to focus on my music.Why would that change?”
“What sort of music do you study?Do you play an instrument?Sing?Something else?”He surprised himself with his curiosity.
“I sing and play several instruments, but my passion is writing music.My friend Suzie also loves music, but her strength is writing lyrics.We’re a fantastic team.”Her enthusiasm shone through her words, and guilt surfaced in him.He quashed it, telling himself his need was more significant.
“Collaborate via the internet,” he said.“What type of teacher do you require?”
“I want to improve my singing and keyboard skills and perhaps learn another instrument.Suzie will help me on the songwriting side, and I can go through the university course with her, even if I’m not there in person.A remote course is a possibility.”
“You have my approval to do all of that.Find a suitable option and let me know how much you require to pay for it.”
“Thank you,” she said, placing her glass on the small tray.
She had eaten none of the food.
“Are you not hungry?”he asked.
“I’m more tired.It has been a long day.”She hitched up the loose sweats.Although she wasn’t petite like Clarice, the garments drowned her frame.
Mikhail took Edwina’s arm and hustled her toward the bed.“Strip,” he said, his voice harsh with the short order.
She lifted her chin, challenging him with her green gaze.“We are not having sex tonight.We’re acquaintances, and that’s all.”
Mikhail released his breath, aware of how often he issued orders.His family and workers followed his edicts without objection.“No,” he said, managing an even tone.“But you must take on my scent.Let me hold you until you sleep.”
She searched his expression even as her brow puckered.“If you do anything other than that, I will geld you when you least expect it.At the very least, give me a memorable first time.Flying on an airplane with your men and the cabin steward outside is not the right time or place.”
“Bloodthirsty woman.”So much information to dissect in her statement.A sneaking sympathy crept through him.She hadn’t known about this arranged marriage.That had been obvious.She’d been angry, shocked, and defensive about the money he’d advanced to her grandmother, but she’d believed him.
“Do I have your promise to do nothing to hurt me?”
