“I won’t succumb to pressure from you.We’re winning more and bigger contracts because people seek integrity and excellent workmanship.That’s what we give them.We don’t cut corners or overcharge for materials.Our buildings are winning awards for clever design and going green.Inquiries are coming in from surrounding countries who want us to build their offices and homes.This is the way forward.”
“I want to see my friends before I die,” his grandfather said.“I miss them.Your cousin Timofel understands this, which is why I have sent him to the United States to train with those who will help him to develop contacts and upskill.”
Mikhail kept his expression impassive while relief surged inside him.His cousin was a pain in his butt, and Mikhail was tired of watching his back for the knives Timofel constantly wielded—actual and figurative.Timofel’s absence was a blessing, and although he was curious about where his cousin had gone, he didn’t ask questions.His cousin had buckets of attitude.He’d likely get himself killed if he didn’t learn fast.
And they weren’t real friends if they shunned his grandfather because the family company had changed how they did business.Mikhail had agreed with his father and backed him, even though he’d still been in his teens when the shift occurred.His father had lost his life doing what he thought was right, and Mikhail had fought hard when his grandfather had attempted to revert to the old ways.
“I promised my friend you would marry his daughter.I gave him my word.”His grandfather was becoming querulous from fatigue.“You will marry her.”His expression turned sly.“The notice appears in the newspapers tomorrow.”
“No,” Mikhail said.“That will not happen.”
“It’s too late,” his grandfather said, his tone smug.“You can’t get out of this marriage.I gave my word.”
Mikhail cursed, and his heartfelt oath made his grandfather cackle.
“You’re trapped now.”
“I can’t marry the woman because I already have a wife,” Mikhail snapped.No sooner had the words left him than he wanted to bite off his tongue.
8
“WherehasMikhailgone?”Edwina asked as they sped away from the airport, the building site giving way to an industrial area with massive warehouses.She caught glimpses of men in high-visibility vests, driving machinery and scurrying like conscientious ants.
“He has business,” Ivan replied, and that was all he said.No details.No excuses.No clues.
“That woman didn’t look as if her visit was business-related.Who is she?”
Ivan and Gregory exchanged a glance, their expressions telling.
Irritated, Edwina leaned forward between the seats, not intending to let either man get away with covering for Mikhail.“Girlfriend.Lover.Mistress?”
Neither man reacted, their expressions unreadable, and she stopped asking questions.Instead, she leaned back and watched the scenery.They departed the business zone and entered the confines of the town before leaving that behind and driving into the countryside.A crystal-blue lake came into view, and jagged mountains stood on the horizon, some with snowcaps.Lush fields contained cattle and horses, while in other paddocks, farmers had hay ready to harvest.
The drive took another forty minutes before Ivan turned onto a gravel road and pulled up in front of a gate.He used a remote, and the barrier slid open.Edwina wasn’t sure what she expected—probably a mansion or something significant, worthy of a man with pots of money.Instead, they pulled up beside a single-level bungalow.It wasn’t huge and luxurious but nor was it small.The gardens blazed with color, and it looked as if Mikhail used the outdoor area as extra living space, given the broad veranda and the wooden furniture clustered around what looked like a firepit.
“Home, sweet home,” Gregory said, exiting the vehicle as soon as Ivan halted outside the door.
“You live here too?”
“Ivan and I share a cottage out the back,” Gregory said.
Edwina clicked her teeth together to halt her questions.She had tomorrow to learn more.Right now, she wanted to retreat to a private place and fashion a plan.Mikhail was still her mate, even though he might not want her.She’d marked him, so the chances of leaving him were slim.Most people didn’t go about mating this way.She exited the vehicle when Gregory opened it for her and followed the two men into an entrance hall big enough to fit a grand piano.Gleaming white tiles covered the floor, and a narrow wooden table held a vase of fresh yellow flowers.A landscape hung on the wall, depicting mountains, trees, and a lake.
“What would you like to do?”Ivan asked after ushering her into the first doorway on the right.
Edwina took stock.A reception room, beautifully decorated and magazine-shoot ready.The curtains danced with the breeze, and the fragrance of flowers filled the air.The chairs and other furniture appeared dainty rather than suitable for a man intent on relaxing in front of the telly.
She blinked.“Are you talking to me?”
“Yes,” Ivan said.“You shouldn’t sleep now.”
Edwina shrugged.“No.I guess I’ll check out the gardens and contact my friends.”
A quick glance passed between Ivan and Gregory, one that told her speaking with Suzie wouldn’t be part of the plan.
“Am I a prisoner?”She glared with accusation.
Gregory spoke first, his words rapid and conciliatory.“No, of course not, but it’d be best to check with Mikhail first.”
