“And because he learned I already had a wife, he shot at her to clear the path for his daughter.”Anger released in his crisp words.His actions were no different from what Edwina’s grandmother had done.Now he understood Edwina’s anger and frustration.Old didn’t mean wise—something he was coming to learn.
“I have no knowledge of that,” his grandfather said.
Mikhail spat a curse and hung up.After a second, he dialed Ivan.
“What are you going to do?”Ivan asked.
“Speak with Edwina, tell her everything, and make a plan with her input.”
Ivan’s piercing whistle had Mikhail jerking his phone from his ear.“Enough from the cheap seats.”
Ivan’s laugh was rich and poked fun at him.One day with a new wife, and he’d changed his point of view.He tucked his phone away and leaned against the seat, closing his eyes.Clarice.What the hell did he do with her situation?Even though she’d lied to him, tried to maneuver him, he should help her.She’d been desperate—was still desperate to save her son—and he could hardly fault her for that.
“We’ve arrived, sir.”
Mikhail jerked awake at the soft voice, surprised he’d slept.
“We’re at your home,” his driver said, maintaining a healthy distance.
Mikhail blinked and surveyed his surroundings with one sweep of his gaze.“Thank you.”He exited the vehicle and, with a nod at his driver, strode for the front entrance.
Gregory met him in the entranceway.“I understand you’ve had problems.”
“Clarice and Smirnoff from the Bratva.He wants me to run his business because he can’t trust his son not to wreck everything he has built.”
“He doesn’t have anyone else who can do the job?”Ivan asked, joining them both.
Mikhail shrugged.“Who knows how his damn mind works?I want nothing from the Bratva.My father died cleaning house, and he’d roll in his grave if I undid his work.Our people are happy and productive.They’re prospering.”
Ivan turned more somber.“We’re lucky he has only attacked property rather than our people.”
A rustle sounded to his right.Edwina.His heart skipped a beat while his tiger issued a welcoming purr.He didn’t even care that his friends heard the betraying sound.
Edwina cocked her head.“Are you intending to meet in the foyer, or will you discuss matters in a lounge with liquid fortification?”
Happiness rose in Mikhail, and he grinned.Edwina wore a lilac robe and what looked like a pair of pajamas underneath.His tiger chuffed, this time in amusement, and Mikhail’s grin broadened.She wouldn’t be wearing those for long, not once they had privacy.
Mikhail crossed the distance between them with giant steps and wrapped his arm around her waist.Momentarily, she leaned into him, and he savored her sweet, floral perfume.He nuzzled her hair, drawing her scent deep before he flexed his arm and guided her into the lounge.He stopped in front of a chair.“What can I get you to drink?”
“A whisky and water?Do you have a Scottish malt?”she asked.
“I do.Ivan?Gregory?”
“I’ll have a whisky,” Ivan said.
Gregory dipped his head.“Works for me.”
Mikhail poured four glasses and added a dash of water to Edwina’s.He carried two drinks to her and placed them on a round wooden side table near her chair.“Stand up,” he said on reaching her.
She hesitated.
“Please.”
Looking mystified, she rose.Mikhail plopped onto the chair and tugged her to sit on his knee.She fought him for an instant.
“Please,” he murmured for her ears only.“I need the physical contact.”
Edwina slanted him a glance, then relaxed.“What has happened?”
