Mikhail explained the evening’s events to Edwina, Ivan, and Gregory.Everything.He told her about Clarice and didn’t gloss over the fact he’d liked the woman and had initially intended to continue their relationship.That had changed once he’d met Edwina, but he’d owed Clarice an explanation.
Edwina barked out a laugh.
“Have I amused you?”
“It’s funny you thought you were using her services when she had an agenda the entire time.”
“I wish she’d confided about her son,” Mikhail said.“I only spent a few nights a week with her, but there was never any evidence of a child.”
“Who is his father?”Edwina asked.
“Not me,” Mikhail said without hesitation.“The boy is six.”
“Who is his father?” Edwina asked.“Is he part of the problem?”
“Clarice refused to tell me.She cried.Whoever threatened her told her they’d send her son back in pieces.”
“Bastard,” Edwina snapped.“Do they want you to oversee the business?Has she told you the entire truth?”
“I’ll need to research and ascertain their financial status,” Mikhail said.“I’ll start that in the morning.”
Edwina sipped her drink.“Now that you understand their aim, what will stop them from picking off your family and friends?That’s what I’d do.”
“If they hurt someone I care for, that won’t make me work for them.They won’t get what they want by pushing their usual tactics,” Mikhail snapped.
“They don’t sound intelligent enough to work that out,” Edwina said.“I presume they’re the ones who shot at me?How do you intend to stop them?”
“As yet, I don’t have a plan.Once I research their finances and understand their power structure, I might have a better idea.The last thing I want is an all-out war.If Smirnoff and his family go down, another multi-headed monster will take his place.Someone with an eye on the main chance.”
“You could always agree and clean house from the inside,” Edwina said thoughtfully.
Mikhail’s arm tightened around her waist, momentarily blindsided by the radical but intelligent idea.“Perhaps,” he said.“That might take the sting out of their plans.”
“Request a meeting with the head honchos,” Edwina suggested.“After you do your research, of course.It’d be better to go in prepared.”
Mikhail glanced at Ivan and Gregory.Both men displayed approval and wore grins.“I’ll think about it.”
In answer, she let out a loud yawn.“Sorry.I’m tired.It has been an eventful day.”
Mikhail set his glass aside and lifted Edwina to her feet.“Let’s go to bed.We’ll see you in the morning.”
Neither Ivan nor Gregory commented until they’d left the lounge, but Mikhail caught their soft laughter.They liked Edwina, and he’d won a tremendous prize when he’d forced her to marry him.A woman such as Edwina at his side was gold.
11
Slightlybemused,Edwinastrolledat Mikhail’s side.His honesty had disarmed her, although she’d hated hearing about the other woman.At least he’d spoken the truth, not sparing his anger and frustration on learning Clarice had been playing him all along.These people who wanted Mikhail’s help—stooping to kidnap a child and threaten the mother couldn’t end well.
Mikhail reached for her hand, his thumb rubbing lazy circles on her skin.Every part of her zeroed in on the sensations radiating from his touch.A purr rippled in her mind, and Edwina faltered over whether to laugh or cry.This mating business had more complications than the intricate puzzles her father loved to challenge his mind.
“You’ve had a lot thrown at you today,” Mikhail said.“I want to assure you I’ve changed my mind about continuing as a single man.”He glanced at her as if judging her reaction.
“That’s reassuring,” Edwina said, not hiding her sarcasm.“You expect me to act with decorum and remain faithful, yet you’d pursue business as usual?I’m not stupid.I would’ve learned of your behavior, and the discovery would’ve made me extremely unhappy.Our marriage might have a limited term, but this isn’t the eighteenth century.I expect respect.”Edwina ground her teeth together, trying to corral her anger.He was bigger than her, stronger, yet he didn’t scare her.This realization cooled her wrath, and she checked his reaction to her outburst.
“I understand,” he said in an even, controlled tone.“I was furious with my grandfather for trying to maneuver me into following his wishes and didn’t think my plan through as I should’ve.Not an excuse, but an explanation.”
“My grandmother is constantly pushing my buttons.Her justification is that I’m young and stupid and running wild, but most of us learn from mistakes.My grandmother never gave me a chance.I’d take a bet she always planned on our marriage.They’ve manipulated us.”
Mikhail gave a muffled curse.“I dislike your grandmother.”
