“Is that why you flirt with anything that moves?” she teases.
“Kind of. I flirt, I play around. I’d rather have a string of meaningless fun than risk looking weak to anyone,” I explain.
“Why? What made you so…”
“So pragmatic? So attuned to the harsh reality of our existence?” I smirk.
“Okay, sure…what made you so pragmatic?” she gives in.
Maria rolls toward me, turning her body. Her leg brushes mine, and her body heat soaks into my skin.
It sends a current of desire through me that I struggle to control.
She senses it, too. It’s no mistake that she’s moved her body against mine. I’m not a fool. I can read her well enough.
She’s looking up at me with those gorgeous hazel eyes.
“Well?” she asks, waiting for my answer.
“Life,” I say, raising my brows. It’s growing lighter outside as the sun creeps up over the horizon and outshines the moon. “Life, and how I grew up. I was the youngest in a big bratva family. Mostly, they ignored me, neglected me, whatever you want to call it. That, or I was the one everything got blamed on. The youngest son is the least interesting to his father. He won’t take over the empire. He isn’t the heir. He’s just…nothing.”
“No one is nothing,” she says, horrified, reaching out to touch my arm in a comforting gesture. But to me, it’s more than comforting. It’s suggestive. It’s an invitation and a tease against all the thoughts of her running through my mind.
“Well, I was with my family. That’s why I left and started my own Bratva faction. I still talk to my family back home sometimes, but I’m happier without them around. The whole reason I agreed to this alliance is so that my family can’t take this freedom away from me. The alliance makes me stronger, even against men like my father.”
“Your father is your rival?” she asks.
I nod. “He is. In a way, he always has been.”
I look out of the window and grin. “But I have a far more important question for you,” I say.
“You do?” she grins as her eyes play over my lips.
“I do,” I nod, rolling onto my side and wrapping my arm around her waist to pull her closer.
She gasps, surprised, but doesn’t stop me.
“What was the question?” she whispers.
“Benedikt started something with you last night. I think he left you unsatisfied, and I want to know…will you let me finish?”
“Oh,” she exclaims, her lips parting.
I chuckle. “Don’t be so coy with me. I saw how much you enjoyed it,” I whisper against her ear.
Chapter 10 - Joseph
It’s still dark when I leave for the safe house. I can’t hang around waiting anymore while my thoughts run away with me. The mansion was exceptionally quiet yesterday, and it felt cold and empty last night. It’s odd because I’ve lived alone all this time, but after having them stay with me…I got used to it quickly. Especially Maria. Her softness adds warmth to the mansion. I enjoy the sound of her voice and the scent of her body lotion when I walk from room to room.
I’ve been worried about her. What happened to her last night wasn’t fair. She must be terrified. We put her in this position. Wetrappedher in this situation. It’s our fault she felt the need to escape and ended up being attacked by someone who is most likely one of our rivals.
They must have found out that she’s our wife. Now there is a massive target on her back, and it’s because we were reckless with her by forcing her into this. And we didn’t take the time to consider all the dangers she might face.
The sun isn’t up yet, so the summer heat is still at bay. But even now it’s too hot to wear my jacket, so I’ve got a white shirt on, unbuttoned at the top because I can’t stand the feeling of being smothered by the humidity.
I’m looking forward to the cooler months.
I tug my car door open and duck inside. The engine starts, and with it, the radio comes on, playing an old classic that I don’t recognize. I flick from the radio to Bluetooth and press play on one of my podcasts. I enjoy the motivational discussions, telling people not to hold back. To chase what they want. To stand their ground.
