But if she’s truly happy with that crazy motherfucker, IguessI can be happy for her too.
Having Aleksei as a brother-in-law has to be hell, though. The man walks around with a permanent stick up his ass.
That is, unless he’s busy tormenting me with mind games or filthy innuendos. Then, of course, he’s smiling.
Smug, infuriating bastard.
“Hey, Em,” I answer.
“Hey. How are you?”
Not well. I possibly have a second stalker. And the one you’re related to, he’s making it real hard not to commit murder.
“I’m good. Got a hair appointment in a bit, then stopping by my parents’ later. What are you up to?”
She sighs. “How are they holding up?”
“They’re managing as best they can.”
What else can I say? Their life is imploding too.
“I wish there was something I could do to help, but I know you’d never accept Konstantin’s money.”
“Absolutely not. You know I love you, Em, but when it comes to the Marinovs, I want no part.”
“I know. I get it. But can you at least come over for dinner and get to know him? I’m sure you’ll like him once you do.”
I bite back the truth. That’ll never happen. The only way I’d sit down to dinner with that family is if someone forced me.
As in tied me to a chair and gagged me.
“I’ll think about it. But how are you?” I deflect. “How’s life as a…Mob wife?”
That’s so hard to say out loud.
My best friend, the Mob wife. What the fuck…
“Oh, you know. Between all the sex and the money, I’m actually exhausted.”
“Tragic, really. I’ll light a candle for you.” An easy laugh falls out of me.
“No, but for real, it’s been good. I’ve been helping Konstantin with his company, which has really helped distract me from…you know…”
My heart squeezes. Emilia’s been through hell since she married Konstantin. Betrayal, danger, trauma. But she’s the strongest person I know.
“I’m sorry,” I tell her. “I wish it hadn’t all gone down the way it did.”
“Me too.” Her words break a little, and all I want to do is hug her.
A woman’s muffled words interrupt on her end.
“Ugh, sorry. I’ve gotta go. Apparently running an empire means I never get to finish a goddamn conversation.”
“Go, boss lady,” I tease, forcing lightness I don’t feel.
“I’ll talk to you later, okay? I really miss you.” Emilia’s voice catches just a little at the end. Barely noticeable, unless you know her like I do. “Let’s get lunch soon, okay?”
I press the phone tighter to my ear. “Yeah, let’s do that.”
