“And Jordan was miserable trying to make her happy.”
I blinked at that. “Why was he even supposed to make her happy? This is our home and our life.”
He gave me a regretful look. “I’m trying to find a balance. I work for your family.”
Since we arrived in Canada, Axel had been in charge. I’d all but forgotten that he answered to my uncle. Which meant they still had control over me. I shook my head. “No.”
He picked up my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s not always going to be like this, okay? But right now I’m trying to put out fires, not start them. Does that make sense?”
My voice came out hoarse. “How long are they going to be here?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Is there any way you can let this go? This isn’t a good time to butt heads.”
I wanted to rant and scream that I was being asked to cater to my aunt’s cruel whims again, but Axel was reminding me that these people had control over both of us. Not just me.
He was also trying to guide me not to make things worse. I hated that he was right. “I really hate Russian food.”
He squeezed my hand. “Which is why food delivery apps were invented.”
“She’d be outraged.”
He shrugged. “She doesn’t have to know, does she?”
I paused as I looked up at his beautiful features. “Is Jordan going to be okay?”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
“Thank you.”
He stood up and shrugged out of his shirt, showing me his broad muscular back as he walked toward the shower. I heard the water turn on.
I snuggled back into my pillow and willed myself to stay awake until my husband got into bed. There had to be some kind of reward for staying up so late, right?
My eyes drifted shut as I listened to the sound of water running. I’d stay awake but would just rest my eyes for a moment.
Two dayslater
I tookBandit to the park before getting ready for school. I hustled because I had a math exam at ten o’clock and I wanted to grab some breakfast ahead of time.
I was heading out the door with Oleg when my aunt stopped me. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“To school.”
She gave a slow hum. “Well, that’s fine, but I need Oleg to take me shopping this morning.”
Oleg did a double take. “I’ll call Anton and get him to take Mila to school.”
She frowned. “I don’t like to waste resources. We’ll drop Mila off on our way to the shops, but first I need to spend some time with the chefs to go over the menu. Give me about half an hour.”
Oleg gave me a pained look. Even he knew the pecking order. “Of course, ma’am.”
I found my voice, working to hide my anger. “I’ll take an Uber.”
She turned sharply. “Such a waste of money, Mila. Honestly, I’m ashamed of you.”
I was going to be late for my exam, something that wasn’t allowed in my program.
I shrugged and walked out of the house.
