He was right. He was right, and it wasirritatingbeyond belief.
“All right.” I sighed. “You have a point.”
His face snapped in my direction, making me physically jump.
I released a short, irritated breath. “What is it now!” I hissed.
His eyes were wide, not unlike a doe’s. The simple shock on his face was enough to make me fear what had caused such a reaction.
“Nothing.” He blinked a couple times. “Could you say that again?”
“Excuse me?”
“Just that last part.”
My brow twitched when I realized he was teasing. “It’s bad enough as it is, don’t rub it in. Wouldn’t it be easier to turn me in?” I regretted the question as soon as it manifested into audible words.
He laughed as if I’d told a pleasant joke, flashing a smile as some people passed. “I would, but then I’d be back to sleeping on the floor of my workspace. You’re stuck with me now.Weare stuck.”
“I married you willingly, knowing your financial situation. There is no need for blackmail!”
“Blackmail? No, dear, it’s insurance. I’m sure you understand.”
“Then make sure we’re never caught,” I hissed.
He glanced down, gracing me with a smile. “Just do as you’re told, and all will be well.”
I blew a breath through my nose and looked away.
The gardens were busy today, as it was one of the first pleasant days we had seen all season. The sun burned away the clouds, chasing any gloominess that remained from the sluggish morning.
“About yesterday—”
“No questions, no qualms.”
“You said that before. I don’t agree.”
“Then start to.”
“Arkady.” I pulled on his arm, stopping under the shade of a small tree.
He stopped but took a deep breath before turning fully to me. “What is it now?”
“Are we not going to talk about it?”
“No.”
“I think if we are going to be sharing skeletons in our closet,” I started, lifting my chin confidently to face him, “then we have to be transparent.”
His expression was utterly unamused; it was as if he were just waiting for me to finish speaking.
“Should we not play as a team?”
“Do you like sweet things?” he finally replied, ignoring my barrage, stepping to my side and leading me forward with a hand resting on my lower back.
He pulled me along, his grip firm as if to reprimand me.
We continued along the path, observing the curation of neatly pruned flowers and shrubs.
