Amy had the kind of face that showed all of her emotions—every single one of them. And right now, she was freaked out but trying to hide it. She would be absolutely rubbish at the poker table.
“Then why ask such stupid questions?”
Instantly, her face changed from soft and confused to angry. And it was great to see a spark in her. It gave me proof that she wasn’t the complete innocent angel everyone thought she was.
“I am not stupid.” Her fists clenched at her side.
“According to your records, no, you aren’t.” I looked away, which would just infuriate her more. Being called dumb had triggered her, though. That was good to know.
I always liked to know people’s weak spots. It made controlling them easier.
“Perfect friend, perfect sister, perfect student? Isn’t that howeveryone describes you? So, stop acting like a dumb brat and asking asinine questions. You agreed to be my wife. I agreed to help with your sister’s medical bills. Of course, I was going to push for the wedding to be soon.”
“I know that, Alex. It’s just I thought we might have a date? Even if it’s just coffee. I don’t know anything about you.”
Inwardly, I groaned. Turning towards her, I shook my head. “You don’t need to know anything about me, Amy. We will be married on paper only. There will be no dates, no romantic gestures. Sometimes, I’ll expect you to accompany me and act appropriately.” I eyed her coldly. “Do you even know how to act appropriately?”
Her eyes flashed, but with one look from me, she quickly averted them.
“You’re an asshole, Alexei.”
I couldn’t help it. I threw my head back and laughed. “See, you do know something about me, Amy. And it’s the most important thing to know.” Lashing out, I grabbed her chin and drew our faces together. “I am an asshole. You aren’t going to get dates or romance from me, Amy.”
“I know.” Her eyes darted down towards my lips, and she blushed.
“You thought I would wine and dine you and kiss these pretty lips?” I couldn’t help myself, I brushed my thumb against her bottom lip. Pulling it away from her even white teeth.
She trembled.
“That’s it, isn’t it? You’re waiting for me to kiss you so that you can pretend this isn’t a business arrangement?”
She didn’t nod, but she didn’t have to. I could read every thought in her pretty little head. My eyes scanned her mouth, and she did have very pretty lips. Kissable lips. The kind of lips that looked so soft that any man could happily spend hours kissing them.
My head dropped an inch before I could help myself. Because she really did have the prettiest lips I had ever seen. Soft lips. Her eyes fluttered closed, and the moment they did, my head snapped back.
“You’re not going to get such foolishness from me,” I said harshly and moved away.
Chapter Six
Amy
“This is where you live?” I couldn’t help the surprise in my voice as the iron gates opened and we pulled onto a paved, curving driveway.
I don’t know what I expected, but the sandy colored mansion with its wide sweeping steps and pillars wasn’t it. It looked too grand and old-fashioned for Alexei. He always looked like a modern kind of man to me. So, I expected him to have a penthouse full of abstract art, minimalistic furniture, and maybe a leather sectional without one soft pillow on it.
“No,” he said flatly. His voice was completely emotionless. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him stiffen and realized he was as uncomfortable with this situation as I was. He didn’t want to marry me any more than I wanted to marry him. We were both being forced into it.
“I have a house and an apartment in the city. This is too old-fashioned for my taste,” his lips curled. “I prefer a more modern home.”
I couldn’t help it. My lips curved into a smile. I knew it. Alexei might think he was all mysterious, but in reality, he was really easy to read.
“But this will be where we marry and where we will live. Or at least where you will live for the first few months of this farce.”
“I see.” In my lap, my fingers entwined. “And where will you live?”
“Here, in the city, when I need to. It’s not really any of your business, is it?” he asked coldly.
“I guess not.” I went back to looking out the window. The rain had stopped, which should have been a good thing, but it felt wrong that the weak, late autumn sun was now shining. Surely it should be raining on the day I gave myself to a man like Alexei.
