Giving in to him would feel like losing to him. I swore this marriage would be in name only, but now it feels like this marriage is real in every way except in its celibacy.
I didn’t choose to marry him. I didn’t choose him. And now I’m disappointed in myself for wanting him.
But he’s so hot. Even when he’s brooding or instigating a fight.
It’s infuriating.
He’s infuriating.
And I hate that I love it.
Chapter 28
Dominic
Katerina’s doing some kind of outdoor workout circuit. It involves crunches, burpees, sprints, and even more intense exercises. I have no idea what possesses her to do it, but damn, it’s been paying off. She’s gotten so strong and muscular. Her body is driving me crazy, taunting me every day. And what’s worse is I’m not the only one that notices.
She prances around in athletic wear so tantalizing, it’s as if she’s begging to be fucked. Right now, she’s only wearing a sports bra and biker shorts. I’ve already spoken to her about dressing more modestly, especially around my men andNikolai, but she ignores me.
Actually, she almost bit my head off with how pissed she was at me for that. Ever since then, she’s been showing even more skin just to drive me crazy.
And it’s working.
Like right now. I should be paying attention to this meeting. But I can’t stop my gaze from drifting to the window. To the temptress outside luring me with her body.
“The Bratva’s been abiding by the treaty. They’re not a threat anymore. We should pop open that bottle of whiskey to celebrate,” Alex says. He’s not old blood Syndicate, but he’s smart. I keep him in these weekly meetings to get another perspective. But lately he’s been too blasé about the Bratva.
“The Bratva will always be a threat. And as soon as we drop our guard, they’ll attack.” Roman hasn’t hidden his dislike for Alex. It’s something I’ve taken into consideration.
And my brother is correct. The Bratva, despite any alliance we may have, will always be our biggest threat. They will never not hate us for the rules we enforce.
“You’re cynical, Roman. You’ve spent too much time getting bloody with the enemy to see when violence is no longer needed.” Alex smirks as though his retort is sound, but it just pisses me off. Why is he instigating a fight with Roman?
“What’re you insinuating?” Roman straightens in his seat. His shoulders tense, and I can tell he’s itching to hit Alex. It’s been a while since he’s gotten his hands dirty.
“I think he’s saying that maybe the lack of interrogations is a good thing.” Daniel tries to defuse the situation, but it clearly isn’t working.
“I don’t know why you’re even in this meeting. Shouldn’t you be with your pregnant wife? Isn’t she a flight risk?” Alex crosses a line with that sentence. It takes effort to keep my expression blank. How dare he come for my family in front of me! I may be the head of the Syndicate, but my family holds my deepest allegiance.
“Watch yourself, Alex. You’re picking a fight you can’t win,” Stefan chimes in. He knows the hierarchy in this room, and Alex definitely doesn’t outrank a Montclair.
Roman’s doing his breathing exercise, and I know it’s the only reason he hasn’t beaten Alex. I’m impressed by how much of a positive impact Cecilia has had on him.
“Just because I’m not Dom’s brother doesn’t mean I’m not right.” Alex flicks his glare in Stefan’s direction.
He’s digging himself into a hole he can’t get out of.
“Enough. Roman, we know about your stance and your suspicions. We aren’t ignoring them.” I can’t let on that I agree with him. There’s no proof. But I know in my gut he’s right.
“They’re not suspicions, Dom. You know they’ve been up to something since they kidnapped Margot. Something’s going on at the docks. Why did they negotiate for port control? Why do they get shipments every other Saturday and pay in cash? What are they selling that’s so bad they’re hiding it from everyone? What could they possibly have that has them so bold that they were soliciting men outside our clubs?” Roman runs his fingers over his buzzed hair as he rambles. He’s been mulling over this for a long time.
“I know, Roman. I know what you think. And we’re keeping an eye on it. Besides the offshore accounts, Bash hasn’t found anything.” I’m trying to deter the conversation.
“There’s something going on.” Roman raises a brow at me, and I give him a look that says I believe him, but we need to move on.
“Alex, why do you think we can trust the Bratva?” I switch the direction of the conversation, needing to get it off Roman.
“It’s been a month since the wedding and they haven’t so much as come near our territory. And you have their precious princess. It’s not like they’d risk that.” My hands grip my armrest as he calls me wife ‘that.’ I’m tempted to put him in his place, but I can’t show my hand when it comes to her.
