The way his eyes find me when I walk into a room, his quiet composure that feels like he’s entirely in control of our violent, chaotic world.
I still can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that he stepped between me and that blade today. And then tonight…
It almost feels too good to be true.
And if Pyotr taught me one thing, it’s that the truth is never as pleasant.
Eventually, a man’s true colors come out. And I’ve learned that the more enchanting they are to start, the darker the soul they’re hiding.
Icy terror settles in the pit of my stomach at that thought.
If Miko can be this charming, just how cruel is he at heart?
15
MIKO
The sun is barely sneaking over the window sill’s ledge when I wake, Anika’s slumbering perfection tucked snuggly against my chest.
Her cheek rests on my shoulder, her cornsilk hair tickling my neck, and I want nothing more than to spend the day in this nice warm bed with her.
But I have a revenge plot to plan, and my brothers don’t like waiting.
Pressing a soft line of kisses along the top of my wife’s bare shoulder, I rouse her just enough to make her shift.
Then I carefully ease my arm out from under her so I can roll off the bed. She gives the softest huff of protest, like in her sleep, she’s decided I should stay.
But then she tucks her hand beneath her cheek, in place of my arm, and I get a glimpse of her wedding ring, sparkling on her finger.
The deep sense of satisfaction that settles inside me isn’t something I anticipated. I’d never really put much thought into whether I wanted a wife or children.
Before our world went to hell, my whole purpose had centered around serving the Chiaroscuro family and keeping Leo safe.
Now, I have someone else I need to protect, and I find my compulsion to ensure Anika’s safety far more impactful than anything I’ve felt before.
Brushing one last soft kiss against the curve of her neck, I turn to go, dressing quickly and quietly before slipping from the room.
I didn’t station a guard outside last night, figuring I would notice if Anika tried to make another break for it.
But after yesterday, I’m more inclined to trust that she won’t try anything again.
Still, when I pass her lady’s maid, I pause. “Chastity,” I say.
The poor girl nearly jumps out of her skin at being addressed, and the blood drains from her face. “Y-yes, sir—ah, Gospodin Chiaroscuro,” she stammers, her shoulders creeping up around her ears as she waits for further instruction.
“Let Anika sleep in as late as she’d like today. Now that we’re married, she’s safe to wander about the house and estate… but if she says anything about leaving the property, inform me immediately. I don’t want her to leave without the proper amount of protection.”
“Yes, sir,” Chastity says with a slight bow, and she keeps her eyes averted, rushing on her way as soon as I excuse her.
Shaking my head, I move on, descending the stairs and finding my brothers in the breakfast room.
“There he is, the great Russian conqueror. How was your wedding night,fratello?” Gio asks, cracking a wide grin.
“You know I don’t kiss and tell,” I growl.
“Bet your glad Father’s not around to weigh in on your choice of bride,” Raf adds, a dry smile curving his lips.
It can’t be easy, watching me get married when he just lost his wife weeks ago—in the attack that started this whole damn conflict.
