I blinked, realizing I had scared him. Glancing at Merc, I signed, “You need to go.”
He nodded, signing, “I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect. That won’t happen again.”
“Just go,” Daniil yelled.
Merc nodded again, and left quickly, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Daniil took in a deep breath and glanced at Grigori, who was still standing there quietly. “Did you catch all of that?”
Mutely, Grigori nodded.
“Then go keep an eye on,” he hissed, “Stash.” He paused. “But don’t make it obvious. I want to find out how the fucker got past my security system.”
“With pleasure,” Grigori muttered, quickly exiting the room through the hidden door.
I stood there, not really knowing what to do. Daniil was furious. And all because of some previous baggage. Not to mention, he had eavesdropped on my private conversation with Merc. I wasn’t sure if I should feel bad or pissed. I was a little of both.
Daniil and I stood, staring at one another.
He was silent, using that as his weapon.
Which worked damn well. I couldn’t take the silence. I stated slowly, “I’m not her. You’ve already said that before. Don’t expect me to do things that she did. You are more than enough for me.” I paused, and ground out, “Which means you need to have a little fucking trust in me, and not go around sneaking into rooms when I’m having a private fucking discussion.”
His jaw set. And stayed that way, his nose crinkling as he stared at the door Merc had gone through.
I muttered, “Daniil. I don’t want him that way. He’s only a friend.” Jealousy really didn’t suit him.
He turned back to me, growling, “Do you know how many women have hit on me tonight? I’ve lost track with how many numbers I’ve had thrown away. And while I ignore every single one of them, because I’m not fucking interested, you run off the first chance you get and drag a man into an empty room. What the hell was I supposed to think?”
That stopped me. And, really, I only heard one part of it. I practically exploded, shouting, “Which fucking woman gave you her damn number?” I started marching toward the door, pointing back at him. “Tell me right now!”
Daniil blinked, and suddenly, he lunged, grabbing me by the shoulders. He jerked me back when I had almost made it to the door. I felt myself panting as a dangerous, possessive feeling crept inside me, practically boiling my brain. I screamed, “Who the fuck hit on you?”
“Shh… Shit, I’m sorry, my sweet.” Daniil tried to calm me, wrapping me in his arms. “It doesn’t matter. I shouldn’t have said that. Calm down.”
“I. Will. Not. Calm. Down!” I punctuated each hiss with a jab to his hard chest. “Some damn bitch out there,” I paused, and restated, “Multiple bitches think they can take what’s mine. Just tell me which ones! I’ll take care of them.” Oh, hell yes, I would.
Daniil made an odd gurgling sound in his throat, but he quickly cleared it, leaning back and shaking my shoulders a little, but so help me, his fucking lips twitched. “Now do you see what jealousy can do to someone?”
I already had my mouth open to yell some more, but I made a funny noise instead, trying to stop myself. I slowly shut it, remembering that trick my mom had taught me. I closed my eyes. Counted to ten. Then, twenty. Ah, hell, I counted to a hundred. Then, I was able to open my eyes and speak halfway rationally. I still muttered, “You’ll point out at least one of them to me.” And I said it because I had to. “And I’m not her, so don’t expect me to act like it.”
He nodded once curtly, murmuring, “I’m sorry. But, it may take a little time.” He paused, and said, “And I don’t think it’s a good idea to show you any of them. They only hit on me. That doesn’t deserve a dagger in the back.”
He started herding me out of the room.
I muttered, “Says who?”
Daniil chuckled. “No one deserves anything in their back. If you’re going to do it, do it right. Make sure they can see your face before you put the hurt on them.”
I snorted, knowing he was joking…and also not joking. “Mary was right. You are a funny man.”
“Mary is a very wise young lady,” Daniil gestured grandly, opening the door for me. “Try not to run off again and make me worry.”
I grinned and winked. “If only I were a good, sweet preacher’s daughter, maybe I could do that.”
Daniil growled low, wrapping his arms around me from behind as we walked along everyone, their stares on us. “Luckily for me, I’ve caught one.”
“Preacher’s daughter, yes,” I whispered. “Except, I’m not all that good and sweet.” I reached back between our bodies and cupped him.
