I shook his hand. “You already said she doesn’t like being told what to do. How are we going to stop her?”
His lips pressed together—a sure sign he didn’t have an answer. “We can’t. I just hope she doesn’t try anything stupid.”
Turning on his heel, he went out the back door and I glanced up at the staircase. Wren had been talking to someone a few minutes ago, but now all was silent.
I walked up the stairs and all three bedroom doors were open. However, I wasn’t surprised that she’d chosen the largest room. When I looked inside, Wren had her eyes closed and was lying on her back with her legs hanging off the side. I couldn’t help but admire her beauty. She looked so peaceful, so innocent. But I knew she was far from that. I tapped a knuckle against the door, and she opened her eyes but didn’t attempt to sit up.
“I’ve already told Jameson this, but I have a grocery delivery coming in later this afternoon. If there’s anything extra you want as far as food, I’ll get it brought in tomorrow.”
She sat up quickly, her gaze narrowed tauntingly. “Is that so? What if I want lobster? Or a whole tenderloin filet?”
The woman was amusing; it was going to be interesting having her to myself.
“Anything you want,” I replied.
Her brows lifted and she stood. “You might regret saying that.”
I shook my head. “I’m not worried about it. Get what you want.”
She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, the fabric of her black T-shirt straining in protest. “Is there anything else you need?” she asked, her voice laced with impatience.
I gestured toward the hallway. “Feel free to roam around the house. I only ask that you don’t try to sneak out. The whole point of you being here is so I can protect you.”
Wren’s mouth dropped open and she held up a hand, the tension in the room rising. I knew my words would rile her up.
“Let’s get this straight,” she snapped. “I don’t need protecting. I needyouto get me access to your brother.”
I stepped into the room, and she didn’t waver. “And what will you do when you come face-to-face with him?” I asked.
Her jaw muscles tightened and there was so much anger in her sea-green eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to know,” she said, her voice low and dark.
The woman was feistier than Kali, just like Valentin said; it was intriguing. Judging by the hatred on her face at the mention of my brother, I had no doubt she could kill him without a second thought. I backed away from her, knowing I shouldn’t provoke her anymore.
“Again, feel free to walk around the grounds and enter any room you like. There’s a gym in the basement. You’ll find a door in the kitchen that leads down to it. You probably need to keep up with your training.”
Her eyes widened and her fists clenched tight at her sides. “That’s exactly where I need to be right now.” Without another word, she stormed past me and ran down the stairs.
My phone rang and it was one of my guys stationed outside. “What’s going on?” I answered.
Joey Tedesco was one of my soldiers, very dependable and loyal. “I think I spotted someone.”
My blood started to boil. “I’ll be right there.”
I marched downstairs and hurried outside to Joey who was by the front gate, gun in hand. The man was only five foot five and had balls of steel. He wasn’t your typical soldier, but he was a fast and precise shooter. My other guys might be big and bulky, but no one compared to Joey: he was ruthless. Everyone consistently underestimated him when it came to a fight.
When I joined him, he pointed to a bend in the street just down the road where another house sat. “Whoever was in the car didn’t see me. I made sure of that,” he claimed, still focusing on the road. “It was a black SUV with tinted windows. I believe there were two men inside. I know Nikolai’s men, but couldn’t see who they were. They drove by here a couple of times.”
“I see,” I said, scanning the area.
My property wasn’t fully fenced, so Nikolai and his guys could easily access the house. I turned to Joey and glanced down at his gun.
“If any of my brother’s men step onto my property, I want them dealt with.” I looked into Joey’s brown eyes, and he nodded to confirm. “He’s not going to win this war,” I added.
Joey slid his gun back into his holster. “Understood. But what ifwewent on the attack? What ifwestruck hard and ended this feud?”
I’d thought about that many times, but I wasn’t as impulsive as Nikolai. I was smarter. I slapped a hand on Joey’s shoulder.
“When Nikolai attacks, he always makes mistakes. That’s why I’m waiting on him to make the first move.”
