“I thought you might like some advice on my sister.”
Laughing, I even doubled over as if he’d just said the funniest thing in the world. “Right. From you, the man who wanted to kill me for daring to touch her.”
I was surprised his sigh was heavy. “About that. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted like such an asshole.”
“No, you shouldn’t have. I would never hurt Emmeline. Don’t you know that?”
When Jaxon walked away, I thought that was the end of the conversation. Typical Prince family member. But he returned a few seconds later with a bottle of whiskey, filling both our glasses. “Of course I know you wouldn’t hurt Emmeline.”
“Then why fuck with me? Why treat me like I’m not good enough to be with your sister?”
“Do you want to know the truth?” He placed the bottle on the table, keeping it close.
“Yeah, I want to know the truth, for fuck’s sake. We’ve been friends long enough, I think I deserve to know.”
“Jealousy.” He took a swig after making the statement.
“What?”
Nodding, he wiped his mouth. “Yep. It took Anastasia forcing me to face my fears to realize I was terrified our friendship would end.”
“Ah, shit, man. We might be married but I assure you that your sister is very independent. Besides, I work for you. Remember?”
“Yes, but work and recreational time are different.”
“When you married Anastasia, did it change you enjoying some free time?”
His grin was far too telling. “Yep. And I love it.”
At least I could chuckle. “Well, I don’t think she wants to remain married, but being her husband doesn’t mean I need to choose between the two of you.”
“Good to hear. Then you need to listen to my advice.”
“What the fuck. Everything else I’ve tried I’ve failed at. I’m not sure she loves me.”
“Do you want to know how I know without a doubt she adores everything about you?”
I rubbed the scruff on my face I’d refused to shave. “Fine. How?”
“She asked Alexander to call in a favor with the Five Families to hunt down the people responsible for the murder of your parents.”
“What?”
The twinkle in his eye was followed by a quick nod. “See? Alexander promised her he’d help make that happen. That’s all she wants.”
I studied her from where she was standing, admiring every little thing about her. “I had no idea.”
“Of course not. Don’t tell her I told you either. But listen to me. Here’s what you need to do with her.” He turned to face me, acting as if what he was about to tell me was very serious. He even lowered his voice. “You need to just take control.”
What did he just say? “What?”
“You heard me. My sister is used to getting everything she wants. People, especially men are pushovers. You’re the kind of guy who usually takes what he wants, but if what I’ve witnessed over the last year is remotely accurate as to your relationship, then bor-ring.”
“Well, fuck you.”
“I’m serious. You’re being too nice to her. Just tell her that she is your wife and that’s it. Period. The end. Then take control. Roughly. Without her being able to say a damn thing.”
I turned my head, finding her across the room. She was still looking to see if I was in the same place. “You think so?”
