Page 27 of The Pakhan’s Accidental Bride

"Understood."

My jaw clenches. "She's coming to the estate," I say after a moment.

Luca's quiet for a moment. "Emil, her brothers aren't going to just hand her over. Especially not Jack. He's a cop. He knows what we are."

"I don't give a fuck what Jack knows or doesn't know. Someone tried to kill her last night. She's not safe here."

"She's got four brothers watching her."

"It's not enough." My voice comes out harder than I intend. "We have no idea who the shooter is. They may have seen the engagement announcement and decided this was the best way to get at me." I pause, then curse. "Shit. This is all my fault."

"You really think she's going to agree to this?"

"She doesn't have a choice."

Luca sighs. "This is going to get messy."

"Then it gets messy. Prepare a room for her. Make sure it's comfortable. And have the kitchen stocked with whatever women eat. Salads. Fruit. Whatever."

"You're a real romantic, Boss."

I end the call before he can say anything else smart.

The sky's getting lighter now, streaks of pink and orange cutting through the gray. I watch Kiera's window, waiting. My mind drifts back to the club, to the first time I saw her. The way she moved on that dance floor, all curves and confidence. The tight dress hugging her ass, showing off legs that went on for miles. The way her tits pressed against the fabric when she laughed at something her friend said.

I wanted her then. Wanted to peel that dress off her body and find out if she tasted as good as she looked.

I still want that. I want it so badly, I can barely think straight.

But more than that, I want her safe, want her somewhere I can control every variable, every threat. I want her behind walls that no one can breach without going through my guards and me first.

Movement catches my eye. The lights in her apartment flick on.

She's awake. Finally.

I imagine her in there, probably wearing something soft and oversized for sleep. Maybe one of those tank tops that shows off her shoulders. Maybe shorts that ride up her ass when she moves, giving glimpses of smooth thighs.

Fuck.

I adjust myself in my seat, willing my body to calm down. Now's not the time.

The curtains are still drawn, but I can see her shadow moving behind them, getting ready for her day. Probably thinking about work, about normal things that normal people worry about.

I start the engine and pull away from the curb. Time to handle business so I can come back for what's mine. Because whether she wants to admit it or not, Kiera is mine.

The day drags. The shipment arrives on schedule, and I spend three hours in the warehouse making sure everything's accounted for.

I handle two conference calls, sign off on a new construction project that'll launder money through a series of shell companies, and listen to reports on the shooter investigation. Still nothing concrete, but they're closing in. Someone knows something. Someone always does.

By the time evening rolls around, I'm wound tight with anticipation.

Luca walks into my office as I'm pulling on my jacket. "Room's ready for your… guest."

"Good."

"You sure about this?"

I give him a look that makes him raise his hands in surrender.