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“No. I’ve only ever given the first name.” The more I think about it, the more plausible this could be. And Ilya is making sense. There is no connection to my name, and even if someone figures it out, they’ll be dead before they can tell a soul.

“And we don’t need to tell the staff or anyone else shit about you. You’re here, and I’ll make it clear you’re mine. That’s all they need to know or care about. We don’t even have to use your last name.” His lips quirk into a sly smile. “Or, you know, we just avoid all of that together by you marrying me and you have my last name instantly. Solves all our problems.”

My skin crawls at the suggestion, and I ignore him as I snap the water off and step out. He chuckles and follows me out. “Worth a shot.”

“The only thing getting shot is your chances at another round. I’m starting to think one a day might be too much at this point. And fine, I’ll go by Lane, but everything else stays quiet. I’ll leave it up to you to inform the others of just how important it is to keep their mouths shut about any other information on it.”

At least until I can get back to my headquarters and make up a new alias that will pass every level of scrutiny. And change my looks enough I’ll feel safer.

“Yes, I’ll make sure. Does that mean you’re not coming down to breakfast?”

I finish drying my hair and start pulling on my clothes. “No. I have things I need to see to. Which reminds me, are you going to be like Mishka and whine and cry every time I make a little change? I really would like to avoid that.”

He mutters something I don’t quite catch, but he finally growls, “I don’t whine or cry, but I am definitely going to tan your ass if you start demoing walls without talking to me first.”

So, that’s a yes. So no telling him about any of the changes I’ve already made… yet. As much as I love a good spanking, I really don’t have the time for that right now. Too much on my to-do list today.

“Noted.”

“But from that statement, I take it you already started demoing walls or something at the Belov estate and Mishka wasn’t too happy about it.” I shrug but don’t bother to hide my grin, happy to ease away from the heavy subjects.

He watches me for a long moment, something moving in his eyes I almost immediately clock as jealousy. Before I can really wonder about it, he asks, “Have you slept with Mishka?”

I snort, unable to help myself. Won’t Mishka love it when I rub that in his face? “We’d both rather shove flesh-eating bacteria up our asses than fuck each other. Trust me.”

His lip curls. “A simple no would have sufficed.”

“Pet, if I gave you any other answer, you’d have always wondered. Don’t worry, only your cock has been the one to keep me satisfied in a very long time.” I wink at him. “Well, other than a few toys and my own fingers.”

That distracts him enough that his eyes heat. “Yes, I’m well aware of that. And I believe I still owe you for sending that video. A video not only my brother saw, but also one of my tech guys.” He prowls forward until he’s close enough to thrust his hand out, grip me by the throat, and pin me against the vanity behind me. I gasp, excitement shooting through my blood. “You’re lucky that there was nothing more for them to see, lisichka, or we would be having a very different discussion right now. Do you understand?”

I grin. “Is that right, pet? And what would you do?”

“I’d mark every inch of you, tie you to the bed, and do it all over again. And then I will take you to the edge over and over again until you are begging me for mercy.” His grip tightens further, cutting off more of my air. My vision tinges black. “Because the only man who gets to see you that way is me, lisichka, and anyone else who does will have their eyes gouged out at the first opportunity.”

He releases me, and I draw in a quick breath. “Pet,” I rasp, “if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re a little obsessed with me.”

His expression is dark and serious as he stares at me. “Let’s get something clear right now, Lane. I’m more than obsessed with you. The things I feel for you… they’re not normal. Not for me. The idea of you with another man makes me murderous. While at the same time, I want to wring your neck for making me want you so badly and terribly jealous. I’m a man of control, and you erode that. And all I want is for you to feel even half of what I’m feeling right now. Maybe then you’ll understand.”

“You’re not in love with me, Ilya.” The very notion sends panic bubbling thick and hot all through me. Obsession, I can work with. Insanity too. Love? No, that’s not possible.

“I don’t know what I am, Lane, but what I feel for you can’t be normal. And you might say you’re obsessed with me too, but you can’t say that you don’t have feelings for me that are more than just simple obsession. You wouldn’t put up with half of the shit that’s happened if you didn’t.”

I swallow hard, refusing to consider it. No, he has it all wrong. Love isn’t possible. Not for someone like me.

52

ILYA

Who knew the subject of love could freak someone out so much? Lane avoids me like the plague as we finish dressing. She grabs her knife then makes quick work of checking her gun. Maybe another man would be annoyed his woman was ignoring that kind of declaration, but all I feel is amusement.

Nothing is going to go on a standard timeline with this woman, and I’m okay with that.

After everything she told me last night, I actually expected it.

Anger burns at the thought of everything she’s been through, and I know there’s going to be more. So much more. I just hope I’m strong enough to hear it and give her what she needs. With what she’s revealed, I know she wishes she hadn’t, but I won’t let her think it makes me see her for anything other than what she is.

Strong. Fierce. Utterly glorious.