Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 92254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“Pregnant.” I gesture at my stomach. “Where’s my husband?”
“Taking care of business.” Tigran throws back the wine and sighs contentedly. “Today was a good day.”
“What happened?”
He leans back against the counter, swirling his glass. Nearby, some of the soldiers are sharing a bottle of vodka and laughing together. I can’t remember the last time there were this many men in the house. Arsen’s usually much more private.
Something big must’ve gone down.
“You know, my brother tells you too much,” Tigran says at last. “It’s strange how much he trusts you.”
“I get it, you don’t approve of me. You’ve made that clear.”
He holds up a hand. “Actually, that’s not it. I’m only protective of my older brother, and we don’t really know you, do we?”
“I’m not doing this right now. Where’s Arsen?”
“For all I know, you’ve got connections back to the Zeitsev Bratva. Wouldn’t that be funny?”
“I don’t even know who they are.”
“So you say.” Tigran takes a long drink. I’m very aware of the people watching us right now. “And yet I still don’t trust you.”
I lean against the island, glaring hard at my brother-in-law. “Here’s the thing. I don’t give a crap if you trust me or not. Arsen does, and he’s all that matters. Now, where is my husband?”
Arsen’s voice makes me turn around. “I’m right here,” he says, glaring at his brother. “Was Tigran being a pain in the ass again?”
“Just having a friendly conversation with my new sister, that’s all.” He finishes his drink and gestures for the nearby guards to follow him. “Come on, boys, let’s take this party elsewhere. I have a feeling the patron is going to ruin all our fun.”
Arsen grabs Tigran’s arm as he tries to pass. “I’m not ruining anything,” he snarls. “I want you and the men to celebrate.”
“Then we’ll celebrate on your fucking tab, brother.”
“Good. Make sure they know they’re appreciated.” The two men stare each other down before Tigran pulls away. The group leaves the kitchen and I’m alone with Arsen.
“What’s going on?” I ask him as he walks over and pours himself some water. He drinks it down, looking frustrated.
“Busy day. That’s all.”
“All these people—”
“They won’t bother you. Even Tigran’s harmless.”
“He still hates me.”
“He’ll come around.” Arsen’s expression hardens. “Or I’ll have to make him.”
I hate not knowing what’s going on. It bothers me more than I thought it would. But it’s obvious that Arsen’s dealing with something right now, and I decide not to press him about it.
Instead, I go over and hug him softly. He eases into my arms. A weight seems to fall from his shoulders as he relaxes under my touch, and I can’t help but smile to myself.
This big, powerful, dangerous man always melts into me.
It’s intoxicating how easily my touch soothes him.
That’s a strength I never knew I’d love.
“I found something earlier,” I say softly, stroking my fingers down his muscular bicep. I tell him about the noises, about the trigger, and about the passageway. “Someone was in there. I chased them, but—”
He frowns down at me. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive. Did you know about this?”
“My great-grandfather built this house. I heard he was extremely paranoid.”
“That’s not really an answer.”
He grunts and gently disengages himself from me. I feel cold when he takes a few steps across the kitchen. “It’s not important,” he says finally. “Forget about the passages.”
“Arsen, someone was watching me. Doesn’t that worry you?”
“Everyone in this house cares about you, Lena. You’re safe with my people.”
“Even Tigran?”
“Even my brother would die for you.”
“Only if you asked him to.”
He flinches slightly and turns on me. “What do you want me to do about this right now? You’re talking about secret passageways and mysterious strangers, while I have a war to manage.”
My eyebrows raise. “I know you’re stressed, but you shouldn’t talk to me that way.”
He immediately looks contrite. “I’m sorry, baby.” He comes to me and takes my hands. “I’m not trying to be dismissive. It’s just been a long day and I’m stressed.”
“Don’t take it out on me.”
“I’m not. At least, I didn’t mean to. Forgive me.”
I raise his hands to my lips and kiss them. “You’re forgiven. Just don’t let it happen again.”
He sighs and leans forward, pressing his forehead to mine. “I won’t. Yes sirum yem k’ez.”
“You still haven’t told me what that means.”
“You already know, baby.” He pulls away, his fingertips trailing on mine. “Don’t worry about the passages for now. We’ll deal with that when there’s more time.”
I don’t argue. It’s clear he’s struggling with whatever happened today, and I’m worried that if I press, it’ll only make things worse. “If you need me, I’ll be upstairs in the library.”
“Good.” He hesitates. “I know it’s hard, but please, stay away from the forbidden wing for a few days.”
“What’s in there?”
“Just trust me. For once, stay away.” He gives me a long look and sighs, shaking his head. “You’re going to be trouble.”