Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 71200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“Sure,” he says. “Loud and clear.”
“Great.” I yank open the door, feeling guilty for storming past him, fully aware that he might get in trouble with Liam for this later, but also unwilling to sit around inside without so much as an explanation. “I’ll take the heat if Liam gets pissed, all right?”
Orin only shrugs like he’s not sure that’s a real option.
I head down the steps, cursing to myself.
Freaking Orin.
No, freaking Liam. He’s the one putting us in this awkward position with his controlling bullshit.
I’m about to head out, psyching myself up for a few solid miles, when a black sedan pulls up next to the curb.
I recognize that car. I pop out my headphones again as Orin stands in the doorway, looking bashful. “You called him,” I say.
“I’m sorry. I really am. I just know I couldn’t stop you, and he was very emphatic.”
“Orin, you sly devil.” I shake my head, smiling at him. “You stalled me too.”
“What can I say.” He spreads his hands in a conciliatory gesture. “I have to do my job.”
Liam climbs out of the car. He looks harried and annoyed, and he gazes at me like he’s going to walk over, bend me over his knee right here in the street, and spank me raw again.
Orin disappears into the house, the coward.
“What are you doing?” Liam crosses his arms, glaring. The sedan doesn’t move, the engine still running.
“Going for a jog.” I shove an earbud back in. “Want to come?”
“You couldn’t keep up with me even in dress shoes.” His jaw tics. “I’ll ask again. What are you doing?”
“Liam, skip the macho controlling asshole routine, please, and skip to why I can’t leave my own damn house when I am not a prisoner.”
He stares coolly for another few seconds before nodding as if to himself. “Things are dangerous right now. Rustik hasn’t made his move yet. There hasn’t been a response from him, and until he does something, I can’t be sure he won’t come after you.”
I hesitate, glancing to my left and my right as if the big Russian boss might come barreling at me any second, frothing at the mouth.
“You mean you’re waiting for him to take revenge?”
“Yes. It’s a matter of time. He’ll do something, and once that happens, the game’s on. Until then, I’m consolidating power and making deals. Speaking of which, I left a meeting to have this conversation, so I’ll ask you nicely once, and only once. Stay indoors until I have a better idea of how Rustik is going to respond. Your life may depend on it, and I don’t want a dead wife on my hands.”
I grind my jaw. I hate being stuck in that house alone while Liam’s out running around town making deals and whatever without me. I was working my way up through my father’s business; I have a freaking MBA from a good college. I could be useful to him.
Except I can’t leave the house.
I’m tempted to fight this. I could throw a fit, argue, make his life harder, maybe even get what I want.
But there’s something in his expression. It’s not just that he’s a controlling prick—he looks like he’s worried.
Genuinely worried for my safety.
I let out a breath. “I know I can be unreasonable sometimes. This has been very stressful for me lately,” I tell him.
“Does that mean you’ll listen.”
“Yes. This once. But I want a treadmill.”
“Tell Orin to get you a dozen. I don’t give a damn.” He pauses and a smile crosses his lips. “Only please don’t make it purple.”
“You’ll be lucky if it’s not bright pink.” I press my lips together then shake my head. “All right, fine, get back to your meeting. I’ll stay indoors.”
“Thank you. When Rustik makes his move, we’ll reassess this situation.”
“He better try something soon.”
I turn to leave, but Liam steps forward. He catches my wrist, pulling me toward him. I’m surprised as he presses me against his chest, his hand on my lower back, and presses his lips to mine.
It’s a small kiss. A chaste kiss even. No tongue, nothing like that. Except it sends my heart into overdrive, and I release a shocked whimper.
He pulls back slightly, though he’s still a bit too close. “Careful what you wish for,” he whispers. “When Rustik hits, he’ll hit hard, and we won’t like it.”
Without more explanation, he gets back into the car and leaves.
I watch him go until I notice Orin back on the stoop giving me a worried stare. “Don’t gloat,” I say as I head inside.
“I’d never.”
“I need a home gym.”
“Already made the calls when I saw you getting ready to work out.”
“Really?” I pause inside the house as he closes the front door.
“Treadmill should be here in a half hour.” He checks his watch, frowning. “Lazy assholes.”
“Thank you,” I say, and really mean it. “I’ve never had someone actually anticipate my needs.”