Maksim is frowning. Aleksandr’s arms are crossed, but his expression remains smooth.
“He’s, uh, fine,” I say, pulling myself vertical. “I’m sure he’ll call you back soon.”
“I’m not,” Maksim drawls, then strides away, deeper into another section of the house I’ve yet to investigate.
Aside from my daily workouts, I haven’t strayed far from the upstairs wing where Lev’s bedroom is.
Spending time with Aleksandr is low on my list of priorities, so I start to continue up the rest of the stairs. I need a shower and to plan what I’ll wear tonight.
“You won’t last.”
I still. Stiffen, the cold words washing over me like icy water.
“Lev will have his fun, and then he’ll remember what’s important.”
I’m tempted to ask Aleksandr what he deems important, but I think I already know his answer.
I turn my head, meeting his gaze directly. “You don’t know your brother at all, do you?”
Lev promised to protect me. He could resent me with every fiber of his being—which I’m worried he will—and he would uphold that vow. It’s who he is. I saw the awed way the other men on that plane looked at him when he rescued me in Madrid. The deference displayed when we went to Moscow for our wedding was different from the reverence I’ve noticed displayed when he walks around here. Fear is easy; loyalty is earned.
A crucial difference Aleksandr can’t—or won’t—comprehend.
I know I’ve struck a nerve when he doesn’t reply right away. He’s not used to being challenged, and the challenger being a sister-in-law is unfamiliar too.
This might be my only opportunity to talk to Aleksandr alone. And, asshole or not, he is Lev’s brother. I think Enzo fired back at Lev. By comparison, Aleksandr has been welcoming to me.
“I don’t like you,” I state.
Most of Aleksandr’s expression remains the same, but his left eyebrow lifts. Barely, but enough that I notice it.
“And you clearly don’t like me,” I continue. “But there is nothing—nothing—that I wouldn’t do for Lev. Don’t believe anything else I say, but believe that.”
He nods. “Wives obey their husbands.”
“It has nothing to do with obedience,” I snap. “And the fact that you think so—” I stop short, realizing I’m veering far off the course of getting Aleksandr to accept me. Or at least to tolerate me.
Aleksandr smiles, and it’s just as detached and overbearing as his voice. “Continue.”
I’m sweaty from my run, yet I have to suppress a shiver. I exhale, ensuring my voice remains steady. “I’m not an enemy, Aleksandr.”
He shakes his head once. “At least the maid knew her place.” Then he strides out of the entryway.
FIRST DATES
Ineed to tell her what Misha found on the flash drive.
But I don’t want to. And I’m distracted by the dull throb in my shoulder, inhibiting my attempts to come up with the proper phrasing. So, I watch silently while a radiant Carina samples the borscht, topped with pieces of pummelo.
“Have you been here before?” she asks, dabbing at the corners of her mouth with a white napkin.
“Yes.”
Carina nods, her eyes darting around the exclusive restaurant before refocusing on the soup. “With other women?”
“Yes.”
“It’s nice.” She reaches for her glass of wine, balancing the slim stem between two slender fingers before swallowing a small sip.
