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“I know how to treat people right!” she shouts. “Maybe it’s a good thing you’re out of our lives. Do you want an invite for the next funeral, or should I not even bother?”
My head hurts from her cruel rejection, and I shut down. I don’t have a comeback because she might be right.
Suddenly, Emma stares past me and then shakes her head in disgust.
I turn and see Andrei standing behind me.
Chapter 55
Andrei
I stand behind my wife. Emma’s eyes widen as her mouth slowly closes before her expression changes from shock to revulsion. I wonder if cousin Kenney has been filling her head with lies about Paige. Then again, if he’s talking about me, he’s likely just telling the truth.
“Your sister had no choice.” I speak directly to Emma.
“Who the fuck are you?”
“Emma.” Paige lifts her gaze nervously from the sidewalk. “Don’t talk like that. Please. Not to him.”
Instinctively, my hand rests on Paige’s shoulder. She flinches, pushing my hand away quickly, but Emma gives us a piercing, disapproving look. This one is not fearful. My little sister-in-law could run her own Bratva if she wanted to.
Paige reaches toward her sister, but Emma dodges her outstretched hand. She swats Paige’s hand away from her and then rolls her eyes, disrespecting Paige. She’s lucky she’s my wife’s sister.
“We don’t need your pity anymore, Paige.” Emma raises her chin defiantly. “We have someone else to help us now. Someone who cares. A secret benefactor is looking out for us.”
“And that secret benefactor is me,” I answer, knowing Paige won’t tell the girl the truth. “Your sister requested that I help you and your father.”
The little one’s mouth clamps shut as she stares at me, then her gaze slides over Paige, taking in the expensive clothes, the flashy jewelry, and the shiny hair.
“Is he paying you?” Her lips curl in disgust. “Is this what you’ve been doing this whole time? You’ve been whoring yourself out to some sugar daddy? Who even are you anymore?”
Paige’s arm rises quickly, holding me back from Emma. I won’t tolerate this insult, even if she is Paige’s sister. I’ve had enough of this backtalk. No one belittles my wife.
“You will apologize to your sister,” I say darkly.
“Or you’ll what?”
“Please, Emma.” Paige reaches out and grips her hand tightly. “Not to him. Not like this.”
Emma’s eyes dart back and forth between Paige and me. But it’s Paige’s grip on her hand—knuckle white—that sways her. Finally, her shoulders slacken slightly.
“She has suffered in ways that you will never understand,” I continue. “And you better pray you’ll never know. She cares for you and has sacrificed more than you could possibly imagine. When has your sistereverbeen selfish?”
Emma’s attitude drops a bit more as she considers my words. The fight slowly seeps out of her as she lowers her head.
Paige stares at me with an expression of wonder. She didn’t realize how well I know her.
“I’m sorry, Paige,” Emma mumbles. “It’s been hard.” She takes a tentative step forward.
Paige runs her hand over her sister’s messy ponytail. “I know, kiddo.”
Emma lets out a forced smile. It doesn’t quite reach her eyes, and I suspect she’s doing it to be polite. But it’s a thaw, and a thaw is all I can ask for.
“Emma,” Paige starts. “This is Andrei. He’s my …”
“Fiancé,” I cover for Paige, and her shoulders relax.
“Since when?” Emma asks, her eyes looking at us suspiciously.
