Page 30 of Cruel Promise


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He sighs. “Just getting some furniture in for Emma. She chose to camp out one of the guest bedrooms instead of the master. It needed furniture, so she ordered a couple of things. I’m just coordinating with the delivery team.”

I run a hand over my stubble jaw. “Glad to see she’s making herself comfortable.”

“Hey, it took some convincing on my part. I’m the one who told her to order whatever she wanted and said I would have it delivered.”

I glower at him. “Aren’t you ever-so-fucking generous with my money?”

I don’t know why I’m being a dick. The truth is, I don’t like the familiar way in which he refers to Emma. I don’t like the fact that he’s attempting to make her feel comfortable inmyhome as though it’shis. I don’t like the fact that he’s talked to her more in the last twenty-four hours than I have.

If this is what jealousy feels like, I want no fucking part of it.

“It’s not your money.”

My eyes snap to his. “What does that mean?”

“Exactly what I said. I wouldn’t use your accounts without your permission.”

“Thenwhosemoney are you using?”

“Mine, of course.”

What the fuck?“You’re using your own money to get Emma settled into the penthouse?”

“Kids need stuff, Ruslan.” He doesn’t look apologetic in the slightest. “They’re gonna be cooped up in that apartment for fuck knows how long. I wanted them to be entertained.”

“They’ve got three TVs to do the job.”

“They need books, toys, puzzles. They also need storage space for those things. I’m just making sure they have everything they need. I believe that order came fromyou.”

It did; I just didn’t think Kirill would run with it the way he has. “There’s no need to use your money. Use one of my accounts.”

“It’s fine,” Kirill replies flippantly. “I’ve got it covered.”

He’s got it covered.The beast inside me roars possessively.Noother man should be taking care of Emma’s needs but me. Even if it is as inconsequential as bedsheets and extra towels.

“If anyone’s gonna cover the cost of Emma’s needs, it’s me.”

He’s quiet for a moment, face neutral.If he smiles, I’m gonna fucking punch it right off of him.Lucky for him, he doesn’t. “Alright. Whatever you say, boss.” He whistles under his breath as his gaze sweeps around the room and he twiddles his thumbs in his lap. When his eyes finally meet mine again, he exhales. “Brother, if you stare at me any longer, you’re gonna bore a hole through my face.” He uncrosses his legs. “Something bothering you?”

“How often do you go over to the penthouse?”

“Which one?”

“Don’t be cute.”

He chuckles. “Every morning. Unless, of course, Emma needs something and then I’ll drop by in the evening, too.”

“Stay long, do you?”

He knows where I’m going with this but he doesn’t skip a beat before he answers. “Sometimes. The kids get bored being cooped up indoors all the time. Spent an hour with them yesterday building a Lego castle.”

That’s my fucking territoryis my first thought.

My second is,Am I that easily replaced?

“It was actually pretty fun,” he continues nonchalantly. “Those girls are hilarious. I don’t know how Emma juggles all three. She’s really got a way with them, though.”

“Seems they’re not the only ones she’s got a way with,” I rumble.

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