Page 71 of Weeping Roses

Her grip tightens. “Is that what this is, Valentin? Taking control of a situation to gain the upper hand.”

I’m aware she is referring to our wedding, and I nod. “To an extent, but the perks made my decision an extremely easy one.”

“Your decision.” Her voice shakes and I turn her face to mine and whisper, “I wasn’t prepared to let you go, Polly. When we find what we need, I couldn’t bear the thought of walking away from you. It was inevitable, so I took steps to prevent that from happening.”

I love the way her eyes light up and a soft smile replaces the frown, and she says softly, “I was dreading it, too. I even considered holding stuff back just to keep you with me.”

Perhaps now is not the right time to tell her of my listening device and I smile into her beautiful eyes. “There is no need to hide anything from me now, malyshka. We are a team and must work together.”

“A team.”

Her soft lips find mine and as she kisses me, it reminds me of how much I like this. It’s not just the sex either? It’s her. The fact she is by my side, holding my hand and bringing a smile to my face. The obvious delight I bring her and the rewards I get from it money can’t buy.

If I had never met Polly, I would have missed out on something amazing and part of me wonders about my father and Veronica. Did he feel the same? What about my mother? Was he in love with her, too? Can you really love two people equally?

It’s not a fact I want to dwell on because imagining cheating on Polly after I built a life with her doesn’t sit well with me. I made my decision based on how I’m feeling now. Will that change? Did I rush into this without all the facts at my disposal?

Second guessing my decision isn’t the best thing to do right now and as the car makes its return to Thorn House, I wonder what this visit will reveal.

We make our way inside and Polly glances around with apprehension. “It seems different, even though it’s only been a few days since we were last here.”

“A lot has changed in that time.” I remind her, tugging her finger to my lips and kissing the simple wedding band.

As soon as we get the chance, I will adorn this finger with the rock she deserves. A Romanov wife gets the best of everything and she will be no exception.

It strikes me that she never even asked for an engagement ring. She doesn’t even realize how rich we really are. I’m guessing she’s searched for us online already, but nothing prepares a person for the full extent of our wealth unless they witness it first hand. There are many women throughout the world who would kill to be in her position and I love that she is oblivious to that. Polly is clueless about her life with me, and I anticipate seeing the realization dawn on her face when she understands exactly what she has signed up for.

My men make no effort to conceal themselves. Marsha will understand immediately who she is dealing with now, and I look forward to our meeting. She will believe she is dealing with a vulnerable, clueless girl. Now she is dealing with me and I expect a very different expression on her face when the realization hits her.

We are not kept waiting long and as her car turns into the driveway, I am watching from the upstairs window. Polly is waiting in the formal living room and my men are stationed around the house in a full show of power.

I watch her park and as she steps out of the car, she turns her attention to the house and I note the severe features of a woman who has struggled in life. I discovered a lot about this woman and know her early days were spent dealing in drugs and selling young women for profit. To her credit, she upped her game and Burning Roses is now one of the premier high class escort services that appeal to the wealthy. My father included.

Mikhail met her and negotiated Veronica’s identity in return for keeping her secret. He threatened to expose her business and drag her name through the gutter press. Anonymity is her mission statement, and she protects her business extremely well. I wonder how she will deal with what’s happening now?

I wait until she has entered the house and as I make my way downstairs, I hear Polly’s soft sweet voice offering her some tea. It brings a smile to my face because my wife is the most polite woman I have ever met and the sweetest.

It’s certainly wasted on Marsha Steele and as they take their seats in the living room, I listen with interest through the crack in the door.

“Darling, thank you so much for meeting me. You must be inundated with stuff to do and I am hoping to help ease your burden.”

“You offered me a job.” Polly says simply, and Marsha’s low laugh grates on every nerve I possess.

“Of course. You will always have a job with me. I can introduce you to many influential men and you will earn enough to keep your London home.”

She sighs in a weak show of concern.

“Is there any word on Rose Cottage? I understand there was nothing left after the unfortunate explosion.”

Polly must have responded, because Marsha sighs heavily. “I’m certain the insurance will cover the rebuild, but I was wondering on the drive over if you considered selling the plot to developers? It would save you a lot of heartache in overseeing a building project.”

“I haven’t considered it, no.”

Polly replies, and I detect a slight edge to her voice that tells me she doesn’t trust Marsha at all. Once again, I congratulate myself because Polly is an astute woman who recognizes shit when she hears it.

“So, my offer for Thorn House.”

Marsha doesn’t hang around and Polly says firmly, “I’m sorry, Marsha, but it’s too early to make any decisions.”

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