Page 16 of Dancing With Delusion

“Let’s not go over the past,” I say. “I’ll have someone go over the books and then I’ll make an offer based on its current value.”

“Actually, I’m not prepared to sell my half.”

I frown. “You don’t know anything about running a bar.”

“It’s the last little something I have to remember him by.”

I roll my eyes. “You were hardly daughter of the year, and he was certainly a questionable father.”

“You got what you needed from him, and I won’t hand over a bar he named after me so that I’m left with nothing.”

“Then keep one of his other businesses.”

“My mother isn’t interested in taking over. As long as I keep her income flowing, she’s left me to decide what to sell or keep, and I’m keeping my half of the bar. I’m sure you’ll be professional enough to work alongside me to run things.”

I shrug. She’ll get bored eventually. She has no staying power when it comes to working—she’s been a pampered princess for too long. “Fine.”

She gives a wide smile and reaches her hand across the desk, and we shake. “Business partners, who would have thought?”

“I’ll have my accountant send the books over to you.”

“You know I’m no good with numbers, Dmitry. Perhaps we can meet to discuss all that.” She stands and slips her arms into her jacket. “How are things with . . . Tori?” The pause was intentional, like she couldn’t recall her name.

“Victoria and I are fine,” I say stiffly.

“Are you sure? It’s just, from the outside looking in?—”

“I’m not going to discuss my personal life with you, Vivian. It was our number one rule, no?”

She smirks, arching a brow. “That was before, when we were together. Now, you can’t order me to stay quiet.” She places her hands on the desk and tries to give me what I think is a worried look. “I’m just concerned about you, Dmitry. Just because we ended things doesn’t mean I don’t care.”

“I’m fine,” I say, standing.

“She can be very . . . fiery. And you’re usually so good at control.”

“Vivian,” I snap, my tone warning.

“People are talking,” she rushes to add.

It’s my turn to arch a brow. “You should know better than to listen to gossip.”

“Is it gossip when I’ve witnessed her erratic behaviour for myself?”

“I won’t have you stand here and speak about Victoria like this,” I hiss.

“She’s impulsive and wild, everything you hate.”

“Apparently not,” I snap.

“She’s going to get you hurt, or even worse, killed. What is it about her, Dmitry?”

I round the desk and take her upper arm, guiding her towards the door. “You just said it yourself, she’s impulsive and wild. Everything I now love in my women.”

“And yet you claim you’re dominant,” she scoffs.

I pull the front door open, and before I shove her through it, I bring her in close. “Taming her wildness is addictive. It’s part of the fun.” Then, I slam the door closed and release a long breath.

Victoria enters the dining room freshly showered. I narrow my eyes as I stand to kiss her cheek, taking in her wet hair.

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