Page 50 of Emerald Vices

“And,” she adds, “before you think your intervention was some great idea and you’re a master of manipulation, you should know that your sneak attack sucked.”

“I’m sorry I pressured you,” I hear myself say. “I should have approached it differently.”

She leans back, eyes wide in surprise for a beat before she can school her face into neutrality. “Well, regardless… It was still a good idea. I shouldn’t have rejected your help.”

“What changed your mind?”

“It was actually something Aunt Annie said to me.” She gives me a tight, accusing smile. “When the two of you orchestrated that little visit for me.”

“It wasn’t orchestra?—”

She waves me off. “Save your lies. I’ve decided not to be mad about it. Just like I’ve decided not to be mad about all those clandestine rendezvous the two of you have been having.”

I smirk. “What can I say? Your aunt is an intriguing woman.”

“I really thought she’d be immune to your charms.” She smirks, eyeing me like she’s appreciating my charms as we speak.

“Actually, I think it was my sincerity that worked with her.”

“Well, either way… thank you,” she says softly, looking out across the lawn. “For trying so hard to get through to me.”

I just nod and say nothing. I don’t want to ruin it.

For the first time in a long time, it feels like we’re taking a step in the right direction.

20

NATALIA

“He’s moving Aunt Annie into the manor with us.”

Evangeline’s eyes go wide at my bomb drop. “We’ve been sitting here almost fifteen minutes and you tell me this only now?”

Only because I can still hardly believe it myself. Andrey just told me yesterday, and I haven’t wrapped my head around it yet.

I pick at the hem of my dress as Remi burrows his head deeper into my lap. “He said he thinks it would be good for Annie to have some company since she’s trapped in the house all day. Misha, too.”

“Do you think that’s the reason he’s moving Annie to the manor?”

“Not really.” I bite my lip. “I think he’s doing it for me.”

That’s why, when Andrey told me, I couldn’t even speak. My throat clogged with emotion, and all I could do was push onto my tiptoes and press a kiss to his cheek.

“How does that make you feel?” Evangeline falls back on her default question.

“Confused, mostly.”

“Not touched? Or appreciative? Or happy?”

I purse up my lips. “Way to make me sound like an ungrateful bitch.”

“I meant nothing of the sort.” Evangeline laughs. “I just want you to articulate why a gesture as thoughtful as that would make you feel confused.”

“Because it just complicates everything.” As if everything hasn’t been complicated from the moment I stepped into that elevator with Andrey. “Sometimes, it’s easier to hate him.”

Evangeline scribbles in her notes. I’ve only been in therapy a few weeks and she’s almost at the halfway point of her notebook.

“‘Need to up her meds.’” I pretend I’m writing. “‘The patient is seriously troubled.’”

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