Page 105 of Emerald Malice

Misha eyes Remi, who’s frolicking around in the gardens outside of the window, snapping at passing butterflies. “I’m not supposed to leave my room,” he mutters.

“Says who?”

His eyes fall to my belly. “Everyone.”

I wave away his worry. “You let me deal with ‘everyone.’ So what do you?—”

The sound of heavier footsteps sends Misha springing to his feet. I follow suit and, acting on some instinct I don’t have any idea how to explain, I slide in front of Misha just before Andrey enters.

He freezes at the sight of us, his eyes flickering from my face to Misha’s.

“What’s going on here?”

“What does it look like?” I counter. “We’re having lunch.”

It’s been a while since I saw that much ice in his gaze. For some reason, it ignites something in me that gives me the courage to stand a little taller.

“And then Misha’s gonna come and hang out with Remi and me in the pool house.”

Andrey’s scowl is as terrifying as it is puzzling. “Like hell he is.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said so. That’s why.”

I glare at him for a moment. Then I call out, “Remi!”

My furry protector zooms into the kitchen from the garden, looking delighted to be summoned.

Someone who doesn’t look quite so delighted? The impossibly tall, dark-haired Adonis standing in front of me.

Bet he’s regretting the gift now, I think with wicked satisfaction.

“You want to get to him, you’re going to have to go through Remi and me,” I announce firmly. “I’m not about to let you hurt him.”

“I’m not planning on hurting anyone,” he says. “I’m just going to show him back to his room where he belongs.”

I glance over at Misha. His face gives nothing away. “He needs a change of scenery.”

“Natalia.” Andrey’s voice is hard and impatient. “This doesn’t concern you.”

“Yeah, well, there are parts of my life that don’t concern you, either. Doesn’t stop you from getting involved, does it?”

His jaw clenches and he takes a step closer, but Remi bursts into fresh growls, forcing him to a standstill.

I’m not gonna lie—this is fun.

Andrey seems to realize that reasoning with me is the only way he’s gonna make some headway. He sighs. “You don’t understand, but allow me to explain.”

“Go ahead.

His eyes shift to Misha. “Not here.”

“Alright then. We’ll talk in the pool house. We were headed there, anyway.”

Andrey fixes me with a sharp gaze that promises retribution for my current sass. “Let me first show Misha back to his?—”

“No.”

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