Page 29 of Sinful Lies

The moment she’s out of the room, I lean back against the counter and rub my hand over my jaw. I’m tired of talking. I’m tired oflying.

And I don’t see it ending anytime soon.

“I was fucking sleeping,” Mikhail mutters as he and Danil stroll into Alexei’s office an hour later. “I need a drink.”

“You look like shit.” He looks like he’s just crawled out of bed, wearing a pair of light gray joggers and a black T-shirt that shows off his intricate sleeve tattoos.

“Fuck off.”

I reach out my hand for him to slap, and I flash him a grin.

“What’s this about, Alexei?” Danil looks like he’s actually bothered to shower and is wearing a crisp black shirt and pants.

He stalks over to the brown leather Chesterfield that's situated against the far wall and takes a seat, watching Alexei curiously.

“You should all sit down.” Alexei goes to the bar cart. “This is important.”

Mikhail slumps down on the couch beside Danil, and we wait in silence until Alexei has handed us all a drink.

“You’re not going to like what I’m about to say.” He looks at each of us.

I rub my left hand up and down my thigh as I try to predict what bomb is about to come out of my brother’s mouth.

“Spit it out,brat,” Mikhail grumbles.

Alexei takes a deep breath before throwing back his triple vodka and wiping his mouth on the back of his hand.

“Our father had an affair with Igor Ivanov’s wife.” He slams his glass down on the table.

I can’t stop the laugh that escapes me as Alexei’s words sink in.

“You’re joking.”

“I wish I was.” He perches on the edge of his desk, folding his arms over his chest.

“I don’t understand…” Danil mutters. “Papochkahad an affair?”

“Yes.”

I shake my head. “That makes no sense. They were in love. I… No, I don’t believe you.”

“Dimitri—”

“You could see it every time they looked at each other. You can’t fake that.”

“I’m not saying they weren’t in love.”

“That’sexactlywhat you’re saying! Because if they loved each other,Papochkawouldn’t have crawled into bed with another woman.”

“Well, he did.”

“Says who?” I get to my feet. “Because that’s one hell of an accusation to make.”

Alexei frowns. “It’s not just an accusation. I’ve had it confirmed by Frederik.”

“Frederik?”

“He’s worked for us for years. He’s credible.”

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