Page 51 of Sinful Lies

“And I’m saying, screw the agreement, you can have whatever you want. I want you to be happy while you’re here.”

Zara blinks but nods, her cheeks reddening as she turns back to face the room.

“It’s perfect.” She sighs. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, you’ll have your own key to get into the building, and I’ll add your fingerprints to the system.”

“I’m allowed out?” She raises her eyebrows.

“I’m not like Alexei.” I chuckle. “You’re not my hostage. Though I will say that the security in this place is extremely tight, and all the cameras are linked to my phone. I will also be notified every time you enter or leave the premises.”

“Hmm…” She bites her lower lip.

“After the situation with Gilanto, I can’t take any risks when it comes to your safety, Zara. Our marriage might be for show, but my care for you is not.”

Zara’s throat bobs as she looks at me, her eyes softening as my words sink in.

I never want her to have to experience fear like that again, so I made sure to install extra cameras and fingerprint locks to give us both peace of mind.

“Now, while you make yourself at home, why don’t I get us both a drink?” It’s clear we both need to loosen up a bit, and the only way I know how to do that is with sex or alcohol, and seeing as the former is off the table…

“Sure.”

We exit her bedroom, and as I’m closing the door behind us, Zara pauses.

“Where does that door lead?” She points to the door at the far end of the upstairs corridor.

“To the rooftop terrace. There’s a hot tub and lounge chairs up there so feel free to use it as much as you want.”

Zara’s jaw hits the floor, and I swallow a laugh at the look on her face.

“Oh, I will definitely be using the hot tub.”

My mouth suddenly feels dry as I picture coming home to Zara lounging in a bikini.

Thankfully, my phone beeping interrupts my filthy thoughts.

“Excuse me.” I reach into my pocket, pulling my phone out.

There’s a single message from Alexei, and I curse under my breath as I scan the contents.

“Is everything okay?”

I glance up to Zara frowning at my expression.

“There’s something I have to go and deal with, but I won’t be long. Will you be okay here by yourself?”

“I’ll be fine.” Zara offers me a reassuring smirk. “Take your time. I’m quite looking forward to having some time alone in my new penthouse.”

“What’s mine is yours.” I chuckle. “Call me if you need anything.”

Zara rolls her eyes and ushers me toward the elevator, ensuring me that the only thing she might need is a nice long bath.

Apparently,I was the last one to receive Alexei’s message.

As I step out of the elevator into the living room of my family’s Upper East Side penthouse, I spy my two youngest brothers lounging on the couch while Alexei paces the room.

When he hears me enter, his head snaps up, and his expression is one of cold fury.

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