Page 159 of Sinful Games

My eyes narrowed. “Steven?”

Caia hesitated, her gaze faltering. “My housemate. We?—”

“Is he your… boyfriend?” The question burst out, laced with a possessive edge.

He better fucking not be.

Jealousy flared up, burning like a wildfire, threatening to consume me. I’d leap out of the thirteenth floor if it meant finding this Steven.

Her eyes dropped to her lap. “He’s just a friend,” she mumbled.

“Justa friend?”

My fists clenched, barely containing myfury.

Before Caia could even open her mouth, a fierce determination gripped me like a vice.

“I don’t give a fuck who he is,” I said, my voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “We’re going to hunt down whoever’s after you and end them. But first, I need every detail you’ve got.”

As she shifted uneasily, Caia murmured, “Whatever you need…”

I leaned in closer, eyes locked onto hers. “Then you’re moving in with me,” I said, my tone brooking no argument.

Her eyes widened in shock. “What?! No, I don’t think?—”

“To keep you safe,” I cut in, my voice firm. “I’m not taking no for an answer. You’re staying with me until we sort this out.”

She frowned, shaking her head. “I don’t think it’s necessary, Alexsei.”

I raised an eyebrow, my expression turning cold. “Not necessary? After what you’ve done to me, you think I want you in my space? This isn’t about my feelings; it’s about keeping you alive. So, if I have to put up with you under my roof to make sure you’re safe, then so fucking be it.”

The truth was, the mere thought of having her in my space set off fucking fireworks in my chest.

With a resigned sigh, she looked at me, the fight draining from her eyes. “Fine,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. “I’ll do everything you say, Alexsei—until I’m no longer in danger."

“Wait, you said what? Are you fucking stupid?”

I let out a rough sigh, leaning my head back against theseat and cutting off the engine. “I told her she had to move in with me.”

I know. It’s selfish as hell. But I needed her close, needed to feel her around, just to know she was safe. So, I played it up, and said it was all for her protection. If she wasn’t my Caia, I wouldn’t even bother—I’d just send some of my men to keep an eye on her and protect her if needed, like I would for any other client. But she’s still mine, still my wife, whether she wants to admit it or not.

So, I’ll be the one keeping her safe, and I’ll destroy anyone who tries to touch her.

Volk’s silence on the other end of the phone was short-lived. “Romaniev, you’re a fucking idiot. I swear.”

“Do me a favor, asshole, enlighten me. What was I supposed to do when my wife shows up after two fucking years and asks me for protection? Tell her to fuck off and figure it out herself?” My anger was damn near boiling over.

“After all the shit she put you through? Yeah, pretty much,” Volk shot back, his voice cold as ice.

“Fuck you, Mikhail.”

He sighed. “I’m just saying that I don’t think her moving in with you is going to end well.”

In some sick way, he was right. I didn’t want her tearing my heart to pieces again, but I had a plan. I was going to make her fall for me all over again. That’s why I was sitting outside her apartment, watching her grab a few things before heading back to mine. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she might change her mind and stay the hell away from me. But I wasn’t about to let that happen. I was all in, no matter what.

“Anyway, thanks for LeRoy. Seems like he’ll be a good fit for Scarlett’s bullshit. First time I’ve met a guy more uptight than Lazzio. Dude doesn’t even know how to crack a damn smile,” I scoffed.

“LeRoy’s been through hell, but he’s the best there is. He handles the kind of shit most guys would run from,” Volk said. “Perfect for Scarlett, someone who’ll keep her safe and in line.”

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