Page 85 of Sinful Games

That didn’t make the fact that he had a REAL skull in his office any less creepy.

“Did you… kill him?”

He shook his head, still smiling. “Nyet.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Volk gave it to me for my twenty-first birthday.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And you just keep it in your office? That’s… normal?”

He shrugged, his nonchalance making it all the more absurd. “I like sparkly things.”

I scoffed. “Sparkly things. You really are a man of taste.”

He grinned, his eyes twinkling. “I married you, didn’t I?”

Warmth spread through my chest. Everything felt oddly domestic, almost normal, and dangerously comfortable. It was strange to start enjoying myself here, and a little unsettling too.

After everything that’s happened, I guess I just needed a break, a moment to let my guard down.

Yes, I just wanted to let my guard down and... exist.

So, I decided to play along.

“Touché,husband.”

He was silent for a moment, taking another spoonful of salad. “Good salad,wife.”

“Don’t be an asshole now.”

We finished our meal in silence, the only sounds beingthe clinking of cutlery and soft piano music filling the room. It felt almost peaceful.

“I’ve got another surprise for you,” Alexsei announced.

I leaned back, tapping my chin with a finger. “Let me guess. A puppy?”

“Nyet.But if you want one, I can get you one. Anything you want, really.”

I wiped my mouth with a napkin and carried my empty plate to the sink. “Don’t. I love dogs, but I’m not that responsible yet.”

He followed, helping me load the dishes into the dishwasher. “Too bad. I still see you with a Doberman, you know.”

“Maybe one day.”

I finished washing my hands and turned to find him taking my hand and guiding me to the couch. He gently seated me and said softly, “Close your eyes.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Just do it, Caia.”

I closed my eyes, listening to the sounds around me. I heard his footsteps as he moved around the room and tapped my feet lightly on the carpet, waiting for whatever surprise he had in store.

Hopefully divorce papers.

As his footsteps approached, my anticipation grew, my mind running wild with possibilities.

“Open your eyes.”

---