Page 19 of Cashmere Cruelty

“Why are you even asking?” I counter. “We both know you don’t like me, either.”

Her face tells me I’m right on the money.

Maybe the same reason goes for both of us: we’re too alike. Two alphas, gunning for the top. She’d never yield to anybody—and as for me? I prefer women whowillyield. Warm, pliable, mine for the taking.

Just like?—

“Fine,” she pouts, whirling away. “You’re no fun to play with anyway.”

“I’m not made to be played with,” I snarl with a sudden lash of violence that takes even me by surprise. “So don’t try.”

Then my gaze falls to my watch.

“You should get back to your suite,” I advise. “We wouldn’t want your father thinking you’re up to something improper.”

“Yes, yes,moy pakhan,” Petra teases, hands up in a mocking gesture of innocence. “God forbid, right?”

I watch her retreating back in the mirror. Her hips, swaying with every step. Alpha or not, I should at least be tempted.

So why aren’t I?

Without thinking, my hand goes back to my pocket, where the ribbon rests. I blame the fabric: smooth, soft to the touch. Ideal for discharging my kinetic energy. With my mind always running calculations a mile a minute, it’s a welcome reprieve. A purely physical thing.

It has nothing to do with the woman who wore it.

“There you are.” I turn to the door, following the sound of Grisha’s voice. “I was starting to think we had a runaway bride on our hands.”

Petra answers with a coquettish laugh. “Oh, I would never. Just making sure my husband doesn’t get cold feet.”

“I’m not your husband yet.”

“See?” she jokes to Grisha. “Can’t leave this one alone, I’m telling you.”

“I’ll make sure he’s well looked after,” Grisha replies good-humoredly, holding out a hand. “Now come,moya printsessa.”

Petra lets herself be led out. My ever-gallant subordinate throws me a wink over his shoulder.

I roll my eyes.

“Bit insulting, don’t you think?” another voice comments snidely from the doorway.Yuri.“Petra’s a trusted ally. She wouldn’t betray us.”

“I know that, Yurochka,” Grisha replies amiably. “Just like I know you wouldn’t recognize a joke if it bit that dainty little nose of yours.”

“Get your handsoff—” my brother starts, voice turning nasal mid-sentence.

“Boys,” I bark, my patience running thin. “Quit stealing each other’s noses and get the fuck to work. Otherwise, I’ll shoot them both off.”

My second- and third-in-command obediently break it up.

“Unbelievable,” Yuri mutters under his breath.

“Let it go,” I warn him. “I swear, the second you’re in a room together, you both revert to toddlers.”

I can see an objection on Yuri’s lips, but he seems to think better of it.Good. I’m not in the mood for games today.

“Are you ready?” he asks instead.

I throw one last glance in the mirror. The jacket looks as crisp as it did that day in the shop. Better, even. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I sigh.

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