Page 10 of Till Death Saves Me

I blink, realizing Lev's staring at me expectantly. "What?"

He raises an eyebrow. "I asked if you wanted to increase security on the docks. What's got you so distracted?"

"Nothing," I snap, too quickly. "Just tired."

Lev's lips curl into a knowing smirk. "Ah, the joys of married life keeping you up?"

I clench my jaw, fighting the urge to punch that smug look off his face. "Fuck off." When did he become this much of a pain in the ass?

But his words have conjured up an image of Virginia, perched on the edge of my sofa, eyes flashing with defiance. I shake my head, trying to dislodge the thought.

"Come on," Lev presses. "How's the blushing bride settling in?"

"She's fine," I growl. "Can we focus on business?"

But even as I force myself to concentrate on logistics and profit margins, she keeps creeping back into my thoughts. Theway she looked in that wedding dress, the soft curve of her neck, the scent of her perfume...

I curse internally. What the fuck is wrong with me? She's a complication, nothing more. A necessary evil for the good of the Bratva. So why can't I get her out of my head?

"Earth to Ivan," Lev's voice cuts through my thoughts again. "Seriously, man, what's going on with you?"

I run a hand over my face, frustration bubbling up. "Nothing. I'm fine."

But I'm not fine. I'm off-balance, unsettled. And Ihateit.

6

GINNY

Iwander through the vast mansion, my fingers trailing along the smooth surfaces of expensive furniture. The warmth of the hunter green walls and dark wood accents helps to ease the chill of loneliness settling in my bones. But I still feel trapped, off-kilter.

I don't know how to erase it.

I've already found my room, taken a long shower in what I grudgingly admit is an incredible bathroom, and changed into fresh clothes. Last night, I was so exhausted from the day that I just curled into the softest bed I'd ever been in and slept.

But it's midmorning now, and my husband isn't home. I don't know if he just never came back, and it shouldn't matter. But it bugs me as I walk through my new home, exploring the rooms on my own.

It's lonely.

The front door clicks open, the sound echoing through the quiet house. My stomach clenches instantly, a confusing mix of dread and anticipation coursing through me. I hold my breath, waiting to see who it is.

But it's not Ivan. It's a girl.

Another fucking girl.

My heart sinks, and I can't help but wonder if this is going to be a regular occurrence in my new life. He told me it was none of his concern who he was sleeping with, but I didn't expect him to shove it right in my face.

I sigh heavily, resignation washing over me like a cold wave. "Ivan's not home," I say, my voice flat and emotionless. I'm too tired to even pretend to be polite. What's the point anyway?

The woman – another Black girl to my surprise – waves me off with a bright grin that seems out of place in this somber mansion. "I don't care about him. I'm here to meet you!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm catching me off guard. I blink, unsure how to respond to her unexpected friendliness in this strange new world I've been thrust into.

I blink, caught off guard. "Me?"

"I'm Anya, Ivan's sister." Her warm smile reaches her striking amber eyes, immediately putting me at ease. "And you must be Ginny."

Relief floods through me so fast it makes me dizzy. "Sister," I breathe, then clear my throat. "I didn't know Ivan had a sister."

Anya rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "Sounds like my brother. He's not exactly the sharing type." And then she looks down at herself and adds, "I'm adopted, obviously."

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