Page 15 of Solemn Vow

I’m late.

“And the computer?” I’ll let her play her game, see how far she can take it before she’s snared.

“Same.” She raises her chin.

“And your clothes?” How far down can she dig?

She shrugs. “I did some spring cleaning early. Got rid of things I don’t wear.”

“That’s what you’re going with? All right.” I close the closet door and pull out my phone.

Several messages from Sergei. I respond that I’m on my way then put the phone away.

“I don’t owe you any explanations.” Her brows lower. I’m sure she’s uncertain that I’ve believed her.

If I didn’t have to get back across town to meet Sergei, I’d have the truth from her much sooner. Then I’d take all afternoon rewarding her for being a good girl.

Instead, we’re going to play her game.

And I fucking hate games.

“I have a meeting.” I pause for a beat, letting the relief cross her face. She thinks she’s getting away with not answering me about Jimmy.

Cute.

I would much rather stay with her and carry her through her misunderstanding of how things work with us. It’s going to be so sweet to watch her spin herself into a web of lies and try to unscramble them in order to get out. I’ll be there, ready and waiting when she falls to her knees, begging to tell the truth if only I will show mercy.

Fuck, just the image of it makes my cock unbearably hard.

“But I’ll be by tonight. You can tell me all about your friend Jimmy.” I head to the living room to get my coat. If the people we’re meeting weren’t only in town this afternoon, I’d push it back. It’s tempting enough to do it anyway. Sergei can handle the Yugorskov brothers on his own.

“Tonight?” She follows me through the kitchen.

“Yeah. Tonight.” I shove my arms through my sleeves and fix the collar on my leather jacket.

My phone goes off again and I answer it in Russian. “What, Sergei? I’m on my way.”

“Good. They will be here soon, and they are bringing Ivan,” he snaps.

Great. They’ve tied in one of my mother’s relatives. He’s a cousin or an uncle, so far removed we aren’t positive anymore, but he’s from back home. Any insult he finds here, he drags back with him. I need to get there.

“I said I’m on my way,” I say again with more heat. I hang up just as he rages on.

“Seven,” I say to Marlena.

She rolls her shoulders. “I have plans.”

“Plans? What plans?” I’m not in the mood for any more games today; I’ve let her get away with enough. If she says she’s going on a fucking date, I’m going to change my plans for the rest of the day.

“Just out with some friends.”

“Andrei’s taking Izzy out tonight.” I had to use a connection to get them a table at a restaurant he wanted to surprise her with. If Marlena would stop being so dishonest, I’d get us a table at an even better restaurant.

“I have other friends.” She cocks an eyebrow. “From work. Friends from work.”

I stare at her a long moment. She’s not quite holding my gaze, but she hasn’t started rubbing her neck.

“I’ll come by after then.”

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