Page 64 of Ruthless Lullaby

"And?"

She doesn't reply immediately. "Fifty-eight thousand," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "But I'll-"

"Fine," I say, pulling out my phone and opening the banking app. I tap on Mindy’s account details that I still have from her Global Media days, my fingers flying over the screen. In a matter of seconds, the transaction is complete, and the money is transferred to her account.

I look up, meeting her stunned gaze with a cool, impassive one of my own. “It's done," I say. "What else worries you?"

Mindy's eyes widen in shock, her mouth falling open. "What? No, Maron, you can't-"

"Too late. It's done. Let's move on."

"Maron," she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. "I… I don't know what to say. Thank you."

I shrug, slipping my phone back into my pocket. "You’re welcome."

As she continues to stare at me stupefied, a ghost of a smile flickers across her face making me feel a tug in my chest. Something warm and unfamiliar, something I don't quite know how to name. There's something about her, something that draws me in like a fucking magnet. The way she looks atme makes me feel like she can see past all the bullshit, all the posturing, and the power plays.

Like she sees the man beneath the monster.

I push the thought aside, and my jaw tightens. I've never been a man to give grand gestures of affection. I never learned that shit and I never needed to. But as I look at Mindy, at the way her eyes shine with a tentative kind of hope, I can't help but feel a flicker of something else. Something that feels dangerously close to caring.

I tilt my head and grin. "Actually, there's one way you can show your appreciation."

"Is that so?"

“Come here,” I tell her and watch as she moves closer to me. The vulnerability in her eyes, the way she leans into my touch - it all crystallizes my earlier decision. This woman, with all her complexities and contradictions, is exactly who I need as my wife. Not just to protect my position in the Bratva, but for myself.

"Mindy," I begin, my voice low and serious. "There's something I need to discuss with you."

She looks up at me, curiosity mingling with the lingering sadness in her eyes. "What is it, Maron?"

I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "You know my world is... complicated."

She nods slowly, her brow furrowing. "Okay..."

"I need a partner, Mindy. Someone strong, someone who can stand by my side and face whatever comes our way." I pause, gauging her reaction. "I need a wife."

Her eyes widen in shock. "Maron, what are you-"

I press a finger to her lips, silencing her. "I know it’s too early – we’re not there yet. But I need you to play a role. To be my wife in the eyes of others. Effective immediately."

"Play a role?" Her voice is a mix of confusion and intrigue.

I nod, allowing a smile to play on my lips. "Think of it as... practice. For what will come later."

Her breath catches, and I can see the wheels turning in her mind. "And what exactly does this 'practice' entail?"

I lower my voice to a seductive murmur. "That’s what I’m about to show you."

Without warning, I capture her lips in a hungry kiss, pouring all my pent-up desire and newfound determination into it.

The day is still young, and we have all the time we need to explore our new arrangement.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Maron

Mindy suddenly breaks the kiss.

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