Page 60 of Carved in Ruin

I’m pulling my hair into a ponytail when he speaks again.

“Who put this together?”

I glance at him in the mirror, my fingers pausing mid-tie. “I did.”

“How did you get their numbers?”

“Nadia,” I say simply, securing the band and smoothing stray strands.

“Already getting close to my staff?”

“As long as they’re not like Irina.”

The smirk on his face falters just slightly. I press forward, unable to help myself. “Any more staff members I should worry about?” My voice is light, playful even, but my stomach knots. The question might sound like a joke, but god, it isn’t.

He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve had all of them moved elsewhere after Irina.”

I don’t know if I should feel relieved or furious. My mind spins. How many were there? He really just worked his way through them like they were tissue paper. Irina had already been a disaster—turned me into someone even I couldn’t recognize, a bitter, spiteful mess. And now I know she wasn’t the only one.

“It was easy. Convenient. They all meant nothing.”

His words sting in a way I don’t want to examine too closely, and my eyes wander over him without permission. His body is a walking advertisement for sin. His arms are massive, thick with muscle, and his chest is hard and broad. He’s impossibly masculine. His forearms alone are the size of my thighs.

It would be easy for him. Of course it would. Every woman on the planet would fall at his feet, and clearly, plenty of them already have.

I finish applying my makeup, keeping my expression neutral as I stand. “Okay, I’m heading out now.”

“Oh, by the way,” I add with a grin, holding up his sleek black card. “Your card is with me.” I wiggle my brows for effect.

“Knock yourself out.”

I nod when Rafael tells me to take two guards with me. He introduces them as Ivan and Arkadi. Once I’m in the backseat of the car and they’re settled in the front, I roll the window down, catching Rafael’s arm before he can walk away.

Leaning out of the window, I press a quick kiss to his lips. It’s nothing deep, just enough for show. When I pull back, he looks dazed, and I take the opportunity to lean close to his ear.

“No one outside of us should know this wasn’t my choice,” I whisper.

He jerks back, his face twisting in anger. Without a word, he gives me his back and leaves.

I glance toward Ivan and Arkadi, trying to brush it off. With a tight smile, I say, “He doesn’t like me leaving him, even for a couple of hours.”

They don’t react, their faces blank. I swallow hard. “Should we go now?”

They don’t say anything, just start the car, and we’re off.

I lean back, staring out the window, trying to distract myself from the thoughts spiraling in my head. I don’t want to be seen as a damsel in distress. I don’t want people thinking Rafael bought me off my father like cattle. My pride can’t handle anyone knowing this wasn’t my choice.

By the time we pull up to the mall, I’ve shoved the thoughts down deep enough to function. I step out of the car and feel Ivan and Arkadi’s presence even though they keep their distance. It’s strange, knowing they’re there but not seeing them.

Yelena and Katya greet me with bright smiles, kissing my cheeks. I return their affection easily.

“Where’s Sofiya?” I ask as we grab coffee before diving into the shops.

“She and her husband have a ‘job’ to do,” Katya says, putting air quotes around the word.

“Why do you say job like that?” I ask, laughing softly.

Yelena grins mischievously. “Because that ‘job’ involves blood, guts, and definitely a few limbs.”

---