Page 48 of Twisted Vows

I cross the space between us. “Come,” I say calmly, gesturing toward the family room. “If we’re going to insult each other, we might as well do it comfortably.”

She huffs a quiet laugh, standing and following me out of the dining room. “You must be an imposter.”

“I’m the new and improved AI version,” I reply, watching her steps falter for half a second. “Let me know if you like the changes.”

She brushes past me, but I can see the faintest trace of a smile beginning to form. We sit across from one another, and the day’s weight slowly peels off me as Ari’s posture relaxes.

She’s a puzzle that fights back when you try to solve it, but right now... she’s different. Softer, maybe.

“So, what now?” she asks, her voice light but with an edge of curiosity. “Are we going to sit here and glare at each other all night, or do you have some other plan, husband?”

I swirl the wine in my glass. “Well, glaring at each other is a time-honored tradition, but I’m open to suggestions.”

Her lips curve into a faint smile. “How generous of you.”

For a moment, we sit in comfortable silence, the tension from earlier fading into something else. The music playing softly in the background catches my attention—a slow, sultry melody that I barely notice most nights. But tonight, it feels like a challenge.

“Dance with me,” I say, the words out before I can think them through.

Ari’s brows shoot up. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” I set my glass down and rise, holding out a hand to her. “Let’s live dangerously.”

She blinks, caught off guard. “You want to dance. With me.”

“Are you afraid, Mrs. Volkov?” I keep my tone teasing, but there’s an undercurrent of sincerity I can’t quite hide. “Or do you only fight battles you know you can win?”

Her eyes narrow, the fire in them sparking to life. “Afraid? Hardly.” She takes my hand, her grip firm, and stands. “But if you step on my toes, I’m calling this whole marriage off.”

“Noted.”

I lead her to the open space in the middle of the room, where the soft glow of the overhead lights creates an almost intimate atmosphere. The music shifts into a slower rhythm, the kind that forces one to move closer. I place a hand at her waist, and she doesn’t pull away.

Her steps are hesitant initially, like she’s trying to find her footing in unfamiliar territory. But then she meets my gaze, and something shifts. Her movements become more fluid, her body relaxing into mine. “For the record…I like your jealousy.” My grip on her waist tightens slightly as I guide her into a gentle spin.

“It was hardly that.” She smirks. “I simply like to understand the playing field.”

I pull her tighter and accept that whatever is happening between us is as messy as it is magnetic. “I will be faithful.”

Her brows furrow. My promise is rare in our world, but I mean it.

She tilts her head, her gaze locking onto mine. “What would your men think if they knew you made such a declaration?” Scoffing, she shakes her head. “Wouldn’t it make you a tiny bit less fearsome?”

I lean in slightly, my lips brushing close to her ear. “No. The opposite would be true because there would be no question of how far I will go to protect you.”

The smile that tugs at her generous mouth is soft and genuine. For the first time, I realize how rare it is to see her like this—unguarded, unarmored. And I can’t help but want more.

The music picks up tempo, and I guide her into a turn, but my foot brushes against hers in the process. She stumbles slightly, her hand tightening on my shoulder to steady herself.

“Well, that was graceful,” she says, her tone dry but her cheeks faintly pink.

“That was your fault,” I reply smoothly, though I know damn well it wasn’t.

Her eyes narrow. “My fault? You’re the one leading.”

“And you’re the one who’s supposed to follow.”

She glares at me, but there’s a spark of humor in her expression. “If you’re trying to start another fight, Max, you’re doing an excellent job.”

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