Page 61 of Defiled Innocence

“Amelia, in our marriage everything is ours. There is no yours and mine, it’s all ours.”

“Oh? So you’ll let me in on the problem you’re having in Russia? You’ll tell me what your brother and you were just talking about when I walked in?” She cocks her head to the side, like she’s just caught me in something.

“One of my shipments is being held up at a port there. Someone’s interfering in my business. Kost is working on the problem for me.”

She blinks. I’ve surprised her. Good.

“Shipment of what?” She thrusts out her chin, thinking she’s got me now.

“Weapons.” I arch a brow.

“Oh.” She’s not sure what to do with that information.

I haven’t told her anything that might put her in danger, but enough to show her we are in this life together. “You’re an arms dealer.”

“Among other things. Yes.”

She nods. Complete acceptance. Beautiful.

“Fine. But still, I’m going to handle this.” She reaches around me, picking up her purse from where she dropped it. “I have to get back.”

“You can dig into paperwork and computers and ledgers, but you’re not to go questioning anyone. Do you understand? I won’t allow you to put yourself in danger.”

“Allow?” She laughs. “Dmitri, I agreed to this marriage to keep the center open. I even said those stupid words during the ceremony to keep us from standing there all day. But don’t for a second believe you allow anything.”

Ah, there’s the hellcat that barged into my office a short time ago. The fire burns brightly in her eyes now.

“Alright.” I nod slowly. “We’ll talk more about it tonight.”

Her phone vibrates in her purse.

“Tonight?” She stares at me while digging it out.

“Yes. Tonight.” Folding my arms over my chest, I smile. “We can discuss the rules tonight. You seem to have forgotten who makes them and who follows them.”

Tucking her purse under her arm, she taps out quick messages on her phone.

“I haven’t forgotten anything, Dmitri. I have to go.”

I walk ahead of her to the door, opening it for her.

“Tonight.” I grin.

“Whatever.” She rolls her pretty eyes at me as she passes.

An act that would usually annoy me, but with her in this moment it only fuels my desire for her.

She can play act that she doesn’t crave my authority, my dominance, but I see through her. When I tried to be soft, she rejected me. It was only when my dominance came through that she softened.

She’ll learn.

Amelia

It’s nearly nine by the time I walk in the front door of Dmitri’s penthouse. Boris, the spy assigned to me for today, walks in behind me carrying the boxes I’ve brought back from Lucas’ apartment.

“Let’s put them in the spare bedroom.” I try to lift the top box from him, but Boris turns and shakes his head. “Fine, you stubborn ox. Carry them yourself.”

We’re halfway up the staircase when Dmitri appears at the top of the stairs. He hooks his hands on his hips, staring down at us. I try to keep my gaze from lingering, but he’s already stripped out of his suit jacket and tie.

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