Page 95 of Midnight Wedding

“For all I know, you’ve got connections back to the Zeitsev Bratva. Wouldn’t that be funny?”

“I don’t even know who they are.”

“So you say.” Tigran takes a long drink. I’m very aware of the people watching us right now. “And yet I still don’t trust you.”

I lean against the island, glaring hard at my brother-in-law. “Here’s the thing. I don’t give a crap if youtrust meor not. Arsen does, and he’s all that matters. Now, where is my husband?”

Arsen’s voice makes me turn around. “I’m right here,” he says, glaring at his brother. “Was Tigran being a pain in the ass again?”

“Just having a friendly conversation with my new sister, that’s all.” He finishes his drink and gestures for the nearby guards to follow him. “Come on, boys, let’s take this party elsewhere. I have a feeling thepatronis going to ruin all our fun.”

Arsen grabs Tigran’s arm as he tries to pass. “I’m not ruining anything,” he snarls. “I want you and the men to celebrate.”

“Then we’ll celebrate on your fucking tab, brother.”

“Good. Make sure they know they’re appreciated.” The two men stare each other down before Tigran pulls away. The group leaves the kitchen and I’m alone with Arsen.

“What’s going on?” I ask him as he walks over and pours himself some water. He drinks it down, looking frustrated.

“Busy day. That’s all.”

“All these people?—”

“They won’t bother you. Even Tigran’s harmless.”

“He still hates me.”

“He’ll come around.” Arsen’s expression hardens. “Or I’ll have to make him.”

I hate not knowing what’s going on. It bothers me more than I thought it would. But it’s obvious that Arsen’s dealing with something right now, and I decide not to press him about it.

Instead, I go over and hug him softly. He eases into my arms. A weight seems to fall from his shoulders as he relaxes under my touch, and I can’t help but smile to myself.

This big, powerful, dangerous man always melts into me.

It’s intoxicating how easily my touch soothes him.

That’s a strength I never knew I’d love.

“I found something earlier,” I say softly, stroking my fingers down his muscular bicep. I tell him about the noises, about the trigger, and about the passageway. “Someone was in there. I chased them, but?—”

He frowns down at me. “Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. Did you know about this?”

“My great-grandfather built this house. I heard he was extremely paranoid.”

“That’s not really an answer.”

He grunts and gently disengages himself from me. I feel cold when he takes a few steps across the kitchen. “It’s not important,” he says finally. “Forget about the passages.”

“Arsen, someone waswatchingme. Doesn’t that worry you?”

“Everyone in this house cares about you, Lena. You’re safe with my people.”

“Even Tigran?”

“Even my brother would die for you.”

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