Page 26 of The Bratva's Prisoner Bride

"It's nothing, just some dealings on the side that's pulling me away."

He lifted a brow slightly at the claim, seemingly not convinced. Yet, he didn't press too hard. "Is that so? You must be in demand these days."

"Don't act like that's a surprise."

Nikolai chuckled. "I see...at the very least, you should stop and taste the vodka. This might be the only semblance of a break you'll have in that case."

I knew he was only teasing and hoping to get a rise out of me, yet I couldn't help but be a bit cagey about the topic.

I didn't usually hide things from my siblings, but for whatever reason, I didn't want to divulge the whole situation to them all. I felt the need to keep it close while I navigated my secret marriage and carried out my plan to continue tormenting Daria for as long as possible. I'd have to let them in on it eventually, but it was my personal project for the time being.

Plus, it was imperative that I get a grip on my mixed feelings before bringing anyone else into the fold. I was well aware of how much of a temptation she was for me, and despite that, I had to resist her. I had to practice enough restraint to eventually ignore that longing altogether.

She was my wife, but only as a means to remind her every day of what she did and how she would continue to pay for it. To torture her psychologically rather than physically.

I'd be wise to remember that.

I scoffed and shook my head. "Then I guess it's lucky I'm driving while you indulge."

My brother's grin stretched at that while he reached for another one of the samples. "Don't mind if I do."

***

The house was quiet when I got home, and after checking the cameras, I saw that Daria had disappeared into the master bedroom for a nap.

A small, pesky voice in my head told me to go up there and join her—to get close and carry out those longings I had. Especially after how tense I had been during the tour, the thought of finding some kind of release sounded satisfying.

But I couldn't. I had to get a grip.

So I sat at the dining table instead, waiting while I sent Veronica up to get her. Even if I couldn't have her in that way, I could still get a better read on her and get under her skin.

It seemed entertaining, at least.

In the meantime, the chef brought dinner out, placing the various plates on the table. While the fragrant aroma filled the dining room, Daria eventually appeared beneath the threshold.

She stood there hesitantly, getting out of the chef's way while she looked on edge. It seemed she was always suspecting something from me, still questioning my motives.

It was amusing knowing she couldn't get a real read on me despite likely assuming she had me all figured out.

Of course, she had a right to be fearful of me after all the promises I made to torment her. Even if there was still some resistance left in her, she knew better than to doubt me. She was catching on quickly, which alone satisfied part of that need to know my antics were getting to her.

"Come here," I murmured, discreetly taking a complete look at her, noting how soft that sweater made her look. It was distracting, but I silently urged myself to pull it together again.

Daria gave me a questioning stare before taking a few hesitant steps toward me, looking between me and the set table. "What's going on?"

"What does it look like?"

It should've been more than obvious, but in her guarded state, it seemed she needed everything to be crystal clear—no intention left unchecked.

Looking vaguely irritated at my response, her brows pinched together. My approach wasn't helping.

Sighing, I gestured to the table. "Just sit before the food gets cold. We're having dinner together whether you like it or not."

Her gaze narrowed, but when she realized I was serious, Daria relaxed by a hair before carefully approaching the table.

It was like she was afraid I had done something, or she was waiting for the other shoe to drop while eventually sitting across from me.

I couldn't blame her for being so skittish. It was a direct byproduct of how I had been treating her and how I was doing everything in my power to keep her on her toes.

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