Page 10 of Shatter Me

“Careful, brother.” But my usual threatening tone lacks bite. My eyes track Natasha across the room where she’s rejoined Sofia.

“You’re not even listening.” Alexi waves his hand in front of my face. “You’ve got it bad.”

“Enough.” I drain my glass, unsettled by how easily they read me. More unsettled by how right they are.

“The great manipulator, finally manipulated.” Erik’s rare smile holds too much understanding. “By a woman who clearly sees through your games.”

I signal the bartender for another drink, unable to deny their observations. The loss of control, however slight, rattles me more than I care to admit.

5

TASH

Ilean against Sofia’s pristine marble counter, swirling my wine glass. “I can’t believe you invited the brothers. This was supposed to be our girl time.”

Sofia pulls fresh bread from the oven, the scent of rosemary filling the kitchen. “They’re family now.”

“Family who probably have their own homes to haunt.” I take a long sip of the cabernet. “And speaking of haunting, how’s the honeymoon phase? Still christening every surface?”

A blush creeps up Sofia’s neck as she arranges the bread in a basket. “Tash!”

“What? That flush tells me everything. Look at you, all domestic goddess meets sex kitten.” I hip-check her as I pass. “Never thought I’d see the day Sofia Henley would be playing house.”

“It’s different with him.” She pauses, knife hovering over a block of cheese. “Everything’s different.”

“Oh honey, I know. The way that man looks at you...” I fan myself dramatically. “Like he wants to devour you whole.”

Sofia throws a kitchen towel at my head. “As if you haven’t noticed how Dmitri watches you.”

“We’re not discussing that particular devil.” I steal a slice of cheese. “This is about you and your insatiable Russian.”

“He’s not insatiable.” She bites her lip, fighting a smile. “He’s just... thorough.”

“Thorough?” I nearly choke on my wine. “Is that what we’re calling it now? Because those marks peeking out from your collar tell a different story.”

Sofia’s hand flies to her neck, eyes widening. “Are they visible?”

“Only to someone who knows where to look.” I top off both our glasses. “But seriously, you’re happy?”

“Deliriously.” Her whole face softens. “Even with the complicated parts.”

“Good. You deserve it.” I raise my glass. “Though next time, warn a girl before inviting a hoard of Russian businessmen to dinner.”

“Ladies, the natives are getting restless out there.” Alexi saunters into the kitchen, all lean grace and mischief. “Need a hand? Or just hiding from certain individuals?”

I shoot him a glare. “We’re not hiding. We’re preparing.”

He snags a chunk of aged gouda, popping it into his mouth. “Preparing, avoiding... such a fine line.” His green eyes dance with amusement. “Especially since my dear brother just arrived.”

“Don’t you have some system to hack?” I turn my back on him, arranging crackers more forcefully than necessary.

“And miss this entertainment?” He leans against the counter. “Never. The sexual tension between you two is better than any soap opera.”

Sofia tries to hide her smile behind her wine glass. Traitor.

“There is no tension,” I snap. “Sexual or otherwise.”

“Sure.” Alexi winks, stealing another piece of cheese. “That’s why you both circle each other like hungry wolves. Very tension-free.”

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