Page 48 of Gloves Off

“Yes, I am.” There’s a fire in her eyes that I like. “They need space to run around.”

I scoff, getting to my feet. “They don’t look like they can run. Roll, maybe. Keep them in the backyard.”

“No.” Her eyes go wide and she stands, eyes flashing. “They’ll get eaten by a coyote.”

I make a face like,well?

“If they go, I go.” She folds her arms over her chest, and my gaze snags on the way it pushes her breasts up in that dress.

“Fine.” I drag my eyes up to her face. “They can stay.”

As if I’d make these weird little things live outside. I don’t care if they stay in here. I’m so relieved she’s not involved with some other guy, I’d say yes to just about anything right now.

She opens her mouth to protest before she catches herself. “They can stay?”

“They don’t leave your room.”

The fight leaves her eyes, and she looks at me warily. “Fine.”

“Fine.” I make a noise of acknowledgment, crossing my arms. A beat of silence passes.

That fucking kiss sneaks into my head. My gaze drops to her mouth, pretty and full, and I think about how soft it was. How her hand sunk into my hair and how it felt when she tugged.

I don’t like this woman. She’s shallow and selfish. She recommended me for retirement.

She tried to take away my dream. I can’t be thinking about kissing her.

CHAPTER 24

GEORGIA

One heavenly week later,during which I don’t see Volkov once because he’s away for games, I find my seat behind the net, where Darcy, Hazel, and Pippa always sit to cheer on their guys.

“We know the marriage is fake,” Darcy says the second I sit down.

Fuck.

And here I was, worried she would feel like I had hidden my relationship from her.

“What?” I do my best shocked face. “What are you talking about?” I gesture at the jumbotron hanging from the arena roof, where a photo of Volkov in his uniform flashes on-screen.Congratulations, Alexei Volkov and Dr. Georgia Greene!it says. “That’s my husband.”

My mind flips to the kiss at the team dinner. Thank god I could get some space this week and clear my head. It wasn’tthatgood, I’ve decided. It just took me by surprise. I’ve had better.

Darcy smiles. “I know he is. But I still think it’s fake.”

“I love him,” I force out. Even saying those words makes me feel ill.

“Oh, do you?” Her smile turns secretive.

My face is going hot. “Yes. So much. More than anything. He’s my everything.”

Wow. Even I know that sounds fake as hell. Darcy gives me aknowing smile, eyes lit up with amusement, and I blow out a heavy breath. She’s too smart, too analytical.

“Fine,” I whisper, keeping my voice low so we aren’t overheard. “I only get my inheritance if I’m married because my grandfather was a sexist, controlling asshole, and Volkov doesn’t want to be deported the second his career ends. Also, who’s ‘we’?”

“Hayden and me. Don’t worry. He won’t say anything. He’s rooting for you two.”

“Stop rooting for us. There is literally nothing to root for.”

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