Page 15 of His to Ruin

When I walked in here and saw that asshole caressing her face, the self-control I pride myself on almost shattered. It was bad enough she allowed some man into her home when none of her family is here, but then she let him touch her. It wasn’t an innocent gesture. There was intimacy in it. If I’d been another minute later, would I have caught them kissing?

“Do you want to take a seat?” Olivia motions toward the living room door.

I nod and she walks in ahead of me. Like the other parts of the house I’ve seen, this space is ultra-feminine, with cream floral curtains framing the windows and throw pillows on the pale pink sofas. My uncle Boris spends a lot of time here now that he’s marrying Olivia’s mother. It’s strange to see him at ease in such a flowery room. His own apartment is decorated in shades of gray, black, and white, a stark palette that better suits his stoic personality.

Recently I’ve noticed a change in my uncle. Since he and Ava Volante started dating, he’s been happier than I’ve ever seen him. I’m pleased he’s found a woman who brings him peace. Ava is a calming influence. I doubt I’ll experience that with Olivia. She’ll challenge me at every turn. That suits me. I’m not looking for a quiet life.

“Please, sit,” Olivia says. “May I offer you a drink?”

Her forced politeness amuses me. I hadn’t planned on making myself comfortable, but if my fiancée wants to play hostess to soften my irritation, I’m willing to see where this takes us.

There are two sofas and an armchair in the room. I opt for the wing-backed chair by the fireplace that offers a view of the door and the window. In my line of business, it’s essential to be aware of my surroundings. More than one attempt has been made on my life.

“I’ll take a vodka,” I reply. “Neat.”

“Water’s for wimps.” Olivia smiles. “I remember.”

I’m irrationally pleased she recalls the brief conversation we had at the Volantes’ Tuscan villa and noted my preference. She goes to a cabinet in the corner of the room and opens the door to reveal several bottles of hard liquor sitting alongside a varietyof glasses. As she pours a large measure of vodka and brings it to me, I cast an eye over her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this. Usually, Olivia is dressed immaculately, with flawless makeup. I prefer this. With all artifice stripped away, it’s like glimpsing the real Olivia Volante.

“What are you wearing?” I ask as I accept the glass from her.

She looks down at herself as if she needs to check what clothes she put on. “I was planning to watch a movie.”

It takes all my self-control not to roll my eyes. Can nobody give a direct answer anymore?

“I didn’t ask what you were planning to do, Olivia. I asked what you’re wearing.”

She appears confused by my question, her brow furrowing. “Oh, it’s yoga pants and a top.”

“Do you usually welcome visitors into your home dressed like this?” It’s not her clothes I object to, but the way they mold to her body, accentuating her curves. It angers me that another man saw her like this.

“I wasn’t expecting anyone tonight.” She sinks into an armchair across from me, strategically putting the coffee table between us. “Why did you come?”

If the little minx thinks she’s going to steer me away from finding out more about the asshole I caught her with, she’s mistaken. However, I will let her divert me for now.

“I wanted to check on the wedding preparations.” I sip the vodka she gave me. It’s not as smooth as my preferred brand, but it’s passable.

Olivia’s eyes widen. “I didn’t think you were interested in all that.”

I’m not. As far as I’m concerned, any fuss is unnecessary. A trip to the courthouse and a celebratory meal at a Bratva-run restaurant would have satisfied me. My uncle had other ideas. Egged on, no doubt, by Ava, he insisted on giving the Volantes free rein. I don’t want to upset Ava. She’s a woman I admire and Olivia is her only daughter, so I agreed to let them do whatever they want. It’s not as if they’ll be able to create the sort of three-ring circus I’d hate in a week.

“In the details, no,” I reply. Flowers, canapes, and all that shit are of no importance to me. “But I wanted to ensure things are progressing as they should be.”

“Afraid I’m using this week to plan my escape instead of a wedding?” Olivia tilts her chin defiantly.

“Plan all you want,malyskha, but if you run, I will hunt you to the ends of the earth. I’ll burn everything in my path to find you.”

Olivia rolls her eyes like she expected such a declaration. “How romantic.”

“And you thought I was a cold-hearted bastard.” A smile touches my lips. I like this banter between us. I’ve never had this with a woman before. “Now, tell me, are the wedding preparations on track?”

“Yes. The advantage of having so many sisters-in-law is that there are plenty of people to help. I delegated most tasks to them and my mother. My bridesmaids helped me shop for a gown.”

“Did you find one?”

“Yes, it took me ages to find the perfect one, but it was worth it.”

The thought of her shopping for the right dress pleases me. It shows she’s taking the wedding seriously and hopefully that means she’s reconciled herself with our union.

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