Page 46 of Devious Madness

“No. That was from another guy. Rurik took care of him, too.” I add for Alexander’s sake.

The muscle in Rurik’s cheek ticks. Maybe he’s not as proud of that one.

“Where have you been? Why haven’t you texted or called?” Megan’s moved on from my injuries.

“I’ve been trying to get a hold of you! But none of my calls or texts were answered.” I glance at the two Russian Neanderthals glaring down at us. “Rurik wouldn’t tell me anything after he kidnapped me, other than this guy told him to do it.”

Megan laughs. “Alexander asked him to find you because all of my texts and calls weren’t getting answered. I never got a message from you.”

“I sent so many.” I go to grab the burner from my pocket, but realize I left it in my bag and everything else in the car.

“Didn’t Kaz tell you we were coming?” Rurik asks Alexander.

“He mentioned it yesterday, but I didn’t want to get her hopes up in case you were delayed.”

“You knew?” Megan turns on Alexander, who appears to have not one ounce of remorse at keeping the news from her.

“I wanted to be certain. You’ve had enough stress thesepast weeks, I didn’t want you to get your hopes up, only to have them ruined.” Alexander presses his lips together as he stares down at her.

“You should have told me. I could have handled it,” she argues but with less oomph.

“What’s been stressful? What’s been going on? Who is this, why are you here, and why did this mammoth get sent to kidnap me?” I fire off the questions that have been burning my brain.

Megan wraps her arms around me again, hugging me tighter than any other hug I’ve had in a while.

“I’m so glad you’re okay, and you’re back,” she whispers.

“Meg, what’s going on?” I hug her back, concerned at the gentleness in her tone.

“Let’s get wine. I’ll tell you everything.” She untangles from me, only to grab my hand and start yanking me with her.

“Megan—”

“I’m not talking to you right now!” Megan holds up a hand in the air to stop Alexander’s words and keeps tugging me.

“Who is that guy?” I ask once we’re walking down an empty hallway.

“My husband.”

“You married her?” Alexander turns a raised eyebrow at me once the girls have moved past hearing range.

“No. Not yet.” I pause. “But soon.”

Once I make a decision I don’t change my mind. And making Mira mine permanently has already been decided.

She just needs to get used to the idea.

“I only asked you to get her and bring her home,” he says, like he’s making a clarification.

“That was the plan.” I nod, stuffing my hands into the front pockets of my jeans.

“What happened, then?” He pours two drinks andbrings one to me.

“Mira happened.” I close my eyes, enjoying the burn of the whiskey as it slides down my throat.

I could use a good vodka, but this will do. It will ready me for the battle with Mira when I remind her that she’s coming home with me.

Alexander studies me for a moment, then gives an understanding nod as he sips his drink.

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