Page 24 of Arranged with Twins
“Because after we slept together last night, he couldn’t get out of here fast enough. Then this morning I get that text scheduling a meeting like I’m just another business appointment.” Without much thought, I slide on the ring again and start twisting it around my finger, remembering how carefully Leo slid it into place at the restaurant. “Whatever happened between us last night, he’s obviously decided it was a mistake.”
“Or he’s scared. Men do stupid things when they’re scared, especially men who are used to controlling everything around them. I bet he really likes you and it’s tearing him up inside.”
“Leo Denisov doesn’t strike me as someone who gets scared of anything.”
Nadia waves a hand. “Everyone gets scared when they start caring about someone they didn’t plan to care about. So, are yougoing to let him retreat into business mode or will you fight for what you want?”
Before I can answer, my doorbell rings. I check the time and realize it’s exactly ten o’clock, which means Leo has arrived with his usual punctuality. “That’s him,” I say, suddenly nervous about seeing him again.
Nadia crams the last bit of croissant in her mouth, asking, “Do you want me to stay for moral support, or would you prefer to handle this privately?” before she starts chewing.
“Stay for a few minutes? I could use the backup.”
I buzz Leo up, then take a moment to check my reflection in the hallway mirror. I look tired but not terrible, which is probably the best I can hope for under the circumstances.
When Leo appears at my door, he’s back to being perfectly put-together, with his expensive suit, carefully styled hair, and neutral expression that reveals nothing about what he’s thinking or feeling. The man who kissed me desperately and moved inside me with such intensity might as well have been a different person entirely.
“Good morning,” he says politely, stepping into my apartment. “I hope this time works for your schedule.”
“It’s fine,” I lie, because pointing out that he didn’t actually ask about my schedule would probably start another argument. I haven’t ruled out that happening yet, but I’d prefer to avoid it if we can.
Nadia rises from her seat at the kitchen island and gathers her purse. “I should get going. I have a fitting this morning.”
She hugs me goodbye and whispers in my ear, “Don’t let him dismiss what happened. You deserve better than that.”
Leo waits until she leaves before settling into the chair across from where I’m standing. The distance between us feels carefully calculated and professional rather than personal.
“I wanted to discuss what happened last night,” he says, his voice carrying the same disinterested tone he might use for a board meeting.
“All right.” I remain standing, using the kitchen island as a barrier between us.
“What happened between us was impulsive and shouldn’t distract from the agreement between our families. We both have responsibilities that extend beyond personal preferences, and it would be a mistake to let emotions complicate this arrangement.”
The clinical way he discusses our night together makes my chest ache. “I see.”
“I think it would be best if we kept business and pleasure separate going forward. Last night was the result of heightened emotions and stress from the situation with your mother’s interference. We should both be able to move past it.” He doesn’t even blink as he says it all so aloofly.
“Of course.” I force my voice to remain level, even though his dismissal cuts deeper than I’d braced for when I accepted he was probably coming here today to negate last night. “You’re probably right. The pressure of this whole situation got to both of us.”
“Exactly.” He seems relieved that I’m agreeing with him. “We can return to the professional relationship that serves both our interests.”
Professional relationship. I barely hold back a snort. As if what happened between us was nothing more than a momentary lapse in judgment, easily corrected and forgotten. To him, apparently, it was exactly that. To me, it was the first time since this engagement began that something felt genuine and honest. I just can’t allow myself to feel it again, or this merger will break my heart. I decide right then I’ll never call it a marriage. It will help me keep my distance. I hope.
“Is that all you wanted to discuss?” I ask, proud of how composed I sound.
“Actually, no. We still need to address the contracts and security arrangements we discussed yesterday. I’ve made some revisions based on your feedback.” He produces a folder from his briefcase and spreads new documents across my kitchen island after standing up to join me, remaining on the opposite side. The papers look identical to what he brought yesterday, though I suppose there might be subtle changes in the language.
“I’ve clarified the security protocols to give you more input into how protection is implemented. You’ll meet with the head of the team to discuss options and preferences.”
“That’s considerate.” I scan the first page without really reading it, too focused on maintaining my composure to process legal language. Somehow, I keep the sarcasm out of my tone, but it’s a struggle. “This is very interesting.”
“The business integration documents remain largely the same, though I’ve added clauses that protect your personal assets fromany complications that might arise from your father’s financial situation.”
That makes me look at him directly, temporarily distracting me from my attempt to maintain my pride. “What kind of complications?”
Leo hesitates, and for a moment, his professional mask slips. “Your father has made some choices that could affect the family’s financial stability. These contracts ensure your inheritance and trust funds remain protected regardless of what happens with his debts.”
My stomach clenches. “How bad is it?”
