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She glances over at the group. “The one to the right of Rurik is Kaz; he’s Alexander’s youngest brother. Ivan is to his left; he’s the middle one. And the one behind Rurik is Lev. I’m not sure how he’s related, but he’s always in these meetings when something serious is happening.”

“You’ve certainly found a home here.” I link arms with her and lead us over to the leather couch tucked in the corner of the room, where we’ll stay under their radar.

No need to tempt Kaz into looking in our direction and possibly remember me. While Megan knows what happenedwith Kaz years ago, she doesn’t know it was him. I’d kept his name out of the retelling. It wasn’t relevant, and now it’s even better that she doesn’t know.

“It’s Alexander. He’s all consuming, you know. And…” She pauses to check that none of them are paying any attention to us. “I’ve never felt safer or more loved.”

“You deserve that, Meg.” I squeeze her arm.

“So do you.”

“Don’t start. Just because your mafia guy has turned into your Prince Charming doesn’t mean they all will.”

“Not all.” She smiles. “But Rurik has said he’s marrying you.”

“You can’t believe everything a man says.” I roll my eyes.

“Mira.” Rurik touches my shoulder.

He moves like a ghost, this giant of mine.

“I have a meeting. Stay here until I get back.” His eyes are hard again, like he’s letting me know he’s not in the mood for any sort of complaining from me.

Well, I’m not in the mood to be dropped off at a babysitter’s.

“Actually, I need to swing by my apartment. I could use a few more clothes. Megan can take me.”

“The apartment is off limits. I’ll have your things packed and brought over for you. You stay here. I won’t be gone long.”

“It will be fine, Mira. We’ll hang here.” Megan taps my leg, a small gesture to let me know not to argue.

I get off the couch, go toe to toe with him.

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Who’s babysitting? You’re spending the afternoon hanging out with your friend.” It sounds benign, but I know beneath it is him doing his controlling thing.

Trying to gauge his motives by his expression is pointless. He’s gone stony on me, hiding what he’s actually thinking.

Except for his left eyebrow. That twitches, like he’s doing his damndest not to give me a direct order.

Probably because he knows doing that all but insures I’ll be finding a way out of this club.

In the end, he wins. Spending the afternoon with Megan is probably the best ways to pass the time.

“Whatever. Fine.” I wave him away.

Not one to be dismissed, he grabs my wrist and pulls me into his chest.

“Behave yourself while I’m away,” he mutters, just before he smashes his mouth over mine.

The moment our lips touch, though, he softens the kiss, sliding his hand up my neck until his fingers are lost in my hair. Gently, he curls his hand into a fist, just enough to send tingles through my scalp.

When he breaks the kiss, I’m dizzy. It’s not right, how easily this man can throw me off balance. With a little goodbye kiss? I’m losing it. Obviously, I need to recommit myself to my goal.

“How long will you be gone?” I retreat a step and clear my throat.

“Two hours, max. You can behave that long I think.”