Page 29 of Arranged Control

“Guess that makes us better.” He puts an arm around me and steers us both away from the corpse. “Listen, Seamus. I don’t know what’s going on, but you need to be careful. I don’t like this Bratva business. It might be we find out that Michael got involved in something bad, but?—”

He only glances at me. He doesn’t need to finish that sentence.

Because we both doubt that’s the case.

Which means that body back there was meant for us.

“Where’s Alina right now?”

Dad smiles slightly. “Worried about your wife?”

“Making sure she’s alright, that’s all.”

“That’s the right instinct. Cormac’s taking her home. She’s safe.”

“Anyone staying to keep an eye on her?”

Dad hesitates, but only shrugs. “I can put Sean on it.”

“I’ll take care of her.” I pull away from him. “Make sure Michael’s treated with respect. He didn’t deserve this.”

Dad’s smile is sad as he glances back into the blood-covered alley. “They never do.”

Alina peersout through her door, frowning at me. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Open up. We need to talk.”

“Is your guard—?” She starts but stops herself. “I mean, is everyone else okay?”

“Only one dead body tonight, thankfully. Let me inside, princess.”

I can tell she doesn’t want to, but after a moment, the deadbolt slams back and she steps aside.

Alina’s in a pair of white sweats and a baggy sweatshirt. Her hair’s still done from the wedding, but her makeup’s mostly washed off. A glass of wine’s perched in her hand as I lock the door behind me and do a quick sweep of the apartment.

“Are you really worried someone’s going to hurt me?” she asks when I poke my head in the closet.

Everything’s empty and still. Just like I assumed it would be. “Not right now, but I’m being careful.”

“This is our wedding night.” She sounds a little hysterical as I stand at the edge of her bed. She’s lurking in the doorway, staring at me with a stunned smile on her face. “I mean, seriously. We got married earlier.”

“I’m aware.” I spin the ring on my finger with my thumb. “Not used to wearing this yet.”

“Go ahead and take it off.” She drinks slowly, staring at me. “Not like I’ll care.”

“I’ll care if you go around without yours.” I almost dare her to fight me on that, but she only shrugs.

Too much of a good girl to argue.

“What do we do now? I’m guessing you’re not on cleanup duty?”

“Not me personally, but I’ll have other duties.” I sit down on the edge of her bed, exhaustion tugging at me. “I’ll speak with his family. I think he had a girlfriend. Maybe more than one, who knows. There will be payments to handle. Grieving people to reassure. Confused, angry clan members. The funeral.” I sigh, tilting my head back. “A lot of mess for nothing.”

“You don’t know who did it?”

“Not yet.” I peer at her curiously. “Your brother mentioned something about a Bratva hit.”

Her eyes widen. “Really?”