Page 30 of Arranged Control

“Something about the body and the state of his eyes.” She doesn’t seem to know what I mean. “If that’s the case, I have a feeling the message was meant for us. Michael was just an unlucky surrogate.”

“Oh, shit.” She finishes off her wine, looking uncomfortable. “What should we do?”

“You don’t need to worry. But for tonight, I think we should stay at my place.”

Her expression tightens. “Your place? Seriously?”

“I have a house in Brooklyn. You’ll be safe there. Lots of other Whelan members are nearby, and I took care of the security system myself.”

She gestures around us. “We’re on the thirty-third floor of a high-rise. Nobody’s getting up here, and even if they do, that door can take a hit from a speeding train.”

“I’d still feel better somewhere else.”

“And I’d feel better right here.”

“You’re coming with me.” I slowly get to my feet. “This isn’t a discussion.”

“I’m not leaving.” She raises her chin, staring defiantly. Then she turns and storms off.

I watch her go. Is she seriously running away right now? I follow after, only to find her pouring more wine in the kitchen.

“This isn’t some game, Alina. One of my soldiers was murdered at our wedding. You don’t think that’s a big deal?”

“I think it’s a huge deal.” She’s getting angry now. Under all that rigid control, the girl’s got a temper. I feel something swell inside me, a little vengeful trickster spirit. I’m tempted to push her, just to see how she reacts, just for fun. “But we’re here already. I’m safe in my apartment. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I could force you. Think anyone in your family would complain? I’m your husband now. I’m doing what’s best for you.”

Her grip on her glass tightens. She stares at me, jaw working. “Go ahead. I dare you. Drag me into the elevator and through the lobby. See what happens.”

“You going to yell for help? Make them call the cops on your brand-new husband? Here’s me thinking I was going to get you screaming tonight, but this isn’t how I pictured it.”

Her nose wrinkles. “You’re awful.”

“I’m a delight.” I break out into a grin, unable to help myself. “Give me some of that wine.”

“Why? I thought you were about to kidnap me.”

“I changed my mind.” I flop down on her fancy couch and kick my feet up on the coffee table. Hopefully, there’s not too muchblood staining the bottoms of my shoes. “I think I’ll stay here instead.”

She stares at me. “Are you being serious right now?”

“Deadly serious.” I raise my eyebrows. “Are you going to share that wine or not?”

“I’m not your maid. And you’re not staying.”

I stretch out, tilting my head. “Someone needs to keep an eye on you tonight. You refuse to come to my place, so since we’re both here already—” I shrug like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“But you can’t just, I mean—” She looks around like the solution to all her problems might materialize from the walls. Nothing happens. What a shame.

“YousureI can’t have some wine?”

She storms off. I sigh, smiling to myself. God, that girl pisses me off, but at least I can have some fun while I’m here.

I get up and grab a glass. The wine’s very good. Which shouldn’t be a surprise. Alina’s a woman with taste. She knows clothes, money, fine things. That’s never been my specialty, but I can see how it might be nice.

I throw down the glass before following her upstairs. I find her curled up in bed, texting on her phone. She refuses to look over, so I figure I might as well make myself comfortable.

Shoes off first. Then the jacket. I drape it over a chair in the corner. Next comes my shirt. It’s nearly off when I hear her give a shocked yelp.