Page 86 of Arranged Control

“You seem like you’re in a good mood.”

“I wouldn’t say that. Just been working too.”

“Yeah? On what?”

She puts a hand on my knee. “I spoke with my family about Molchanie.”

I don’t say anything before pulling away. I stand and pace across the room. Her expression falls as I struggle to keep myself under control.

“That was a bad idea,” I say finally, staring at her. “What were you thinking?”

“I was thinking that my family runs a Russian bratva and Molchanie is a Russian killer. There’s probably a connection. And Seamus, theredefinitelyis.” She pushes herself to her feet. “My dad wouldn’t admit it, but he knows more about her than he let on. Taras says he’s been weird ever since Molchanie came to town.”

“You think they’re involved?” I can picture all the dark ramifications of that. It’ll be an outright war. My family could never forgive the Morozovs if they had anything to do with the killings.

She shakes her head. “Not directly. Not like that. It wouldn’t make sense, right? Papa’s making too much money with this alliance and he’s the one that wanted me to marry you.”

“That’s a good point.” I lean a hand against a window and take a deep breath. “But you still shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why? We need to figure out who Molchanie is and what she wants.”

“She’ll know you’re asking around about her. That’s dangerous, Alina.”

“But we can’t wait. There’s barely any time left.” She comes toward me, hands out, palms up. “I know what you’re going to say, but hear me out first. I think I need to talk to Molchanie.”

“Absolutely not.” The idea horrifies me. I still don’t know what Molchanie wants or whether Alina’s really safe with her or not.

“This is about me, right? I don’t know why, but I’m important to her. If I can just talk to her, explain that I’m not unhappy, that I don’t want to divorce you?—”

My heart swells and breaks at the same time. I like that she wants to stay with me, but I hate the thought of letting her get anywhere near the assassin. “I can’t let you. It just can’t happen.”

“You’d rather I stay hidden away in here while everyone else risks their lives for me?”

“That sounds good.”

“No, it doesn’t. It sounds awful. I know I can be a pain in the ass. I know I’m difficult to live with sometimes. But I am absolutelynotthe kind of person who lets everyone else fight her battles.”

“Listen to me.” I step forward quickly, pulling her and turning her around until her back is flat against the large window. The city spreads out behind her. The sun’s setting, sending long rays across the living room. “You are too important to risk. Do you hear me? There’s no way in hell I’m letting you go anywhere near Molchanie.”

“You don’t get to make that decision.”

I take her wrists and pin them above her head. Her pretty lips part and she lets out a soft gasp. “Yes, I do.”

“That’s not how this marriage is going to work.”

“When it comes to your safety, you’re goddamn right it is.”

“I want to help.” Her expression grows desperate. “Please, Seamus. I want to do more.”

I hold her wrists above her head with one hand while the other strokes down her cheek. “I love that about you, baby.” I tilt her chin up. “But I won’t take that risk. You can blame me if you want. Hate me too. I don’t care. As long as you’re my wife, I’ll sacrifice anything to make sure you’re safe. This right here—” I put a hand on her chest over her beating heart. Her pulse rockets under my touch. “This is the most important thing in the world to me.”

“I should get a say.”

“You do. You spoke. I refuse to listen.”

“You’re so frustrating.”

“And you’re too beautiful.”