Page 27 of His Prince (Unexpectedly Twisted #2)

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MIKHAIL

W e leave the next morning, Angel packing far too many bags for such a short trip. But I don’t say anything, just watch as Dima loads everything into the back of the SUV.

He doesn’t say anything either. Good man. I don’t want anyone upsetting Angel.

“I can’t believe you’re taking me on a business trip with you,” he says, sitting in the middle seat and linking his hand with mine.

I bring it up to my lips and kiss him gently.

“I’m not leaving without you. Who knows what you’d do in my absence?”

He grins at me and then kisses my cheek.

“Nothing bad, I promise. I’m not her, Mikhail. I don’t have plans to trick you.”

“Yes, you just paint my house with ridiculous colors and buy floral throw pillows to drive me mad.”

“Don’t insult the colors or the pillows,” he says with a laugh, just as Casey and Gael move into the seats opposite us .

I would have rather gone on this trip alone, but I’m not risking my husband because of my pride. I’ll take him with me and I’ve allowed two guards to come as well.

This is going to be a simple, straightforward trip. And I’m sure Daniil will have a very obvious explanation for why the accounts are off. I’m sure of it.

“I’m so excited to see more of the East Coast. My dad was so protective, I never really got to go out and explore.”

I catch Casey eyeing him, and I glower at him.

I know that I, too, have kept him pent up in that mansion with suspicious murder tunnels under the floors and in the walls, but he seemed content. He never asked to go off-site.

“I’m not implying anything by that, by the way,” Angel clarifies. “I didn’t mean it to sound like I want to get out more. I’m perfectly happy to be at home.”

I smirk at Casey, and he rolls his eyes.

“I’m just excited to see more of the world. With you.”

He leans into me, and I wrap him up in my arms, pressing my nose to the top of his head and inhaling. He smells like honey, like flowers and sunlight.

I don’t know how he manages it, but I fucking crave it. He’s too good for someone like me, and yet I don’t let go. Just drag him closer, into the hell I’ve created, and hope like fuck it all ends well.

It takes us two hours to get to the strip mall that Daniil works at. I stare up at the blinking neon lights, most of the letters not lit up. What a piece of shit place , I think, and then run a hand over my mouth.

We did plan on this being inconspicuous. But this is taking it a little too far.

We should have a little pride in our businesses. They do rake in quite a lot of money for us .

“Here, boss,” Dima says, parking the car and then handing me my gun from the glove box. I grab on to it and shake my head.

“I really don’t think I’ll need this.”

“Bring it, please,” Angel says, and I sigh, tucking it into my holster.

“Fine. Let’s go. You can stay here,” I tell Angel, but he shakes his head.

“No. I’ll go with you. It’s just a laundromat, right? And we have Casey and Gael and Dima.”

Dima eyes me, watching me grow weak before him, and I puff up my chest.

“Fine, but you stay by my side the entire time.”

“I wouldn’t sneak off. Unless it was absolutely necessary.”

I purse my lips and he grins at me, nuzzling into my neck and nipping at my skin. Makes my cock stiffen, and I huff in frustration.

“Enough, little devil. Let’s go.”

We all step out of the car, and Casey and Gael move up beside Angel, almost jostling me out of the way.

“Am I of no concern now?” I grumble, even though I’m secretly pleased they’re protecting him first. I can take care of myself.

When we reach the door, we walk through and several pairs of eyes are peering over at us. I’m sure we make an ominous sight, although Angel just waves and smiles, reassuring the customers with his presence. They go about their business, letting us make our way to the offices in the back.

He should be here.

I have it on good authority this is where he spends his Tuesday evenings.

My hand hits the doorknob, and I see all the guards tense, their hands on their guns as I push it open.

Inside is Daniil, behind a computer, his earbuds in as he eats from a takeout container. His eyes flash up to meet mine and something moves across his face before he schools it and grins.

“Mikhail. What are you doing here? ”

He stands up and moves around the desk, pulling me into a hug. I can smell the scent of cinnamon on him and I hold my breath. It reminds me of something else, a harken back to the old days when we were friends in college.

He knew my parents and was friends with Katarina. And more importantly, he was with me through the fall of my family. He wept beside me when I laid them to rest. He held my hand and spent days with me afterward, letting me weep.

He loves me like a brother. I know he does.

Whatever Angel and Ivan think he’s done, I’m almost sure they’re wrong.

He’s never been disloyal. He’s always been my support, my friend.

They have to be wrong.

“Quite a lot of you here,” he says, glancing around the room at my men. His eyes land on Angel last, and he cocks his head. “Ah. Is this your husband?”

Angel steps around me, looking far too sweet in the dark backroom. And yet, I see a steely purpose to the set of his shoulders and the slant of his mouth.

“I am. I’m Angel Costello. Nice to meet you, Daniil. I’ve heard very good things about you, but you know what they say…it’s always best to form your own opinion.”

The way he smiles and then retracts his hand almost seems like a viper ready to attack, but I’m sure I’m the only one who notices. My little Angel is more than he seems.

“Well, I hope I meet expectations.”

Angel stares at him intently, but Daniil moves his gaze to me. “What brings you here, brother?”

“It’s just a visit,” I reply and then glance around. “Would you mind if we speak privately?”

Angel huffs next to me, but I press a hand to his lower back, and he sighs.

So responsive. I just want this day to be over with so I can find a bed and fuck him on it. And then I want to kiss him until he can no longer breathe without saying my name.

“Of course. Let’s speak,” Daniil replies and then waves toward the door, ushering everyone else out.

As the door starts to close behind us, I see Angel peering up at me with worry in his eyes.

I lean down toward him and whisper softly in his ear. “Do not worry about me, sólnyshko. I can handle this myself.”