Page 9

It’s the morning after our apparent marriage. I still can’t believe that happened. How in the world did things get so far out of control so quickly? How in the world did I end up married to the man I am here to destroy? And what the fuck is going on with my emotions?

I huff in agitation as I tug the brush through my hair, too rough, pulling and hurting myself.

“Ouch,” I say to the girl in the mirror.

A girl with long dark, beautiful hair. Slightly wavy, pitch black and tipped with fire red. Her hair is beautiful. And her eyes. They have always been my favorite features when I look at the girl in the mirror.

But her body… I pull my mouth to the side and scrunch my nose. “Whatever,” I sigh, not wanting to start going down the road that leads to wild rollercoasters of self-doubt and self-consciousness.

I glance over my wide hips and thick thighs.

Why did Radmir say I was perfect?

Ugh. Like it even matters , silly girl. You are here to destroy his life, or did you forget somewhere along the way? You are supposed to be ruining his life by infiltrating the things and gathering information and somehow he has taken control and married you.

I blink at my own reflection, shaking my head. I have to regain control. I need to do it quickly.

I need to kill this attraction, or whatever it is, that I feel towards him. He’s not all that. He is. He’s not that nice. He really is though. He’s not hot at all. Oh fuck, he really, really is.

The girl in the mirror is annoying me.

I turn my back on her and walk out of the bathroom, rolling my eyes at myself. “Come on, Jade. Firstly, who care what he thinks about your body. Secondly, who cares if he’s nice or hot, or freaking the sexiest man on the planet? He took something from you. Something you can never get back. And you are here for revenge.”

I lecture myself quietly as I tug my jeans over my butt and wiggle into them.

They fit perfectly. They really make me feel good. I’ve never had such nice jeans before.

I select a white cami and then twirl my hair into a messy bun and head downstairs to find Radmir. I didn’t speak to him at all last night, from the moment we got home, I just went to my room.

My thoughts are all over the place and I’m angry and annoyed with myself and confused. But it’s time to start getting back on track. Gathering information, and his job offer is the perfect opportunity to do that.

Radmir is in the kitchen, humming quietly, his deep voice vibrates through me and sends shivers across my skin when I walk in.

I get more annoyed. Because how dare I be attracted to him. I have no right to be attracted to him.

“I’ll take the job,” I say sharply.

He doesn’t turn to look at me but stays focused on what he’s doing. “That’s great, little starfish, I can take you on a tour today and introduce you to some of the other employees to ease you into it if you like?”

“Sure,” I snap.

He turns around and looks at me, my heart flip flops. Why isn’t his shirt buttoned up. Like it just feels rude of him to have his abs all out on display like that and up in my face.

I want to look away, but I can’t.

He hands me a fresh cappuccino with a smile. Perfect teeth, a perfect smile. I pull my mouth to the side. Then he reaches around and picks up a plate which he hands to me as well.

“I was going to bring you breakfast in bed, but you’re up already so—“

The blueberry muffin has been decorated with edible flowers, strawberry slices, a little jam and whipped cream. It looks really pretty and absolutely delicious.

“I—“ I think I should go on a diet so someone as hot as Radmir might find me attractive. My mind taunts me.

“I made it just for you,” he grins. My eyes trace over the strong edges of his jaw to his mouth. Now I’m staring at his mouth and I can’t stop.

“Thanks,” I mutter.

He reaches his hand up and brushes it over my cheek, pulling me from my stupor. “You look really pretty today, Jade,” he remarks, giving me compliments as though it was the easiest thing in the world.

I hate how he makes me feel beautiful.

It’s fake.

He’s manipulating you.

I take the muffin and the coffee and turn away from him, sitting at the kitchen counter with my back to him.

“ We can go after breakfast,” he says.

“Ok,” I say, nonchalant. Or at least trying to be.

In the car, driving through town, he is chatting to me about his family’s businesses.

“There are legitimate businesses to hide the other businesses, you know, so that we can move money.”

“I know what money laundering it,” I say blandly.

“Ok, well, there is a laundromat and a wellness spa, a hotel and—but actually I think I should take you to one of the warehouses today so you can see the real thing. You will be working with the actual paperwork, not the cover up paperwork, so it’ll be good for you to learn how things work there.”

I’m curious how trusting he is of me, giving me information and letting me visit his operations. If he was manipulating me in some way why would he take the risk?

I wish I could figure out how he thinks, which part of him is the real him.

***

We park outside a warehouse that looks just like all the other warehouses. From the outside there is nothing unique or eye-catching about the place.

On the inside—that is a whole different story.

I am shocked to see, from the moment I walk through those doors, just how organized and efficiently everything is running. And the people all look normal. They don’t look dodgy or greasy or like drug addicts. I don’t know why I expected them too. I have seen some of my brother’s operations and the guys working in there mostly look like they need a really good scrub and some lessons in manners.

“Good morning, sir, how are you today?” someone calls out from the work floor. I turn to see a younger man, maybe about twenty eight or so, walking towards us.

“I’m good, Sam. How’s the wife?” Radmir asks with a smile.

“Oh, she hasn’t stopped smiling, you know. Me either to be honest with you. We’re both so excited.” Sam reaches out and takes Radmir’s hand in a strong grip, shaking it while he speaks. “I just wanted to say, from the both of us, what you did—“ Sam chokes up a little and I scrunch my nose curiously. “What you did means the world to us.”

Rad laughs loudly and slaps Sam on the shoulder, a masculine but warm gesture. “Sam, there is no need to say anything. I hope that you and your new little family are nothing but healthy, happy and full of love.”

Sam nods, grinning, as he steps away from us.

“Wait, Sam, this is Jade. I’m showing her around the place.”

“Hi Jade, shout if you guys need anything,” Sam says, waving and nodding politely and then returning to his work.

“What did you do for him?” I ask once Sam is out of earshot.

“His wife was having a very complicated pregnancy and the doctors told her she might lose the baby. I booked her into a private hospital and organized one of the best doctors in the city to take care of her and deliver her baby. She stayed in the hospital with her baby another week and they all went home this past weekend. Healthy and happy.”

“You did that for him? Why?” I ask, stunned to find out that a murderer would be so willing to help someone else.

“Because my employees are like my extended family, Jade. These people are the backbone of my business and their happiness and health means a lot to me. The more I make, the more I can give back to them.”

“You want to give back to people?” I’m still confused.

Rad laughs. “What’s the point of making billions if you can’t change people’s lives for the better? The people we employ here come from all walks of life. A lot of them have had a really difficult time and have struggled. They deserve a good life. My family and I, we try to do whatever we can to help the people of this city who need it.”

He nods, satisfied with his explanations. “Now, follow me so I can show you how our shipments come in and out.” Rad walks off, confident and looking like the king of the world. Everyone greets him when he walks past, not just professional, not just a polite, obligatory greeting. They say hello with genuine warmth. I can see the respect and admiration they have towards him.

“Berton,” Radmir shouts, lifting his hand in the air to wave someone down.

An older man hurries over to him.

“I’m sorry I was in such a bad mood the other day, I hope you know it has nothing to do with you. You guys are doing a great job here.”

“Sheesh, sir, the look in your eyes was like the devil caught you.”

Radmir chuckles. “I was pretty annoyed about the break-in we had. But I see everything is running smoothly again and back to normal. I’m really impressed with how quickly you pulled that off. Thanks.”

“Ah, it’s really no problem, sir. Happy to see you smiling again today. Back to your usual self.” Berton grins and then seems to notice me for the first time. His brows shoot up.

Radmir turns to wrap his arm around my waist to drag me forward. His touch washes through my entire body like a river running over smooth rocks. I clench my jaw, desperate to ignore the heat building between my legs.

“Jade, this is Benton, one of the floor managers. Benton, this is Jade. I’m showing her around today.”

“Lovely to meet you, Miss. Jade.” He shakes my hand, leaving a black smear on my skin. “Oh my word, I’m so sorry.” He chuckles, handing me a cloth from his back pocket. “I’ve been working on the forklift’s engine.”

“It’s no problem.” I grin, starting to relax because every single person here is so friendly and so down to earth and welcoming.

My plan has been to destroy his businesses, to ruin his life, but what about all of these people? What about their lives?

How far am I willing to go to avenge my brother?

I hand the cloth back to Benton and thank him, then continue to follow Radmir through his very efficiently run business, filled with wonderful people.

This place, or perhaps it’s just Radmir—yes, it’s him. It all disarms me.

Today he has shown me another side of him. The boss. The man who runs this place. And it’s another side of him that I like. Nothing about his interactions with these people was dark or dangerous or malicious.

He leads me into an office.

“This is my brother’s office. He’s not here today,” he says, gesturing for me to sit down. “Do you want a coffee?”

“Water, please.”

“Tammy, do you mind getting us two bottles of water?” he asks, sticking his head around the corner and talking to a pretty young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes.

I feel a sting of jealously.

She’s much prettier than I am. Petite and slender, long legs and a narrow waist.

But Radmir hardly seems to notice her other than making the request. His eyes don’t trace over her perfect body when she walks past in that little red dress. He is looking at me.

My heart flips.

Those steel grey eyes are piercing into me again.

I bite my lip nervously. Focus, Jade.

On what?

Anything but how fucking hot he is.

“All of the workers know you personally,” I comment, trying to keep my mind off other thoughts.

“Of course. Like I explained earlier—they are extended family in a way. I just want them all to be safe. That’s my main priority when people are employed by me. Their safety and well-being.”

“Family is really important,” I mutter quietly, thinking about Grigor. He’s the reason I’m here. My beautiful, crazy little brother who was so full of life. “We really need to learn to appreciate them.”

Radmir sits down next to me, draping his arm over the back of the sofa behind me. I shift forward and straighten my back, not letting my body touch his. “I know you’re thinking about your brother,” Rad says gently, reaching out and brushing his hand over my back. I stiffen even more.

I hadn’t meant to let my guard down and speak honestly again. I hate how he drops my defenses. I hate it. I hate how he makes me feel like he would take care of me. And how I trust he could. He’s so strong, so confident, so bold and sexy and domineering, yet so gentle and caring.

I scrunch my nose.

“Yes, well, there is no point in thinking about the past,” I mutter, dismissing the topic just as little miss perfect in the red dress comes back into the office with two bottles of chilled water. She smiles at me, a genuine smile. I smile back and feel bad about being mean to her in my head. She’s just a girl.

“Thanks, Tammy,” I say.

“It’s a pleasure.” Her whole face brightens up. “I love your hair by the way.” I smile even wider, my face brightening too. Being nice to people is so much more rewarding than anything else we can be.

“She seems really sweet,” I comment when she is out of the office again.

“Her mother works here too, my brother hired her as his personal assistant to help the family out,” Rad replies.

“She’s beautiful,” I push a little.

He chuckles. “Not my type at all. ”

“Really? What is your type then?” I ask, my curiosity peaked.

His eyes trace over my body, touched with desire and secret suggestions. His lips curl into a grin. “Wouldn’t you love to know, little starfish.”

My heart is beating too fast. His eyes said I was his type, but his words just tease me.

Besides, again, why do I care? Dammit, Jade, gets it together.

I shift a little away from him on the sofa, reaching for the water sitting on the coffee table. “Do you want to go over what work I will be doing for you?” I say, professional and cold.

His face drops with disappointment. “Uh, sure, yeah we can do that.”