Page 110 of Scarlet Promise

“If you want it, go for it,malyshka,” he says. “And whatever you need from me, you have it. You know that, right?”

Warmth spreads through me. “I do.”

For the first time in a long time, it’s like I finally have a plan for my life.

A good one.

And best of all, I’ve got Albert and Ilya to share it with.

Chapter Twenty-Five

ILYA

Alina and Albertarrive first thing the following morning. She hands a bag of food to an unsmiling Svetlana.

“I thought Albert can have your food later for dinner when we’re back at my brother’s so he doesn’t miss Ilya or you too much,” Alina says as Albert races down the hall to the kitchen. “And I know you’ll be big-hearted enough to accept the offer of some meals for him from Magda.”

“Well…” Svetlana launches into Russian, telling Alina she’ll be happy to help the poor woman out, and of course, Albert can have her meals but will have Svetlana’s creations for dinner.

They disappear into the kitchen, and I hide my smile, marveling at Alina’s special brand of diplomacy as I head back to my office.

I’m up to my eyeballs in work, absorbed in looking at my laptop when slender arms slide around my middle, and Alina rests her head on my back.

I turn and hold her, taking her lips in a long, meandering caress that stirs my dick. Everything about her riles me in the best possible ways.

“That was clever of you,” I murmur.

“They both love Albert, and he loves their food,” she says, giving me a squeeze before pulling free. “I do think it helps him to have something from here when he’s there, and vice versa.”

Somehow, I control my snort of derision. It isn’t at she said. That’s smart. But the fact that we’re married and have to bow to Demyan’s commands strikes me at some moments with the utter unfairness.

Yes, it’s Demyan. Yes, I understand. Yes, I want the smoothest possible path for Alina. But I can’t deny it doesn’t stick in my side.

“Is your brother okay with you being here?” I ask.

She frowns. “Demyan’s got to learn. And I’ll go back tonight, even though I shouldn’t have to. But I want to use your lovely brain with this whole dog shelter thing. I’m thinking of calling it more of a sanctuary, and opening it to cats, too.”

I spread my arms. “Whatever you need, I’m here, and I’m yours.”

She giggles as she slides her computer from her bag. “I know. And I’m taking advantage.” She taps her temple. “Smart.”

“Fuck yeah, you are.”

Before she can say anything else, Elisei knocks on the open door of the study and comes in.

The thing that snags my attention is he’s stressed.

“What is it?”

“Forgive the intrusion. Svetlana let?—”

“Out with it,” I say to him. “Is something wrong?”

My heart clenches as I open my desk drawer to retrieve my gun. If there’s a threat coming that’s against me while Alina’s here, I’m going to be ready.

“I have a contact who works for Antonio. This is the first time he’s been able to get word to me. Antonio’s angry, Ilya.”

“Angry how?” I load my gun.