Page 78 of Silent Ties

“Like what?”

“Like your punishments.”

My heels drag against the gravel path.

“Conspiring with my brother, keeping important secrets.”

“And who’s going to punish you?” He’s a stubborn prick every day.

“You!” he retorts, but a smile relaxes his face. “It’s not like I’ve had a moment of peace since we got married.”

“Who’s fault is that?”

“Being a brat will only make it worse.”

Good thing he’s not looking at me, or he’d notice the blush spreading across my cheek. A shiver climbs down my back, anticipation skittering across my skin.

“But first I have to fire Pavel and Sergei.”

I come to a halt, yanking my hand out of his. “What? Why? They haven’t done anything.”

He frowns at me in another fit of jealousy. “You think I don’t know those fucks haven’t been spending their days eating cupcakes? No wonder I didn’t notice Olga throwing shit away.”

I roll my eyes. There’s no way in hell I’m letting him fire my only two friends.

Grabbing my hand, he hauls me back to the car and I can’t stop the smile when he says, “By the way, I fired that bitch.”

CHAPTER 20

Maxim

“Do you know how hard you’ve made things for me?” Dad asks through the line. His voice is weary but I’m not inclined toward empathy. “Seriously, whatever this is with your mother, fix it.”

That’s something else I’m not inclined to.

The elevator from the underground parking garage opens and I step out.

A month’s gone by since I told my mother she wouldn’t be allowed near my wife. I wasn’t completely heartless, though—I’ve kept quiet on the details. My father’s fury is way worse than mine.

And maybe there’s a part of me still loyal to my mother. I don’t understand her right now and I’ve started to analyze her previous actions with Elijah’s eyes. But a nagging part of my brain reminds me that this is the same woman who’s had to deal with the Zimin men for most of her life.

If it’s hard being Lev’s son than maybe it’s hard being his wife.

But I can’t answer all of those questions. I don’t even like to get wrapped up in the thoughts.

Instead, I’ve carefully stepped away from my mother like Roma and Elijah.

My main objectives remain my wife, school, and the family business.

Dad’s started to notice, though, and he’s asking questions. He’ll figure it out eventually, but it won’t come from Russet or me.

“It’s Roma’s turn to placate Mom,” I say, switching the phone to my other ear.

Dad’s frustrated sigh tells me everything I need to know. “Nobody’s placating anyone. She’s your mother.”

“All right.”

Dad sighs again. “How’s everything else?”