Page 26 of Sinful Hearts

I hold his stare. “What do you expect me to do all day then?”

“What did you do all day before?” He stands, and the chair squeaks as he pushes it back beneath the table.

“Not be held hostage—that’s for sure,” I reply with a huff.

“Be good, andmaybeI’ll grant myhostagesome freedom.” He walks toward the doorway before stopping to glance back at me. “Stay out of the library. If you want books, I’ll have one of my men take you to the bookstore.”

I perk up in my chair. “With an unlimited budget?”

He shrugs. “Sure.”

“That’s a very dangerous statement.”

He cocks his head to the side, as if not understanding. “I said you’d have a lack of freedom. Not a lack of funds to buy whatever you want. If you want books, I’ll buy you every damn book in the store.”

“That’s veryBeauty and the Beastof you.”

He comes closer, lowering his head so his haunting eyes are level with mine. “Unfortunately for you, your life won’t become a fairy tale, and I won’t turn into Prince Charming. I’m the villain, day in and day out. There’s no getting rid of the beast inside me.”

I suck in a breath, and he leaves me there, speechless, with not another word.

10

I haven’t setfoot in my father’s office in years.

That room is a fucking curse.

It’s full of haunted memories that deserve to stay in the past.

I slide into my SUV, and the horn blares when I slam my hand against it.

“Should’ve stayed with the fucking plan.” I drag my hand through my hair.

I need to treat Liliya with the indifference I planned with Dasha.

I had no problem with Dasha staying at her home and me sleeping at my condo in the city. This place would sit here and rot.

But when I saw Liliya standing across from me at the altar, something changed inside me.

I wanted her here, to breathe life back into these walls and give back a warmth that had been stolen. I wanted her to re-create the happiness my mother had prayed for, but never got.

I shift the SUV into drive and leave. Just as I reach the gate, Maggie texts me.

Maggie: Don’t forget our deal.

I roll my neck until it cracks and then reply.

Me: I won’t.

Maggie worked for my family for decades and left the day after my mother’s and Aurora’s deaths. She’d wanted to quit before that but stayed, refusing to abandon them. She was always there to help my mother with the blood and bruises after my father unleashed his temper on her.

She only came back to work for me because I told her I’d be present and renovate the home. I also promised I’d be a good husband. Not all promises are meant to be kept, though.

I toss my phone in the cupholder.

Some people believe I’m like my father.

That I was involved in my family’s deaths.