Page 17 of The Pakhan's Arranged Bride

“Yes, sir,” Jadon says, stepping aside as I gather my things. “I have a feeling we’re going to find him again tonight. He was right out in the open, not even subtle about it.”

***

It’s late afternoon when I get home. I don’t call out into the house to let her know I’m here. Ever since I caught her in my office, I’ve taken a more stealth approach. And today it pays off.

She’s in the library, in the back room that leads to my rare books. Except she’s not looking at the rare books. She’s looking at the folders of old paperwork. I wonder what in the world she expects to find in there.

Her phone chimes a loud jingle, and my heart jumps as I duck out of sight.

She pulls it from her pocket and reads a message, smiling at the screen.

Who the hell is she smiling at?It could be anyone.It could be her brother or a friend. I need to calm down. I hate being the jealous type.

But my possessive streak deepens, and I knit my brows, watching her closely in case she gives anything away.

She stops her snooping and walks out of the library, into our room. When I peek through the open door, she’s getting dressed.

Going somewhere?

Meeting someone?

I can’t picture Ulyana dishonoring our wedding arrangements. Not without discussing what she expects our relationship to be. She knows what it would look like for her to be seen around town with another man, and she doesn’t seem to be that kind of girl, despite her outgoing, fun nature—she isn’t desperate for attention. Besides, she has mine. She has my full attention, and she’s not even interested in that.

So, I’m confused about where she’s headed. The jealous streak in me is saying she’s meeting another man, but my logic says no. It’s something else. Besides, she’s wearing jeans and sneakers, not some sexy dress for a date. But dammit, she looks fucking incredible in those jeans.

Finally, I decide there is only one way to know for sure.

I have to follow her.

At least this will settle my concerns once and for all.

***

Ulyana takes the car I bought for her, a Mustang, something I thought was sexy enough for her to drive.

I take the black Audi, one of my general run-around cars, one that blends in and will be perfect for tailing her.

Of course, when I see where she was actually headed, I feel like a complete asshole.

She’s shopping on one of the popular streets. She parked her car near the top of the street and she’s walking on foot, with me trailing some distance behind her. She’s wandering leisurely through the crowds of people and stopping in the stores that catch her eye.

I can’t believe I thought she was going to meet another man. And I can’t believe I was ready to drive this imaginary man into the desert and make him disappear.

I chuckle to myself as I continue to follow her, just enjoying watching her.

As she browses, I take a mental note of the items she touches or admires. Things she likes, her style, the products that attract her. It’s good for a husband to know what his wife likes.

Her hands are delicate as she brushes her fingers over the fabric to feel the texture of a long coat.

She wanders slowly, relaxed and calm, taking her time to look at things.

She is too beautiful for words.

I wish she would stop stonewalling me.

I don’t know how much longer I can wait to be with her.

Or does she think this is how it will always be?