Page 68 of The Pakhan's Arranged Bride

I had every intention of going into the office today, but after she left without talking to me, I was too agitated to face working around other people and I ended up working from home instead. Or I should I say,tryingto work from home.

Even now, sitting in front of my laptop going over next week’s shipment schedule and the reports from the casinos, I’m distracted and annoyed.

Last night she was evasive when I asked her what was going on. To me, it was glaringly obvious that there was more to the story between Miron and Ulyana, but she was angry when I asked.

Her anger made it feel like she was being defensive, too. Does that mean she’s hiding something? She made it seem like I had no right to ask about anything.

The thought strikes at my nerves and I stand up, no longer able to sit still when all I can think about isheranyway.

I leave the office and walk through to the kitchen, opening the fridge, closing it, opening it again. There’s nothing of interest in there. I decide I’ll have a coffee, then realizing I don’t feel like one.

I’m looking for something to do to distract myself.

“Dammit, Ulyana,” I grumble to myself.

Leaning with my back against the kitchen counter, I fold my arms across my chest and shake my head.

I’m more worked up over this situation than I should be.

My agitation is all pointed at her, and maybe that isn’t fair.

If I pause for a moment and really consider what’s going on, if I’m honest with myself, I don’t think she’s the real problem here.Miron is.

Seeing Miron with her last night bothered me in ways I can’t explain.

The way he spoke to her and the way her face clouded with fear when she saw him. It boiled my blood. I’m still holding onto that anger for him—and mistakenly redirecting it to her. I’m not being fair.

I’m probably being too harsh towards Ulyana.

My anger should be directed at Miron, not her. Andof courseshe would be affected that way by him. She has had a lotmore exposure to that asshole than I have. He was a part of her family.

Or perhaps it’smyselfthat I should be annoyed with.

I got frustrated because I thought Ulyana was hiding something, but I’ve been holding back on so much as well, despite wanting a deeper connection with Ulyana. But what have I offered her? Apart from the mind-blowing sex, have I given her any reason to want a connection with me, too?

In a moment of clarity, I realize that she didn’t want to talk about personal things because I was beingpushy,and she didn’t feel safe to share. Even if her fear and shock over seeing Miron is simply because he tried to kill her brother, I didn’t offer her a safe space to express that.

Dammit.

I’m an asshole.

Standing alone in the kitchen, I shake my head at myself and run my hands through my hair. I’m the one in the wrong.

I need to apologize.

Belle messaged me a while ago to tell me they were on their way back to my mom’s place to watch movies together.

At the time I was too angry to respond, which wasn’t fair of me.

I slide my phone out of my pocket and message Belle.

Me: Are you guys still at home watching movies?

Belle: Yes, she’s here with me.

Me: How is she?

Belle: She’s a little stressed, but she’s okay.