The only person who’d been allowed to go was Slavik. I don’t know what the other brigadiers’ instructions were, but mine were clear. With the mafia and MC problem near my borders, I had to remain in place. Without my presence, they would have the ability to take over.
It would take them some time, but I knew those fuckers would do it, especially now that they had tried, and that was still with me here. This was one of the many things that made Ivan stronger. He was always one step ahead of the game, while the rest of us constantly played catch-up.
“How could he have known?” I asked.
“That’s the point, he couldn’t have.” Ivan frowned. “There’s something not right about that. A few of my men have gone missing from his territory. It’s what alerted me to the possibility of Oleg’s deception.”
“We need someone on the inside,” I said. “Someone he doesn’t know is working for us.”
“I know, but Oleg is smart, he’s aware of people on our payroll.”
I sat back, trying to think of someone who’d be able to get inside without any trouble, and no one came to mind.
I looked at Ivan as my front door opened and closed. The sound of Adelaide’s heels could be heard through my office door, which I’d kept open.
“Ah, we’ve had way too much business. I think it’s time to move on to other pressing matters.”
I wanted to stop him. He looked way too happy with himself getting close to my wife, and I didn’t want to share her. Leaving my glass on the coffee table, I followed him out to see Adelaide removing her shoes, wincing.
She’d started to wear the clothes I had picked out for her. They made her look too serious. Her long, beautiful hair had been pulled back into a tight bun. She’d not seen us yet, and I watched as she tugged out the pins, allowing the long length to flow freely. It had a natural curl to it. I imagined those locks wrapped around my fist as I took her hard and fast.
After the way I treated her the other night, I doubted she would have any time for me, and I couldn’t help but be a little pissed off about that fact. I didn’t say anything, though, admiring her instead.
“Aren’t you a charming sight?” Ivan said.
Adelaide spun toward us, shock on her face.
Leo nodded at me.
She’d gone to see this Nathan person again. I didn’t like him. I had tried to look for details on him, but his entire life read like a fucking saint, and I just didn’t believe it. There was something off about him. I wanted to kill him, but doing that wouldn’t win me any points with Adelaide. Not that I needed any.
Leo shared with me pictures of her with Nathan. This was the third time she’d seen him this week, and I didn’t like how close they were getting. She was my wife. She should be close to me, no one else.
“Ivan,” she said. The smile on her lips was forced. “It is so good to see you.”
I’d not told her the news of Ivan’s supposed death. She didn’t need to know every single detail. I clenched my hands into fists as the two shared a quick embrace.
“And you, as always. You’re looking so beautiful.” He pouted. “But I had hoped to hear some good baby news.”
Adelaide’s cheeks went bright red. “Will you be staying for dinner?”
“Only if I get the pleasure of your company?”
“Of course.” She kept smiling even as her face was flushed. “Please excuse me, I have to change.”
“I’ll order dinner,” I said.
She didn’t look at me. Gritting my teeth, I waited for her to leave before excusing myself, and going to Adelaide. She was at the doorway of our closet, looking in.
I grabbed her waist, spun her around, and pressed her up against the wall. “Your little silent game ends tonight,” I said.
She glared at me.
“Oh, I understand. You want me to play the doting wife, right? The one that can’t touch her husband.” She suddenly shoved her hands up above her head. “Don’t worry, I won’t give the game away that there’s no chance of us ever having kids, since that would require you to actually want my touch, but we know that’s not what you want. All you want to do is get your rocks off.”
She took a deep breath, and I hated to admit it, her fire turned me on.
We’d not broken Adelaide yet. This life wasn’t for weak women. It destroyed weak women, but as I stared at Adelaide, I wondered if I’d misjudged her.
“Are you done?” I asked.
“Yes. I’ll be out to entertain our guest soon.”
Her lips looked too good to deny myself, and so I didn’t. I slammed my lips down on hers, capturing her wrists, which were still above her head, and taking complete advantage of the situation, kissing her hard. At first, she protested, wriggling against me as if to ward me off, but it didn’t take long for her to give in and start kissing me back.
I broke the kiss first, stepping back, giving us some space.
“Don’t be late.”
I was being a dick, and I didn’t care. When it came to Adelaide, I’d take whatever I got.
Adelaide
“You’re quiet today,” Nathan said.
Leo stood a few feet away looking every part the disapproving guard. He wouldn’t allow me to be alone with Nathan, even though I knew he was a good guy. My one and only best friend.
“I’m sorry. I’ve got a lot of things on my mind.”