“Are you not curious as to why?”
I looked at Leo and pursed my lips. “I’m not sure I know why.”
“He loves you.”
“You’re wrong. Andrei doesn’t have feelings for me. I’m his wife, and he was forced to marry me.”
Leo laughed. “Haven’t you realized yet that Andrei doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to do?”
“But Ivan is the one in charge.”
“Yes, he is, but Andrei didn’t fight him on this, and everything he’s done shows he loves you. He is in love with you.”
I rub at my temple, a little uncomfortable. “I think you’re wrong.”
“Do you love him?” Leo asked.
“That is none of your business.”
“Funny, I would say you are in love with him because you didn’t want him to leave you.”
“Maybe I was being selfish and I figured if he was with me, he’d be an easier target.” It was all lies.
“No, I believe you love Andrei, and you were terrified of anything happening to him, which is why you begged him not to go back. You are in love with him.”
But that didn’t mean he loved me. I wasn’t one to dwell on old emotions, but years of being second best, constantly made to feel like I didn’t measure up to Bethany’s standards, hit me so fucking hard.
These feelings were not fair. I didn’t want them. I hated them.
Bethany wasn’t better than me and I certainly stopped comparing myself. My parents hadn’t loved me. Friends had easily abandoned me for the more fun-loving sister. They never gave me a chance.
Wrapping my arms around myself, I tried to hold on for dear life because the truth is, I was in love with Andrei. I don’t know if it happened on our honeymoon, or when, but it was there, blaringly obvious, and I was unable to deny it.
He’d somehow gotten under my skin, worked his way into my heart, and now I couldn’t stop.
“There’s no guarantee he’ll make it home tonight,” Leo said.
I didn’t like that. He had to.
“Then I’ll wait right here until he does.” I fold my arms determined to wait for my husband.
Even as I stare at the door, desperate for him to walk through it, I can’t help but be reminded of that moment the gun went off. I’d been so happy. Andrei had wanted to spend the day with me. He’d woken me up this morning, stroking my body, arousing me, getting me ready to take him. He’d made love to me. It had started slow and gentle, but it was like he couldn’t get enough of me, and he’d gotten rough, commanding, and I loved every second of it. Even now, I’m sure I can still feel him on me, inside me.
Resting my hands on my thighs, I keep my gaze on the door. After making love, we’d taken a long shower. He’d washed every single inch of my body, taking care of me, before we’d gone down to breakfast. It was while eating my way through a selection of fruit he’d told me I had him for the day. Our house didn’t feel like it, and I knew it was because we had to put our mark on the place, with furniture. No home was complete until you made it your own, and that was what I’d been determined to do.
Even as he griped, I made a note of anything that gained his interest. I’d been able to order a couple of lamps, and he rather liked this globe-shaped liquor cabinet. I thought it was ugly, but Andrei liked it. I’d hoped he’d put it in his office, but I wouldn’t mind if he asked for it in the sitting room. This was our space.
Some people would call me crazy. I’d started to set up this life with a guy in the Bratva. I was a normal girl, well, as close to normal having a model mother and a father within media could be.
He had to come through that door.
Pressing my lips together, I felt so tired.
“I’ll keep watch, Adelaide. Go to bed. Get some sleep.”
“No.”
“Adelaide?”
“No. I’m staying right here.”
Leo stands by the stairs, not moving. Every now and then, he asks me to leave, but I can’t do it. I have to wait. Andrei had to walk through the door.
I only look away to glance down at my cell phone to see if I’d missed a call. Nothing.
Waiting is torture. I don’t know how anyone could live like this. The hours ticked on. Leo tried to get me to eat and drink, but I refused. I can’t even stomach food right now.
The sun sets and the hours continue to tick by. At the sound of a car approaching, I stand up and wait. It could be anyone. The guards changing for the night shift. Andrei. Terrance. Was it Ivan to bring me bad news that he’d not made it?
Steps sounded through the door and then it opened. I threw myself at Andre, wrapping my arms around him, breathing him in. Holding him, convincing myself that he is in fact real and I’m not imagining it. His arms are so strong as they wrap around me.
Leo and Terrance disappear as Andrei picked me up and carried me across the room toward his office. Pressing my face against his neck, I smile, just so damn happy he’s here. He’s with me. He’s not going away.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Adelaide, talk to me.”