However, the tension in his jaw did seem to change, and there was a smirk, or what I believed to be a smirk. This made me smile.”I’ve known Ive, personally, a handful of months. That’s it.” I tried to offer an explanation for my husband. “He seems a little, I don’t know, cold.”
Hubert didn’t move but looked straight ahead. “I’ve worked for Mr. Yahontov for over fifteen years. I started small and earned his respect to be able to stay close to him.”
Thismade me frown. “Close to him? You work at his country home.”
“Mr. Yahontov rarely spends time in the city. He always returns to his country home.”
“Oh, I see.” Okay, that stung. My husband doesn’t want to bewith me. I could handle that. Easy. Fine. He didn’t like me, and that was fine. Of course it was fine. No one had to like everyone.
There was no rule. I didn’t even like Ive. In fact, I think when he first captured me, I told him to suck and eat his own dick. I had no idea what I was saying or threatening. It was all a blur. Fear did that to a person. I know it did to me, quite badly as well.
Getting to my feet, I made my excuses and walked straight to the main bedroom, through to the en suite bathroom.
Why did it hurt so much tohear the truth out loud? I already knew Ive hated me. That was why he never returned to his house. I was there. I wasn’t like the Sophies of this world.
No one wanted me. I’d been told enough times. It wasn’t like this was news to me. Being married didn’t come with an automatic value. I meant nothing. I was still nothing.
Staring down at the ring on myfinger, I knew nothing had changed. The only difference was I wasn’t frightened of when my father would get bored and take his aggression out on me. I’d gotten out of the MC and away from it, but I’d been put in a different prison.
I heard the apartment doorbell ring. I glanced up into the mirror and saw tears in my eyes. I quickly swiped at them, not wanting them to fall. This was one of the benefits of not wearing makeup. I’d gotten used to hiding my tears.
Stepping out of the main bedroom, I saw the multiple packages waiting. Hubert talked, but I didn’t hear what he had to say. I picked up the packages and carried them through to the main bedroom. I could sort out the clothes. One by one, I unpacked them, feeling absolutely nothing. It was a feeling I was very much used to. I checked each item and when I got to the red dress for dinner, I kept that on the bed.
For the rest of the day, I stayed in the bedroom. Lunch came and went, and I didn’t eat anything because I just didn’t feel hungry. Hubert askedif he should order lunch, and I refused.
At six, I got into the red dress and pinned my hair up the best way I knew how. I didn’t bother with any makeup, there was no point. At six-thirty, Ive entered his bedroom.
“Ivan will meet us at the restaurant. Let’s go.” He held out his arm, and that was the extent of his invitation.
Taking his arm, we left his penthouse apartment, and I knew I didn’t like it. There was no character to it. Was that why he preferred to be at his country home? The one place that I’d been left, and he never was. Ihad that sick feeling in my stomach and I ignored it.
We traveled to the restaurant in silence. Ive was on his cell phone and he didn’t look happy. He didn’t take any calls, but he texted.
Hubert drove us to the restaurant, and once outside, Ive put his cell phone away and offered a hand to me. Part of me wanted to push the hand away, but I wasn’t going to be rude and expect his wrath.
We walked into the restaurant and thema? tre d’ was all smiles as he escorted us to a table.
“There’s been a mistake,” Ive said. “We’re meeting someone.”
“Ah, yes, Mr. Volkov wanted me to tell you that something came up and he wouldn’t be able to make it. He hopes you enjoy the meal and said he’d make up for it some other time.”
Ivan wasn’t coming. This was all for nothing. I expected Ive to leave. His jaw tensed, but then he turned toward me, nudged the ma? tre d’ out of the way, and then helped me into my chair.
“If you’d like to leave, we can.”
“No,” Ive said. “Arrangements have been made for us to enjoy a meal, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. We’re going to enjoy this.”
And he appeared to be gritting his teeth.
“I understand if you want to be somewhere else.” An image of a naked Sophie offering herself up to him entered my head and I hated the idea of him being anywhere near her.
I shouldn’t care. I know this. But I did. What the hell was wrong with me?
“No, I’m happy to eat here. Hubert informed me you didn’t eat this afternoon?”
“I wasn’t hungry.”
“Do you need me to call a doctor?”
“For not eating?”
Ive didn’t respond but merelylooked at me. I was about to respond to him, but the waiter brought us the menus. I thanked him and opened the menu. I had no idea what to order.
“There’s nothing wrong. I wasn’t hungry.”
Ive stared at me for several more seconds before returning his gaze to the menu. Did he care or was he going through the motions?
I had no idea how to handle men. I’d never had a boyfriend. Most boys at school hadn’t been interested in me. The rumors surrounding my birth were always quite elaborate and no one wanted to get involved with the MC, especially not with the unwanted daughter. So I was ignored. I don’t recall ever having a secret crush on a guy, especially not anyone within the club. I wasn’t used to dealing with men like Ive. I didn’t know what was happening.
“Whatdo you want to eat?” Ive asked.
I looked up and shook my head. “I have no idea.” Closing the menu, I offered him a smile. “Will you order for me?”
He nodded and signaledfor the waiter. Was it clear that I didn’t have the first clue what I was doing?
Ive
I’d heard many rumors about Ivan over the years. Especially when it came to Slavik and Andrei’s marriages. I’m aware we all had spies in each of our territories, and Ivan, well, he had eyes on everyone. It was why he knew everything about each of us. Ivan interfered with their marriages as well. Of course, there are always two sides to every rumor. The truth and fiction.