AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Don’t insult my intelligence by comparing me to a loser who has no capabilities in controlling his basic impulses. Additionally, I wouldn’t have started any trouble if I hadn’t been presented with tempting receipts.”
“I see your vacationing with vulgar Americans has taught you bad habits.”
“Not vacationing, keeping my beautiful fiancée happy while annoying her brother and looking out for my brother’s interests.”
“Sounds tedious.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He grins. “You should see Nikolai’s face when I steal Bran’s attention and purposefully cockblock him. That could be the stuff of an interesting psychological thriller. But enough about my stunning adventures, dear cousin. Did you hear the news?”
“About your pending assassination by your fiancée’s mafia family? Already booked the coffin. Will put some drops in my eyes and pretend to shed a tear as they lower you into the ground.”
“The Russians love me—like everyone who has to the honor to encounter my godly presence. Don’t you worry about that. What you should be concerned about, however, is the news I learned recently. Something about Ava’s former therapist somehow, by a stroke of luck, disappearing.”
“Oh?” I remain in the same position, my face muscles unmoving.
“What unfortunate news.” Lan shakes his head with a pretense of sympathy. “He was bright, professional, andparticularly close with Barbie. I wonder if she learned about the tragic turn of events.”
“Ava. My wife’s name is Ava.”
“Thanks for the info. Anyway, is Barbie still awake for a quick catch-up call from her favorite King?”
“Seeing as she shares a house with her favorite King, the one she married, I don’t see where you come into the equation.”
He barks out mocking laughter and even slaps his knee for good measure. “You’re effortlessly funny, dear cousin. Sometimes, I wonder whether or not you truly believe your words.”
“If you’re done.” I reach for the mouse, but he holds up a hand and leans in.
Behind him, a gust of wind hits a couple of willow trees, their wild leaves, scraping the huge window.
He was apparently gifted the mansion he’s currently residing in by his fiancée’s Russian grandfather after he proved to be undoubtedly worthy of Mia Sokolov.
A fact he never stops shoving down everyone’s throat, especially Grandpa Jonathan’s, so he can score more points as the potential favorite heir.
The joke’s on him. I’m Grandma’s favorite, and since Grandpa worships at her feet, no one else has a chance. Except for maybe my cousin Glyn, who’s always been Grandpa’s spoiled princess.
“I’m not playing, Eli. I can barely contain myself from sharing Barbie’s grief, so unless you’re not bothered by that outcome, I’d suggest you try to placate me. We’ll start with a please.”
“Please drop dead so I can go ahead with my funeral plans.”
“Aw. Didn’t know you were eager to shed tears for me. But let’s postpone that for at least sixty more years.” He tilts his head to the side. “You’re really unperturbed about your wife learningthe truth, possibly digging deeper, and shattering the illusion you’ve been miraculously maintaining?”
“No. Because if you tell her that, you’ll have no ammo to piss me off with.”
“Now. Don’t be so pessimistic. There’s that tidbit where her fall down the stairs and subsequent memory loss wasn’t an accident, no matter how much effort you put into making it appear otherwise. I don’t believe Barbie would appreciate the lies and deceit.”
“Stay out of it, Lan.” I lean forward and steeple my fingers at my chin. “You do not want to cross me, not when it comes to this.”
His eyes shine with a challenge. “Orwhat?”
“Or I’ll make it my mission to interfere in your relationship.”
“That’s where you’re mistaken. I didn’t build mine on incorrigible lies, unlike a certain someone.”
“Lies can always be invented. I am not above shoving you back into the void you floundered in until very recently. You touch what’s mine, whether by actions or words, and Mia will disappear faster than the therapist.”
His lips lift in a snarl. “Is that a threat?”
“Only if you act foolishly. I’m presenting you with a warning because you’re family, Lan. A generosity you’re well aware I don’t offer to anyone who gets in my way.”
