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Footsteps shuffle across carpet on the other side of the door before it flies open to reveal Bianca wearing a pale blue sundress with thin straps to show off her delicate shoulders, her hair piled up on the top of her head. A few loose strands frame her face and I almost reach out to tuck them behind her ear.
“What?”
“Come with me.” I flash her a wink.
For a moment, I think she might slam the door in my face, but she steps out of her room and follows me down the stairs to the landing below.
I pause outside what used to be Danil’s old bedroom, my hand hovering over the door handle. “Ready?”
Bianca looks up at me with a confused expression. “I guess?”
I bite the inside of my cheek to hide my smile as I open the door and usher her inside. She stands frozen for a moment, taking in what I’ve done to the room.
“You…you did this for me?” she whispers as she walks into the center of the room.
I nod.
“This is your home now, solnyshka. I wanted it to feel like it.”
She gazes around at the makeshift art studio I had created. This room has the best view overlooking the pool, with its own balcony where I set up a table and chairs so she could work outside if she wishes. I put in a huge set of drawers filled with every type of art supply I could think of—chalk, paint, charcoal, pencils as well as shelves filled to bursting with canvases and paper. I set up a large easel and work stool in front of the large glass doors as well as a loveseat against the right wall for a more comfortable option.
For a moment I see a flash of happiness in her eyes as she takes in the room.
I should have known better than to think a bedroom would be enough. She needs a way to fill her time, to have a creative outlet for all the emotions she’s been experiencing.
But then it’s as if she catches herself starting to feel happy and steals her expression back to one of icy indifference.
I frown as she rounds on me, her hands on her hips as shoots me a glare.
“I don’t need state of the art everything,” she states.
I blink. Is she being serious?
“You’re actually mad right now?”
“You can’t buy my affection, Alexei.”
“Why should I when you were so ready to give it away for free on our wedding night?” I know it’s a low blow, but I need her to meet me halfway here.
Does she honestly think I enjoy this arrangement? I’m not exactly thrilled about being married to a stranger either, but at least I was trying to do something thoughtful.
“Are you seriously going to bring that up every fucking time we have a conversation?” She throws her hands up in the air.
“I can’t help it, kisa. You make it so easy for me.” I cross my arms over my chest.
Anger flashes in her eyes, and I find myself taking a few steps back until I’m in the doorway, watching as she storms toward me.
A sharp thrill courses through my body at the sight of her in that dress with such fire in her eyes and a wicked smile on her lips.
There you are, solnyshka.
But then she’s reaching for the door and slamming it in my face.
I thought organizing a private art space for Bianca would have her warming up to me, but it seems to have done the opposite.
Raking my fingers through my hair, I let out a steadying breath as I walk away from the door, glancing out one of the windows as I descend the stairs. I pause when I catch sight of my youngest brother in the backyard.
“What is he doing here?”
