Page 76 of Savage Truce

No. Not by a long shot.

Avoiding the truth, I reply, “Marina explained how important it is that I meet them, so I’m arranging tea for Thursday morning.” Stabbing a cauliflower, I ask, “Do you know any of them? Or can you suggest who I should pay close attention to? Marina said the wives could influence their husbands, and the last thing I want to do is mess things up for you.”

Reaching across the table, he squeezes my wrist. “Firstly, you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. Secondly, if any of my men can be swayed by their wives, then they shouldn’t be in the Bratva.” He swipes a piece of the Yorkshire pudding through the gravy and eats it before adding, “I will say this, though. If any of the women gives you shit, I want to know about it. An insult to you is an insult to me.” He locks eyes with me. “Don’t try to hide anything from me.” When I nod, he lifts an eyebrow. “Be honest. Are you ready to deal with so many women?”

I shake my head and clear my throat. “But I’ve already sent out the invites. It’s not like I can cancel.”

“You can,” he grumbles, his expression darkening. “I’ll talk to my aunt. I appreciate that she wants to teach you about the social politics, but this should’ve waited. You haven’t even had a month and a half to recover from all the hell you went through. I won’t stand for anyone pressuring you into doing something you’re not ready for.”

Oh crap!

Realizing I just got Marina in trouble without meaning to, I quickly try to do some damage control by pleading, “Please don’t be angry with Marina. She meant well. I appreciate her guidance because I don’t know much about the Bratva. Let’s see how Thursday’s tea goes.”

He stares at me for a long moment before he finally nods. “Okay. I’ll leave it in your hands for the time being, but don’t push yourself to do more than you can handle.”

“I won’t,” I promise. Desperately wanting to change the subject, I ask, “Will it be okay if I go shopping for fabrics on Friday?”

“Of course, moya krasavitsa. I’d love to take you for your first shopping trip, but I have an important meeting. Just tell Sergei what time and where so he can get a team ready to go with you.”

“I will.” I smile, then add, “I just need to get my bank card from you. I hope it still works after all this time.”

Rodian takes the last bite of his food, then leaning back, he pulls his wallet out of his pocket and removes a black card.

“My debit card was blue. I think that might be Yelena’s.”

Shaking his head, he slides it over to my side of the table. “It’s my card.” Before I can reply, he continues, “I’ll still give you your debit card, but I want you to use mine.”

“Oh…” I glance at it, then say, “If you really insist. It will feel awkward, though.”

Once again, he levels me with one of his serious looks. “You are my wife. It’s my honor to provide for you. Get whatever your heart desires, moya krasavitsa. Jewelry, handbags, shoes, cars, clothes. If you want to buy a damn island, then buy it. Don’t call to check with me. If you like something, just swipe the card. I will not take no for an answer.”

Well, okay then.

I get up and move closer, and framing his beard-covered jaw, I tilt his head back and press a kiss to his mouth. “Thank you, my love.”

His eyes soften on me while he scoots the chair back and climbs to his feet. Taking my hand, he leads me out the back door to where the gardens are illuminated with lights.

Even though it’s cold, it feels magical as we take a leisurely stroll.

“Get more lamb shanks,” Rodian mentions. “I’d like you to make it for me once a week.”

A grin spreads over my face as I glance up at him. “What did you think of the Yorkshire puddings? I didn’t want to go with mashed potatoes.”

“The entire meal was perfect.” He pulls me to a stop near some bushes with purple flowers that are hanging on for dear life as the winter approaches.

Wrapping his arm around my back, he tugs me closer. “Now I’d like dessert, and there’s only one thing I’m in the mood for.” His other hand cups my head. “You.”

I place my arms around his neck, and as his mouth claims mine, raindrops begin to fall around us.

Rodian chuckles against my lips before grabbing my hand and jogging back to the house. As soon as we enter the kitchen, he shuts the door and pushes me up against it, then proceeds to rock my world with hungry kisses while his hands caress my body.

CHAPTER 24

Anastasia

Dammit. I should’ve taken the out Rodian gave me and canceled the tea.

My hands tremble as I check my lavender silk dress before heading down the stairs. As I walk down the hallway that leads to the entertainment hall at the side of the house, I can hear feminine voices, and it makes my stomach spin with nerves.