ZADE

Those two idiots I unfortunately share blood with think they can lie to my face. I changed their fucking diapers for Christ’s sake. They can’t tell a lie to save their asses.

Telling me everything went smoothly at the shopping arcade was a joke. I knew Anastasia was up to no good the moment she left the store.

Fortunately, the twins caved without me having to lift a finger. From their explanation I must say I’m impressed with my little kitten. She’s smart. I’ll give her that.

Though I don’t know the reason why she’d go that far. I have an idea, but I’m not in the mood to dwell on that at the moment.

"There are profits with Mr. Morri’s cooperation. If he keeps this up, then the harbour quarter will be yours." Elliot explained, scrolling through the iPad. "Quicker than we anticipated."

"That’s what I like to hear." I pressed the bottom of my cigar into the ashtray. "That sounds better than the news of a failed shipment."

Elliot nodded, but behind that, I could tell he had something to say. He was always careful with me, and for a good reason, too.

"What’s on your mind, little brother...?"

"You’re not in a good mood."

I let out a quiet laugh. "I asked, didn’t I? It’d be a shame to miss this opportunity."

He sighed heavily, still thinking about it, and I arched a brow.

He caved. "Why did you go through the trouble of marrying his daughter, when you could easily have the Quarter? You could have made any other demands and all these processes won’t be needed."

I ran my tongue over my bottom lip, my finger tapping against the armrest. "I’m all about the bonus."

"I agree... a bonus in the form of a wife. I admit it does help in more ways than one."

"And?"

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Why her?"

"We’re soulmates."

Elliot scoffed. "Is that a joke?"

"Aren’t all husband and wife soulmates? Besides... my affairs are none of your concern."

"Your affairs are my concern. I’m responsible for keeping you in check. You’re like a cannonball with no fixed target. It makes you unpredictable. And you’re not supposed to be unpredictable to me."

"I’ve been on my best behavior, haven’t I?" I questioned lightly. "Less carnage."

"Right..."

The car came to a stop, but we didn’t get out just yet. Elliot still has more to say.

"Don’t you think she deserves to know the truth about her sister?"

His question hung in the air, our eyes boring into each other for over a minute.

A grin tugged at my lips. "Since when was it your place to decide what she deserves?"

"Apologies, Don." He glanced down briefly. "She will only hate you harder if you keep this up."

"Hate is still attention."

Elliot shot me a sharp look. "You enjoy this."

"Guilty as charged."

He let out a dry chuckle. "Why did I even ask?"

"Because you’re becoming annoyingly inquisitive." I tapped my knuckle against the window, and the door opened.

"Follow up on that shipment." I got out of the car, burying my hands in my pockets. "Decapitate those little shits who thought disappointing me was a survivable mistake."

"Decapitate?" he asked, stepping out of the vehicle, brushing off invisible lint from his coat. "I thought we were going for something different this time."

"A nice clean cut always works."

"They are still useful."

"Not anymore." I stood in front of him, two inches taller, and adjusted his collar even though it was already perfect as always.

He stiffened under my grip, going completely still and evidently not breathing for a beat.

"Lastly, next time you feel inclined to ask about my wife... don’t." I patted against his arm. "Drink? I’m parched."

He swallowed down a lump. "I’ll pass... I’ve got work to do."

"Of course you do," I said, taking the blue box from one of my men before I walked up the stone steps.

I slipped my hand into my coat pocket and pulled out my phone to check the tracker. The red dot beamed at a location.

What are you doing there so late, kitten?

I swiped to the camera feed, catching a glimpse of her in the kitchen scrolling through her phone.

I headed straight in that direction. When I arrived, I saw Anastasia had just ended a call, ignoring her ringing phone.

Sighing, she poured the drink into the glass and gulped down everything, not stopping even as she squeezed her eyes from the burn.

I walked closer, standing behind, watching this creature take alcohol like fucking water.

When she flickered her eyes open, she saw me, stilling for a moment, the glass coming off her lips, soft and naturally pink.

"Awake and drinking at this hour... that’s not a smart choice, pretty kitten."

My hand slid to her neck to keep her in that position to get more of her face. My eyes zeroed in on the freckles scattered across her nose and flushed cheeks.

"I should say the same for you..." she muttered under her breath. "What are you doing here?"

Her words compelled a smile on my lips; her ability to talk back at me was a thrill I didn’t know I needed.

I tilted my head, briefly eyeing her choice of clothing for this fine evening. A walking hazard. The nightdress was attached to her body, offering little concealment. Porcelain skin glistening under the light.

Her pink nipples rubbed against the fabric, hardened from the cold air, the length of the nightdress barely reached her thighs. I can only imagine the show when getting here.

"That nightdress is a dangerous choice." I studied the flimsy material keeping me from seeing more.

"A little air in all the right places doesn’t hurt anybody."

"Not when you’re careless with what’s mine."

"Yours? You don’t own my—"

Her words were cut short when I forced her head back another inch.

"Think again."