Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 94829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
“Quit fussing,” I say, waving him off, but he just ignores me as he prepares my meal the way I like. Pepper, a little extra salt, and a big dollop of cheese. He gets my glass of water and even makes sure I take my prenatal vitamins.
Once that dance is over, he finally sits.
Evan’s leaning back in his chair, watching the whole exchange with a deep frown. He says nothing though, only starts eating once we’re settled.
“How are the men liking Baltimore?” I ask him, doing my best to keep things casual.
“They’re fine. Not getting into trouble yet.”
“Give them time,” Tigran says with a grunt.
“My experience is, if you give a soldier a task, they’re less likely to find a nasty distraction.”
Tigran’s jaw works. “We’re still discussing how best to utilize your people.”
“I already told you. We came down here to fight. None of my men want to sit around the safe house eating takeout and watching TV. They’re bored, and bored men are dangerous men.”
“As we already discussed—”
“Please, don’t start this again,” I say, exasperated. “All you two do is bicker.”
“Tell your husband to quit dragging his feet.” Tigran leans forward, expression hard. “You know where the McGraths are holed up. Point in their direction, and we’ll do the rest.”
“If it were that simple, himar tgha, we would have killed the Irish already.”
“That’s why you came begging for my help then, naglyy mudak, isn’t it?”
“Ya znayu chto eto znachit, gad!” Tigran snaps back. “Watch your mouth in my home.”
“Stop it,” I say sharply, glaring between them. “Evan, lay off. He wants your help, but they’re trying to do this the right way. And you, Tigran, stop acting like he’s the enemy. My brother’s here to help.”
Both men lapse into surly silence. They’ve been like this the last few days. It’s getting very annoying, if I’m honest. I almost wish they’d slap their dicks down and get the measuring contest over with so we can all move on.
Dinner’s tense after that. I do my best to make small talk, just to ease some of the awkwardness. When we’re finished eating, Tigran insists on cleaning everything in the kitchen.
“You’ve done enough,” he murmurs, kissing my cheek. “Stay here and rest.”
“Thank you, darling.”
Once Tigran’s in the kitchen, I turn on Evan. He’s in the middle of refilling his wine glass when I bark at him. “Why do you keep antagonizing my husband?”
“I didn’t realize I was.” He’s trying not to smile, though, as he takes a drink and smacks his lips. “Good stuff.”
“Don’t try to change the subject.” I sit back, crossing my arms. “What’s your problem?”
He studies me for a long moment. His expression goes from annoyed to slightly amused, and finally, he shakes his head.
“Honestly? I don’t know anymore.”
“Explain, please.”
He gestures at me, waving a hand up and down. “You’re different, Dash. You know that, right?”
“No kidding. I’m pregnant, bloated, puking half the day, and exhausted constantly.”
“That’s not what I mean.” His smile is gentle as he glances toward the kitchen. “I came here expecting to hate that guy. You know, the stranger that stole you away from everything you’ve ever known? I’ve heard things about Tigran, and none of them have been good.”
“Rumors,” I say with distaste.
“Yeah, some, but more of those stories are true. I figured I’d come here and find some abusive, controlling, vicious psychopath treating my sister like dirt.” He looks back at me and lets out a breath. “Instead, you’ve got the most feared man in all of Baltimore doing your dishes.”
I snort, glancing at the kitchen. I hadn’t thought about it that way. I know Tigran’s got a reputation, and it’s probably deserved, but to me, he’s just… my husband.
He’s the man I fall asleep with. The man I wake up with. The man who makes me laugh and puts fire in my belly.
Without him, I’d still be that weak, scared little girl, terrified of her own shadow.
“We work together,” I say, not sure how else to explain it. “I don’t think either of us thought we’d end up like this.”
“He pulls out your chair. He brings you your pills. He takes care of you, doesn’t he?”
I nod, warmth filling my heart. “Absolutely.”
“You look at him like the sun shines out of his arrogant smile.”
“He’s not arrogant,” I say, glaring at my brother.
“You love him, don’t you?”
I open my mouth to tell him off, but nothing comes out. Because do I love him? Is this what love feels like?
I haven’t wanted to investigate these emotions too closely. My relationship with Tigran snuck up on me, slowly, one day at a time, until now I find myself deeply entangled with him. A part of me is afraid that, like a shadow, a little light will banish it.
“I think I do,” I admit very quietly. Even though I’ve finally admitted it out loud, nothing changes. The heavens don’t move, the earth doesn’t shift beneath my feet.