Page 70 of Gilded Shackles
"I can't be angry when it means you love your wife." His grin widens. "I was beginning to worry you were still made of stone."
"I don't..." I start, then stop. Love Elle? The word sits in my chest like something hot and foreign.
"You gave away a tidy sum and manipulated an entire deal, all to keep her." Viktor leans back. "That's not cold calculation, my boy. That's devotion."
I try to argue. The words die in my throat. Because goddamn it, he's right.
I did it for her. Just so she could be happy.
Viktor chuckles, reading every thought on my face.
"You're enjoying this," I say.
"Immensely." He stands to pour more tea. "And since you're apparently domesticated now, I'll have to come by for dinner."
I arch a brow. "Dinner?"
"I'd like to check in on my investment."
I give him a flat look.
He laughs. "Relax, kid. Your wife's charm benefits us all. I simply want to see how she's adjusting."
"Elle would love that," I say, because she would. She collects people like strays. Viktor will leave with a full stomach and probably a friendship bracelet.
His smile fades into something more thoughtful. "And how is our newest guest?"
I don't have to ask who he means. Of course Viktor knows Natalia's on the property. He probably knew before the gate guards did.
"Pasha's mother," I sigh. "Elle convinced me to let her stay so Pasha could meet her."
"Hmm." Viktor's face gives away nothing. "And how is that going?"
"Pasha is cautious. Elle is playing peacemaker. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"What do you think her angle is?"
"She claims she just wants to know her son. Says she's clean now. Sober."
Viktor studies me. "You don't believe her."
"I don't trust anyone who abandons their child."
He nods slowly. "Wise. But perhaps Elle has a point. A boy should know where he comes from." He pauses, and I know he's thinking about my parents. How he stepped in after they were gone. "Even if it's painful."
A heavy silence fills the walls. Then Viktor says quietly, "Be careful."
"I am."
"I mean it." His eyes sharpen. "I don't trust the woman. Let me have my people look into her."
My first instinct is to say no. To tell him I can manage my own property. But then I think of Elle, and her willingness to trust anyone who shows up with a sad story and sorry eyes.
"Do it," I say.
"Consider it done." Viktor leans back, satisfied. "Now go home, husband of the year. Your wife awaits."
"You're never going to stop calling me that, are you?"
