He just stared at her as if he couldn’t comprehend what she was saying.

“So no more dictatin’ nonsense, Fyodor. And you might tell me your real last name. I’d like to know what my name will really be even if I’m never called by it.”

“There’s going to be dictating.”

She shrugged. “Then prepare for rebellion.”

He took a deep breath. “You aren’t going to fight me on this? You’re going to stay with me?”

“That’s the plan. I’m warnin’ you ahead of time, I don’ have the first clue about relationships. I’ve always been on my own and I’ve made my own decisions. If we butt heads, it’s goin’ to be when you try to tell me what to do, so try to go easy on that.”

He nodded. “I’ll warn you, I don’t have the first clue about relationships either, so I guess we’ll make up our own rules.” His eyes continued to watch her. Focused. His cat watching her closely as well. He held himself very still.

“Just say it, honey. If we’re doin’ this, we have to be able to communicate. It isn’t any easier for me than it is for you.”

“I’m the man.”

“I get that.”

“I don’t think you understand what I mean.”

“I’d have to be deliberately obtuse not to understand what you mean, Fyodor. You want to take the lead. You want the control. You think I’m goin’ to run because you’re very, very bossy.”

“That’s about it.”

“I’ve seen your bossy. I get it. The thing is, you’d better get me as well. I don’ roll over because you tell me to do somethin’. It isn’t goin’ to work that way. If you want me, it has to be me you want. That means you’re not gettin’ everythin’ your way.”

“You were angry about the cameras.”

“Of course I was. Seriously, Fyodor, if I put cameras all over your house and place of business without your knowledge, even for the right reasons, even to protect you, wouldn’t that make you just a little bit upset? You could have talked to me about it.”

“You would have protested.”

“That’s my right.”

“What is the point of arguing when I know I’m going to do it regardless of what you say? When it comes to your safety and the safety of our children, our home and business, it’s my field of expertise and my job to keep you protected. Why argue?”

She blew out her breath, understanding where he was coming from, but he wasn’t getting it. “I have to be your partner.”

“No, you don’t. You have to be my woman. My beloved woman. The center of my universe.”