Hello, whiplash, my old friend.

“You represent the Ivanov name which means, just like all the other members, you’ll have to decide if you’re going to vote for Alexei or go against him.”

A shiver ripples down my spine, but I’m starting to understand what Demitri’s saying. Wanting clarity on what it would mean for a relationship between Demitri and me, I ask, “So if Alexei says jump, I ask how high? If he says we’re getting married, I have no choice in the matter?”

“Marry who? Alexei?” Demitri asks, his tone turning dark.

“Yes.”

“Fuck no.” Demitri takes a calming breath, then explains, “Alexei only has a say when it comes to business. Who you marry and how you live your life is your decision.”

“What happens the day Alexei and I have a fight… about…” I roll my eyes as I try to think of something, “ah… what we’re having for dinner?”

Demitri frowns at me. “What are you asking? Whose side will I choose?”

“Yes. Will you let us argue, or will you take Alexei’s side with everything?”

Understanding flashes over Demitri’s features. “Alexei will never do anything to intentionally hurt you, so I’ll never be in that position. I kept quiet because Alexei was talking business with you. If he got aggressive with you because you wanted chicken and he wanted steak, I’d step in.” He leans a little down. “You’re both important in different ways. This isn’t a competition.”

I nod, and still standing by what I said earlier, I demand, “I’m new to this world. Can you tell Alexei to tone it down a little? Having him give me the glare of death while he barks out orders doesn’t fly with me.”

Demitri frames my face again and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Malyshka, I’m not going to do that. Alexei was smiling like a proud fucking father after you told him to go to hell. He wants to make you stronger. He means well. Instead of seeing him as a threat, think of him as your teacher.”

I let out a tired sigh. “I understand now, but the training session was unexpected. A head’s up would’ve been nice.”

I’m pulled back into a hug. “Are we good, or is there anything else you want to talk about?”

I shake my head and then rest my cheek against his chest. “Nothing else.”

“So we’re good?” he asks again.

I’m not sure.

There’s a part of me that wants to run for the hills.

Instead of telling Demitri the truth, I whisper, “We’re good.”

DEMITRI

The way Ariana looked at me after the shootout is gone, and the hesitation is back. It feels like I’m taking one step forward and two steps back with her.

When we come down the stairs, Alexei’s standing by the front door, staring outside. He glances over his shoulder, and seeing Ariana, he turns around and walks toward her. “Let’s talk.”