Page 65 of Devious Obsession
“Tommy? He’s amazing. He’s funny and smart; you’ll love him.”
“You’re going to raise a DeAngelo?”
“No.” He shakes his head. “I’m going to be raising a Volkov. The adoption papers were finalized yesterday.”
“You’re going to be someone’s dad?” She covers her mouth, stifling a small giggle.
“Why is that funny?” he demands, his brows knitting together.
“Nothing.” I place a hand on her shoulder. “Everyone needs a daddy, don’t they, Elana?”
Her body tenses, and when she turns her glare on me it’s filled with ice. But the deep blush that spreads like wildfire across her face makes me grin.
“Congratulations on the wedding and the adoption,” I say to Kaz, ignoring the murderous stare Elana holds on me.
From his position across the room, Alexander’s eyes narrow. Ivan turns his head, a suspicious grin tugging on his lips, but Kaz’s expression matches Elana’s.
“Elana,” he says, holding my gaze. “Sienna is in the kitchen with Megan and Vivienne. They’ve been waiting to get you cornered for months.”
I squeeze her shoulder then drop my hand. “Go on. When I’m done here we’ll head home. It’s late, so it won’t be long.”
Elana’s fire dies to an earthy glow. “This isn’t going to be some manly pissing contest, is it?” She shoots a look at Alexander.
He shakes his head. “No pissing contest. Just a conversation. Business.”
“Fine.” She drops her hard tone and exhales. “I’m glad to be back. As big of a pain in the ass you all are, I’ve missed you.”
“We’rea pain in the ass?” Ivan shakes his head. “This woman…go, Elana, before I change my mind and let Alexander have you dragged off in the middle of the night and committed to an asylum in Siberia.”
“So touchy.” She flashes a smile, knowing that she’s gotten under her brother’s skin and seeming damn proud of herself for it.
I lean into her, so they won’t hear me. “Behave, Babygirl. We can have a discussion of our own when we get home if you don’t.”
A shiver trembles her shoulders, and her eyes are hazy with arousal when she lifts them to me. She told me once the idea of being punished made her needy. I’ll be keeping that bit of information in my back pocket.
“I’m going to the kitchen,” she mutters then stalks out of the room, slamming the door behind her when she leaves.
Three sets of brotherly eyes are fixed on me when I turn from watching her leave.
“What did you say to her? Just now?” Alexander asks.
“Nothing you want to hear.” I admit with a shrug.
“You’re right. I don’t.” He gives a sharp nod. “Have you talked to her about the wedding?”
“Not yet,” I admit. “I wanted to get her home first.”
“She’s probably going to object.” Ivan frowns. “She’s stubborn like that.”
“We could let her decide,” Kaz says, always in her corner.
“It will be her choice,” I agree.
“What about school?” Alexander questions, and Kaz rolls his eyes.
“Always with school. She doesn’t want to finish college, Alexander,” Kaz argues. “She didn’t drop out because Tony made her; he was just her excuse.”
“School will be another choice for her to make. It will be up to her. I won’t pressure her one way or another.” I stand firm as they stare at me.
