Page 36 of Until Death or Defeat

“Nothing is wrong with me,solnishko. Perhaps if you were less stubborn, you could see howniceI can really be.”

I roll my eyes at his suggestive comment. “Where have you been anyway?”

“Already worried about where your husband goes?”

I roll my eyes again and turn around to open his fridge.

“I had a meeting with one of our suppliers early.” He offers the information easily, almost like he cared that I knew.

I sigh as I look through the fridge, not finding anything good to drink. “Do you guys ever buy juice or cider or is this house just full of fucking alcohol?”

He chuckles as he comes over to the fridge, pressing himself against my back as he reaches in.

“There’sberezovy sok,” he says, pulling out a carton.

“Berry what?”

He pulls me back by my waist so he can close the fridge and pours some in a glass.

“We’re going to have to get you to learn some Russian,” he says with a chuckle as he holds the glass out to me. “Birch sap, it’s sweet. Try it.”

I look up at him, wondering if this is going to be the most disgusting thing in the world and he can’t wait to see my reaction. Against my better judgment, I bring the cup to my lips and take a small taste.

“Oh, wow,” I say as I raise my brows. It was sweet, but definitely not at all what I was expecting.

“You like it?” I look up at him, and his eyes look weirdly soft. My heart flutters a bit but I quicklyshake it off, remembering who is standing in front of me. I hope he doesn’t think we’re having a moment or something.

“It isn’t bad, but I’m not sure how I feel yet,” I admit as I take another sip.

“Just write a list and put it on the counter, I’ll have someone get whatever you want here.”

I raise my eyebrow and set the cup down.

“Okay,” I say awkwardly, as he stands there with his stupid charming smile, watching me. “What?” I ask, furrowing my brows and crossing my arms.

“Nothing,” he says with a smug smile as he shrugs, standing up straight. “I have business today at the warehouse, so I won’t be back until late.” He reaches into his pocket and grabs his wallet, pulling out a card and handing it to me.

“What’s this?”

“My card, use it when you need it. You can order yourself dinner since I’m gone tonight.”

I put his card on the counter. “I don’t need your stupid credit card, I have my own.”

“Your own? Or is it your father’s?”

I don’t answer, clenching my jaw.

“You,” he says, grabbing the card again, using it to put under my chin to lift my head up as he brings his face towards mine. “Will be usingmymoney. You are my wife; you won’t be relying on another man to give you anything.” He drops his hand and sticks the card swiftly into the pocket of my joggers, and I glare at him. “Are we understood?”

“No, we aren’t,” I challenge, crossing my arms again.

“Are you going to make me punish you on the dining room tablesolnishko? Or will you be a good girl and just do as I say for once?”

A deep laugh comes from the large doorway, and we both turn.

Oh my fucking God.

I’m mortified as I see Artem’s father standing there, having heard the conversation. My hands fall to my sides, and I know the look on my face is obvious.