Page 112 of House of Lies
“Facing up or down?”
“Jesus, Kaz.” She shakes her head. “Just come here.” I indulge her, lying on my back with my head resting in her lap. “Close your eyes.”
Her fingers move in soothing, circular motions, massaging my temples and forehead.
“Is this too painful?”
“No, it’s all right.”
“You should let me get you a compress and some painkillers,” she suggests.
I shake my head. Speaking makes me nauseous. I focus on the rhythm of her breathing, the warmth of her skin, and her comforting scent. She covers me with the sheet, her fingers occasionally running through my hair. I shift to my side, resting my head against her stomach. Caelia wraps an arm around my shoulders, placing a gentle kiss on the top of my head.
“You should lie down.”
“Don’t worry about me. Go back to sleep.”
I’ve never had someone take care of me in the middle of the night before, so it’s unfamiliar territory. Right now, my mind is too clouded to think straight. I keep my eyes closed, knowing that sleep won’t come quickly.
“Do you want to go out to dinner tomorrow? I didn’t show you much around.”
“I’d like that.” I can sense the smile on her lips.
She continues to run her fingers through my hair, gently lulling me toward sleep despite the throbbing pain in my head. My sister, Kat, tried to take Caelia’s side when Dedushka attacked her, but Anya and my aunt remained against her. Katarina knows the truth about Mattia now. It took time for her to understand, but in the end, she realized she hadn’t lost a brother; she got rid of a monster.
They don’t understand why I married Caelia. They’ll always see her as an outsider. Their opinions don’t matter to me, but their disrespect ignited a fire within me. They won’t be allowed back into my life until they learn to respect her. I don’t need their approval for how I live, but their lack of respect infuriates me. They won’t hesitate to criticize me when they find out I intend to involve Caelia in my business. I could find capable people elsewhere, but my trust in others has been shattered. I won’t trust anyone around me until Sevastyan dies and Dedushka starts minding his business.
CHAPTER 71
Caelia
“I need to take a shower and meet with your accountant.” I squirm in Kaz’s arms, attempting to escape his hold.
He has a knack for distracting me. The day after I asked him, we resumed our training, but he’s pushing me even harder than before. We hit the gym together six days a week, though it feels more like I’m ogling at him than working out. Lately, it seems like he can never find a damn T-shirt around me. Not that I mind. The truth is, I’m not getting as much done as I could. He’s been teaching me self-defense techniques and boxing, and we’ve incorporated target practice three times a week. I didn’t expect this intense training, but I embraced it. Yet, I can’t help but wonder what Kaz is afraid of and what he’s trying to prepare me for.
“My accountant can wait,” he mumbles, burying his face against my neck.
“He really can’t,” I protest. “I’ve been late for every meeting because of you. He’ll never take me seriously.”
“He will, or I’ll put a bullet in his head.”
“I’d rather you didn’t if I could avoid it simply by showing up on time.”
Konstantin is nothing compared to Kaz’s family, but he’s not my biggest fan. He refused to show me any reports until Kaz threatened him to do whatever I said. I’ve even enrolled in an online Accounting and Finance course, as that’s what Kaz wants me to focus on—where his money is going. I have some suspicions, but I’ll keep them to myself until I gather enough evidence to present to him.
Kaz grabs the back of my neck and kisses me until I’m dizzy.
“Do you have any plans for today?”
“Yes, I have to call Dedushka and find out what he’s doing about Sevastyan. I’ve given him enough time, but my patience is wearing thin. I’ve also found out where he is so that meeting will happen soon, or I’m going after him.”
I’m a significant part of Kaz’s life now, which confuses me. I’ve spent my entire life being kept in the dark—by my father and Mattia. I know this isn’t how things usually work, but Kaz has no problem involving me in everything and seeking my help and opinions.
“Just let me know if you leave. And please, be safe if you do. I lo—” I say, my words catching in my throat as I nearly slip up. Kaz watches me closely, raising an eyebrow. “I’d love to go now,” I quickly correct myself, stumbling over my words.
I move toward the exit as if my life depended on it.
“Caelia!” he calls out after me.