Page 15 of Weeping Roses

She snaps back and I turn and smile with amusement.

“Only the facts, but not the reasons.”

“What reasons?”

“Why you are still single?”

“Because I choose to be.”

She stands and smooths down her skirt and, for the first time, I notice the coat is gone and her skirt and jumper is trying hard to disguise a rather intriguing body. The skirt dusts just above her knees and the long boots she is wearing are sexy as fuck. Now her hair is long and wavy and the red highlights burn like fire and her flashing green eyes stare at me with contempt as she purses her lips and huffs, “I’m hungry and need to eat. I’m going to head out to the local supermarket and stock up on a few things. Please hand me my keys.”

“No.”

Her eyes widen and I smile inside. This is fun. She is so easy to torment and it will pass the time as I wait for the information I seek.

“No?” She narrows her eyes.

“It’s not a question, it’s a statement.”

“I will send out for supplies. Make a list.”

I turn away and stare out at the garden and she huffs, “I prefer to go myself. I don’t know what I want until I see it.”

I turn slowly. “Then I’ll come with you.”

“You?”

Her eyes widen and I nod. “Of course. Grab your coat. Meet me by the car in five minutes.”

I leave her standing watching me go with a shocked expression and find Artem in the hallway.

“Prepare my car. We are heading out for supplies.”

His eyes raise and I smirk at the amusement on his face. “What? It will be interesting.”

“If you say so.” He shakes his head. “Who do you need?”

“Everyone.”

He laughs softly. “Are you sure this sleepy town is prepared for that?”

“We’re about to find out.”

I head back to the kitchen and grab my jacket and coat, pulling out my shades and set my mood accordingly. Polly is about to discover exactly what I signed her up for and it will distract my attention from a situation I hadn’t planned on being in.

“Why, Valentin?” Her horrified question hangs in the air as the door slams behind her and she watches my men take up their positions in the cars in front and behind.

“Why what, malyshka?”

“Why the circus? Can’t you even go shopping like a normal person?”

“It was your idea if you’ve forgotten already and perhaps my men need to see what they require, too.”

“Now you’re making fun of me.” She fires back and I laugh out loud.

“Relax, it’s only a trip to the store. Calm the fuck down.”

“You know–” She shakes her head and stares me right in the eye as she hisses, “You really are an arrogant piece of shit, Valentin Romanov.”