Page 42 of The Dark Side

Adrik shifted uncomfortably in his seat. She was laying into him like a mom catching their teen kid sneaking out. It wasn't like he didn't want to talk, but he was hoping for this conversation to be going in a different direction. He had come late at night to her bedroom. There was always a bit of hope that their situation would change to a more horizontal position.

But that is not going to happen.Adrik reminded himself, even if she looked amazingly sexy with her messy hair and awkward pajamas. What woman could rock panda socks?

"My men were helping you move. I personally have gone through nothing."

"Not the point," Jolie sneered.

Her audacity was humorous, and he hid his smile behind a finger, playing with his lips. He didn't know whether she was completely devoid of feeling or, more logical than he hoped, that she didn't find him attractive or desire him in any way. She did not indicate that she would fall for his charms if he tried.

Could he try?

Not yet. She is injured and too skeptical of me.

It was the long game, then.

No game.Adrik sighed in frustration, hating the argument going on inside his head. She was off-limits. He brought her here specifically for his daughter. Not to dangle fruit in front of his face like in the Garden of Eden.

"You met Katia?" He brought her up to remind himself that another woman would not be tolerated.

"Yes. She's beautiful."

Adrik sighed. "She is."

"Are you working on your marriage?"

Adrik didn't know if she was asking as a friend or from a different desire. But he took it as a sign. "No. There is no working on it."

"Then, why not get divorced?" The words came out faster than Jolie meant for them to, and then she bowed her head. "I'm sorry. That's none of my business."

Her reddened cheeks humored him and reassured Adrik she had some interest in him.

"Our marriage is connected to a treaty for our families. If we divorce, the treaty ends, and there will be much bloodshed. To avoid it, we pretend."

"That sucks. I'm sorry."

Her sympathy was a salve. No one had said that before. "I am, too."

Adrik had wanted his marriage to work. He wanted a relationship like his parents, but Katia had destroyed it from ever happening.

Is that what I see in Jolie? The wife I should have had?

But it was a stupid thing to think because she was American. She was too sweet, too innocent. She would break if she knew even a fraction of what he'd done for his family. He should send her away now.

But he was a selfish man.

"You said you know nothing about me. Has Google not answered your questions?"

"It's like looking at a blueprint of a house," she replied. "It's an outline and not all that you are."

Adrik could only stare at her, with a finger against his temple. Her innocence was everything he needed in his life. His daughter brought him happiness, but there was always a hole inside him that was missing. And Jolie was too close to finding it.

Adrik stood up. "I'll leave you."

"Oh. Okay,” she stammered.

When Adrik heard her slight disappointment, he almost sat back down. He'd gladly spend the rest of the night here in her presence, but he knew how bad that would be.

Adrik went to the side door, turning toward her. She approached with her arms across her chest to hide her breasts. She truly hated bras, it seemed. Something they had in common. "I came through my daughter's room for a reason. You and I do not know each other. Do not talk to me unless I talk to you first."