Page 73 of The Dark Side

She shifted uncomfortably, her blue eyes darting from each child as she built up her courage. "We'll talk later, but right now, I want to take care of my sons."

Adrik eyed her, concerned. Something was off. He talked to her two to three times a week. Even though she was gone for six months, he didn't feel distant or as if he didn't know her. That's why the way she was acting was strange. Maybe it was because of Alexei. She avoided the topic of his assault. But that was normal. Whatever bruises the boys received, she would never ask or get upset. She would baby and help them heal, but she never defended them or stopped Yakov. Adrik quit expecting her to do something years ago.

Whatever she was hiding, it was big enough for all of the boys to feel it. They looked at each other, searching for answers.

Chapter twenty-seven

Shopping

Joliepacedinfrontof her floor to ceiling windows. A finger was caught between her teeth but every few seconds she remembered and snatched her hand away. But less than a minute later, it was right back in her mouth and she gnawed on the broken nail. Adrik had ditched her last night, placing her in the hands of his bodyguards before he rushed off to attend to Alexei. There was no information otherwise. All night she waited for something, but nothing came, leaving her with not only anxiety about Alexei's safety, but also leaving her with the last moments of their conversation.

Jolie kept telling herself this attempt at a relationship was a bad idea, but the excitement, thrill, and exhilaration that kept her heart pounding gave no mind to the negative thoughts. If Adrik wanted to try, than she could too. She was constantly wondering why a man like him would want her. It was clear he had options, and she was far from good enough for him. But those gloomy thoughts dissipated every time they spoke because it didn't matter why. He wanted her.

Her cats zoomed around the room, running into walls and freaking each other out. Despite it being annoying, it actually reassured her she wasn't alone. She sat to gain their affection and they were quick to jump on her and give her headbutts. She smiled into their sweet attention.

He's killed people,the logical part of Jolie reminded. But it didn't compute. How could Adrik be a murderer and be as sweet as he was?

What if, one day, she saw him kill? Would it then make a difference? Would it then make her realize what she's doing?

It would be too late then.

Jolie held the pen in her hand. If she decided to be with Adrik, could she come clean about Agent Mally? Would he be forgiving? Understanding? Or would it destroy whatever is developing between them?

A text spooked her, making her jump. With annoyed frustration at herself, she grabbed it.

'Shopping today. Ten minutes.'

She mentally groaned. No part of her wanted to go shopping with Katia. She liked the woman enough, but Jolie could only handle Katia in small doses. Spending hours with her did not sound appealing.

Jolie redressed three more times before anotherdingtold her she was late, and she rushed out the door. She was fixing the fat belt at her waist when Alexei's door popped open, and to her surprise, Adrik stood there. He was wide-eyed, meeting her face. She had time to sleep and shower while he still wore the same clothes as yesterday. Exhaustion riddled his face.

"Hey—"

Adrik walked right by her; with enough space between them, another person could have walked through. She stared ahead, slightly numb. She had forgotten about the world around them, and for half a second, she felt discarded and hurt. But then it poured into her, reminding her he couldn't talk to her.

With his disregard, the doubts returned like a Ferris wheel going round and round.

Jolie sat in the limo. She had been a minute late, but Katia's look of annoyance greeted her as she climbed into the limo. Helina's full grin made her feel better, and she sat next to the little girl and played with her on the iPad. She enjoyed the break from her thoughts, diving into a five-year-old's silliness. Helina was more than willing to teach her words for things and less willing to learn the English form of it, but with a few tickles and giggles, Jolie was able to teach her a couple new words.

Her phone beeped with a text, and Jolie couldn't stop her smile when she noticed the unknown number. Adrik wrote,'Let's finish our conversation tonight.'

Such a simple message that wreaked havoc on her heart.

"I hope you will let me pick out your dress," Katia interrupted, dropping her phone in her lap. There was something about Jolie's happiness that annoyed her. Perhaps because she knew who was texting her. With unhindered distaste, Katia eyed Jolie's clothing. "We have certain requirements." Katia forced a loving smile. She wasn't doing it for Jolie. She was doing it for her in-laws. It was bad enough that the Americans had to attend. Jolie needed to fit in at least, and wearing cats on one's dress wasn't currently trending.

Jolie nervously fidgeted. "I'm not sure I'll be able to afford the kinds of dresses you're talking about."

Katia giggled and reached for her purse. She pulled out a black square credit card. "All expenses are taken care of. Welcome to the Mafia."

Jolie nodded quietly, moving her eyes to the window. She was using blood money. In fact, ever since she came to Adrik's estate, Jolie had unconsciously been surrounded by things they had gotten because of drugs, murder, and prostitution. Even this car was paid for by it. She shifted uncomfortably. How did she think she could be with Adrik when his life was drenched in blood? She rested her head against the window.

It's not going to work.

This shouldn't be difficult. Adrik was an evil man and should be in prison. It didn't matter how nice he was. She was pretty sure Hitler was nice to a few people. He still deserved to die a horribly gruesome death.

The drive was thankfully short, cutting off her misery as she got out of the car. Katia kept hold of Helina's hand as they stepped up to a blank store with black and gold trim. At the entrance were two bodyguards and, surprisingly, Gil. It's only been three weeks, but he stood on his leg, with a slight limp and a single crutch, as he pulled the door open. "Good afternoon, ladies."

Jolie stopped and smiled. Gil clearly hated her, evident by their talk at TGI Fridays, where he tried to talk to Adrik about her 'boy' look. Since then, Jolie decided she would try to win him over. And kindness was the way to go. "It's good to see you. How's your leg?"