We made our way to the dining room, but I stopped short, feeling nervous. At the doorway, I received another gentle nudge, this time on my ass, toward an empty seat.
“Why the face? Did Ivan snore and not let you sleep?” Nik asked as Alek stared.
“No, he didn’t,” I mumbled. I was having a hard time reading Aleksandr. Was he mad Ivan stayed? That he’d touched my ass? Did I want him to be mad? Once more, he left me feeling confused.
The tantalizing aroma of what smelled like pot roast filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I made my way to the chair, trying to quiet my growing nerves.
Turning to Alek, I took a deep breath. “Do you think Marcus could take me to town in the morning? I need to make some arrangements.”
“What arrangements?” His voice was laced with frustration.
“I’d like to check into a hotel for a few days before I make my way to Skagit. I appreciate your hospitality…” I reached for a dinner roll, but Ivan snatched it from me. He winked as I shook my head. “But I need to figure things out.”
“What part of ‘you’re staying here until further notice’ did you not understand? Now eat, and stop being argumentative.”
I focused on my plate, picking up my fork and digging into the delicious meal Mrs. Patterson had made. “Look, I need things, clothing, specifically panties. Commando is not my style.”
“You’re arguing, and my hands are itching to smack your ass. Give me a reason,” he grumbled before invading my space. “And I prefer you commando.”
“Let me refresh your memory, old man. You don’t scare me. I can tell you one thing, you so much as try to spank me, and I’ll cut you.”
He took a sip of his drink. “You’re a big talker, with no blade.” He flashed a crooked smile, infuriating me. I’d have to add a stop at the sporting goods store ASAP and remedy that.
“Maybe I’ll bat my long lashes at your brother and get him to let me borrow his.” I flicked my eyes to Ivan, hoping he’d back me up.
“If you want my blade, you’ll have to ask sweetly. Maybe with a little begging and pleading. I do so love to hear a woman beg. Beg me hard enough, and I’ll buy you a case full of them,” Ivan remarked while Nik roared.
My face turned red, and I grabbed my water and took a long gulp.
“Keep talking, your mouth is about to be your undoing.” Alek pointed at my plate. “Eat.”
His voice was low, and the commanding nature of his words wasn’t lost on me. So demanding. I fumed some more, wondering how to get out of this mess. Irritated at his tone, I glared. Who the hell was he to tell me what I could and couldn’t say?
One of Owen’s old-time songs said love was a battlefield, but I’d beg to differ. The King dining room table was the true battlefield. One of words, with heated exchanges flying back and forth, and I, foolishly, proclaimed myself a warrior. No way I was backing down now. My pride and anger wouldn’t let me. It was a relief to get my prior resentment and anger with him out, honestly.
“Are you threatening me?” I asked, meeting his gaze with a defiant stare. “Because, old man, if you are, I should warn you. You’ll have to try a lot harder to shut me up.”
The room fell silent. All eyes were on me. My knees shook under the weight of their stares. I kept my chin up, though, digging myself deeper into a hole. Alek’s eyes narrowed, but instead of the outburst I was hoping for, his tone was eerily calm.
“Shut you up? That’s the last fucking thing we want,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “In fact, you’d make all our lives easier if you would just tell us the truth.”
His words hung in the air, a challenge and a demand. The quiet intensity of his voice sent a shiver down my spine. Damn him for always having the upper hand.
“The truth?” I scoffed. “You want me to be truthful? Very well. Truthfully, you’re certifiable, Aleksandr King. Truthfully, you’re a stalker and a creeper. Truthfully, it screams that you clearly don’t understand boundaries. Never have, since day one, respectfully, of course. And don’t get me started on the control issues you have.”
“Control issues?”
“I wasn’t finished. Rude much? My final truth for you is, and I say this with all sincerity. You need serious help.”
His cheek twitched in anger as we stared one another down.
Nik erupted in laughter, and something in it emboldened me further. I turned to him, reaching out my hand. I caressed his and flicked my eyes to Alek. He was watching, which was what I was hoping for.
I lowered my voice, making it sensual. “Nikolai, has your fearless leader ever spoken to a professional?”
“Professional? What type of professional?” A wry smile played on his full lips as he looked at Aleksandr.
“A psychiatrist, you know, like your friend Dr. Marcel. The first step is to make the call. I could hold your hand, if you’d like,” I offered, reaching for Alek’s hand.
