“Yes, I didn’t want to disturb you,” I said, my voice soft.
“Don’t do that again,” he said, voice low, but with an edge. “I don’t want you involved in my business.”
I felt a pang of rebuke, but I stayed quiet, watching him as he picked up the phone.
“No, don’t attack them,” he ordered, his tone now hard, efficient. “Get more men to the dock. I’ll speak to Misha.”
The call ended quickly. He turned back to me, his expression softening. “Was I harsh?”
“Yes,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “I was just trying not to wake you. You haven’t slept well in days.”
He kissed me gently on the cheek before walking toward the bathroom. I thought he just needed to freshen up, but then I noticed him dressing, and my unease grew.
“Where are you going?”
He continued to button his shirt as he replied, “I need to meet an old colleague.”
“Let me guess... Misha?”
He smirked. “Yes.”
“But it’s three in the morning. How are you going to meet him? Did you even call him? Wasn’t it his family who burned down your docks?”
“That’s right,” he said, his voice a little more tense. “His family burned down my dock for a reason I’m still trying to figure out. I’ll call him on the way. We’re meeting at our old spot. You don’t need to worry.”
“I have every reason to worry. What if he hurts you?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.
He paused for a moment, then took a deep breath, now looking at me with a mix of affection and something close to amusement. “He wouldn’t dare. This is what I’ve done for years, Anna. When I tell you not to worry, you need to trust me.”
I crossed my arms, my anxiety simmering. “No. I’m scared.”
He walked over to me, pulling me into a tight embrace. “People don’t kill without reason. The Petrov family wouldn’t dare harm a hair on my head. The price would be too high.”
“Can I come with you?”
He exhaled, exasperated. “I’ve already told you not to get involved. Can you do that?”
“No. Your business is mine now.
“I know you’re worried, but this is something I have to handle alone. You’re safer here, and I’ll be back before you know it. Trust me on this.”
“No. I’m coming with you.”
His lips curled into a teasing smirk, and he gently rubbed his thumb across my lips. “Fine. Get dressed and meet me downstairs.”
My insides churned with worry. I had this terrible feeling that something bad was going to happen. I wanted to protect him, even though I had no idea how.
“No. You wait for me. Be a gentleman for once,” I said, crossing my arms stubbornly.
“I need to make calls,” he said, walking out of the room.
When I finished dressing, I hurried downstairs. Gleb was already in the car, the engine running. He didn’t even wait for me to approach before he started the ignition.
“Angry?” I asked as I got inside the car.
He didn’t respond, instead, he just reversed out of the garage and drove off.
“You’re speeding...” I cautioned, though I wasn’t sure if that would make a difference.
