“You don’t get a say in what’s good for me and what isn’t.” My tone dripped acid. “All you should do is stay quiet, nod your head, and do what I tell you to do. Assuming you want to keep getting paid.”
He blinked rapidly and took a step back. “I didn’t mean any disrespect. I’m only saying—”
“You’re only saying that you think you know my strategy better than I do. But understand something.” I pointed a finger, jabbing it at his chest. “You’re hired help and I will dispose of you if you displease me.”
His face hardened. He sucked on his cigar and blew the smoke to the side.
“You don’t understand,” he said, voice soft and pleading. “Redmond has his reasons for doing all this. You’re playing into his hands.”
“I know he has reasons. I don’t care what they are. Right now, we need him. When the time comes, we’ll make a move.”
He seemed to accept that. He took a step back, giving me more space, which eased some of the tension in my chest. I hadn’t realized I’d been holding in a breath with him so close. I wasn’t afraid of him—but the way he looked at me sometimes was too intense. There was too much adoration in his eyes.
I could use him, but I had to be careful.
“Please be careful with Redmond. I think he’s more involved in what’s going on than he seems.”
“Thank you for your input, James. Now please go inside.”
He watched me for two breaths before retreating past me, skirting alongside Chika, and disappearing into the house. The door shut with a click and Chika stared with raised eyebrows.
“That was interesting,” she said.
I scowled at the door. “I need you to keep an eye on him.”
“Gladly.”
“He’s getting too attached. He thinks he’s more important than he is.”
“It’s so hard to find good help these days.” She grinned at me. It was a rare joke from her.
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t need it from you, either.”
“Shall I continue putting pressure on Cosima?”
“Please do.” I checked my phone and sighed. “Better head back to my gilded cage.”
“And your dashing future husband.”
“I wouldn’t call him dashing.”
“No?” Chika shrugged. “He’s good looking. You could do much worse.”
“He’s a bastard that thinks he can own me, but he’ll find out soon enough I won’t get locked away ever again.” I nodded to her then stalked back toward the hotel.
Chapter 13
Redmond
The Range Rover hit a pothole. I cursed and glared at the driver, who grinned at me sheepishly in the rearview. “Sorry, boss.”
I sighed and glanced at Erin. She’d been quiet all morning, ever since she snuck back into the room.
I didn’t follow her. I was tempted, but I chose to let her go. I figured she went to meet with her people and was plotting something, and I thought I’d let them have their plans. I wanted to start my marriage off the right way, so instead of making a whole scene, I let her slip away and return a half-hour later.
She wasn’t exactly stealthy.
“You’re not in a talkative mood.”
“Do you need me to be?” She glanced in my direction. “I thought I was a prop for your game.”
I laughed and put a hand over my heart. “You’re intense today.”
“I didn’t sleep well.” Her frown deepened. “Although you deserve it.”
“Really? I feel like I don’t. I’ve been very good to you.”
“Oh, yes, you have, especially when you pushed me into this stupid relationship.”
I ran a hand through my hair and watched her carefully. Every muscle in her body was tense with expectation. This was about more than her frustration over being my fiancée. I suspected it had something to do with whatever she did with her minions.
“You had every opportunity to walk, and you didn’t. You should take a little of the blame.”
She watched me carefully, lips in a flat line. She was so beautiful, sometimes I forgot that she was also exceedingly brilliant, and she was constantly working on plans within plans. I was outmatched, mentally at least.
But I wasn’t so bad myself.
“Why do you care so much about taking Maeve’s strength?” Her question sounded casual, but it came through gritted teeth, like she was holding herself back from launching across the car and strangling me.
I wished she would. I could get into a little breath play.
“I’m an Oligarch. Building our empire is what we do.”
“Bullshit. Oligarchs are the top of the top. You play with mafias like they’re toys. You don’t need her businesses, money means less than nothing to you, and her spy network is likely fragmented and wrecked. Why do you even bother? None of the other Oligarchs are.”
My smile faltered. She’d noticed something I hoped she wouldn’t, but she was right—
I was the only Oligarch making a play for Maeve’s strength.
“I have my reasons.”
She snorted. “That answer isn’t good enough.”