your acquaintance,” Emma said with sheer arrogance in her voice.
“Why did you not tell me that you had a child?” Arie said, hitting the table. “Look at me!”
Arie felt like she could spit bullets. Never once had he mentioned her, and then there was the fact that she was closely interwoven into their lives not only by a child but also by Dmitry’s late wife. Plus, it didn’t help that this bitch was so regally beautiful. The combination made Arie sick to her stomach. While this woman looked like something out of a Vogue magazine, she stood there in her shabby jeans and shirt, looking as though she should have been serving all of them instead of engaging in a conversation.
Dmitry sat back in his chair. He really didn’t need this right before the press conference, but he would allow the conversation for a moment. Besides, it was better that it take place here instead of there. Plus, it wasn’t Ivan’s fault that Emma was here, so he had to forgive his brother’s temper somewhat.
Ivan looked up at Arie. “Have I ever asked you anything about your previous lovers before me? No! Because I don’t give a shit. I wouldn’t know if you had 15 fucking children back in that third-world shit hole that you came from. And really, would it matter?”
“And you see why we can’t resist his incredible charm,” Emma said, standing up. “I’m going to freshen up, Dmitry. Have someone send for me when it’s time for the press conference.” Without saying another word, she stepped away from the table and walked away. The sound of her heels against the marble echoed in the room. And all three of the remaining parties watched her as she swayed out before Stepan closed the doors behind her.
“She is staying here?” Ivan asked, turning to Dmitry.
“Yes,” Dmitry answered, rubbing his jaw. “She’s my guest.”
“For how long?” Ivan asked.
“For as long as she desires,” Dmitry said, standing up as well. “After all, she is family.”
“And when were you going to tell me about this?” Ivan said, eye twitching.
“When I asked you to my study,” Dmitry nodded at Arie. “But like always, Ivan, you find a way to fuck up the smallest of tasks. And yet you wonder why your leash gets tighter and shorter.”
“I’m not a dog, damn it.” Ivan stood up. “Why would you let her stay here? What? Do you have plans to fuck her?”
“Don’t push me,” Dmitry said, stopping in his tracks.
Ivan pointed toward the table. “You might have a say when it comes to thieves-in-law business, but this is not. So, get rid of the fucking airs and tell me your intentions with her. At least, be man enough to admit it. You forget. I know you.”
“Why do his intentions toward her matter?” Arie snapped. “You’re married.”
Dmitry spun around. “I know that you’re over reacting in front of your wife, which is an embarrassment to us all. I know what I do with my cock has never been your business and Emma is only here to talk about business. I’m going to see what I can do to help her.”
Ivan gave a menacing smile. “If I recall, we have permanent quarters here as well. Since my leash is so tight, I feel the need to stay close to home. We’ll be staying here until she leaves.”
“You don’t trust me?” Dmitry wanted to laugh. If he wanted Emma, he would take her whether Ivan was here or not.
“Only as much as you trust me, brat ,” Ivan sneered.
Dmitry could see the fire in Arie’s eyes. He met her intense gaze with cool calm.
Licking his lips, he raised his hand to her. “Yet your wife stands here intact while you accuse me, and I have not taken her. If I can control myself around someone as beautiful as Arie, I should be fine around plain and simple Emma.” He knew before he could say it that the small compliment would incense Ivan further, but what did he care? He was tired of him acting like a spoiled brat. Plus, Arie was due