Page 7 of Samuel

Daniel is a good man, very different from my father. He is, however, a Navarro—and you don’t fuck with him. I’m not sure why he called my would-be husband in. I’m not thrilled about that. When he saw me, I was afraid that he’d try to claim me. I didn’t want that. My residency still has a couple months remaining. I was hoping I could talk him into letting me remain in the US. I refuse to live in Russia.

I shouldn’t have worried. The asshole has no idea who I am. I knew him immediately. It became clear that he didn’t bother to discover what I looked like since our marriage. For some inexplicable reason, it pissed me off watching the way hepractically slobbered when looking at Natalie, while dismissing me. I mean, I know men fawn over Natalie. Still, I’m not exactly chopped liver. I’m fairly confident about who I am. Maybe that’s why Claw flirting with me felt so good. Watching my so-called husband eye-fucking another woman was a blow to my ego. Even if I don’t want him, I dreamed he’d one day get down on his knees and beg me to be his once he got a look at me.

I have friends who have been a part of arranged marriages. It’s not that uncommon in my family and among our allies. Still, not a one of them has gotten married over a damn phone. In each case, the man at least tried to get to know the woman they were marrying. Some made the marriage work, others shared an open marriage—but in each case, energy was put forth to make the union work.I know myself enough to realize, I couldn’t handle an open marriage. Yet, I would have given my all to make the marriage work if the man in question was worth it. Tonight made it clear that Samuel wasn’t.

The truly surprising thing was that I liked Ivan Levkin. I’ve heard the horror stories about the man. I’ve no doubt they’re true. He was a lot different in person, however. He reminded me of my brother, and I can appreciate the fact that he’s probably one person with those he cares about and another with his enemies. My world is not black and white. I live in a world of morally gray.

As I make it to the locker room, I undress, slipping on the spare scrubs in my locker. I don’t know if Phillip will let me work, but I’m hoping he will. After being away from the hospital, I’m itching to get back to it. Medicine is like a drug for me. I’m addicted to the adrenaline and the high I get when I save someone’s life. That’s why I chose emergency trauma and medicine.

As I quickly brush my hair, then push it back up in a messy bun, my thoughts return to Samuel. I enjoyed toying with him—taking stabs at his obviously huge ego. I thought about staying longer, but I didn’t want to risk him getting a clue and putting two and two together. Before I left, I had a conversation with Natalie. I know she’ll keep my secret. She’s an opportunist. We’re work friends. The two of us are nothing alike. She knows how powerful Samuel is. If Natalie thinks she can get his attention, she’ll do whatever it takes. The only reason she wanted to be friends to begin with was to get to my brother.

Samuel’s probably in bed with Natalie right now. It shouldn’t bother me, but it does. It’s probably because of our fake marriage. It can’t be anything else. He clearly didn’t like me and if I didn’t know who he was, I sure as hell wouldn’t think twice about him.

I push all thoughts of him out of my head. Let him get lost in Natalie’s charms. He’ll be contacting Daniel soon demanding an annulment, and I’ll grant it while giggling like a little kid.

Samuel doesn’t want me, and the feeling is freaking mutual.

5

samuel

It’s a good kiss. Some would say spectacular.I wouldn’t.I can’t explain why either. It’s just the way I feel. The kiss fell flat. It’s not what I want. When the image of Isabel flashes through my mind, my body recoils. Or maybe that’s because Natalie’s hand has found my crotch and she’s rubbing against my cock. I’m a man, so I’d be lying if the thought wasn’t there to give in. Still, we’re married. Doesn’t she want to talk before we go further? Plus, she doesn’t know me.Why the fuck would that bother me? I’ve been without a woman for a while. What the hell is going on with me?

“What are you doing?” I ask, pulling away and barely resisting the urge to wipe my lips off, trying to get rid of her taste.

“I want you,” she murmurs, pressing against me. “When Isabel said you wanted to see me, I thought you felt the same. Am I wrong?” Her voice sounds so sweet and innocent. It’s the complete opposite of the lust in her eyes. She should be the perfect woman for me.Christ.

“We don’t need to rush this, Natalie. We have the rest of our lives together.”

“The rest of our lives?” she asks, her eyes round. Something flashes in them I don’t understand.

“Marriage is forever, Natalie. At least it is in my book.”

“Marriage? You want me to be your wife …”

“I realize we didn’t start out in the way a woman dreams of meeting a husband, but I think the two of us can make a go of our union. Don’t you?” I prompt. Yet, even as I’m talking to her, I want to end this conversation. The deal I made with the Navarro family feels even more wrong.

“I can’t believe this is happening. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted,” Natalie gushes. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. She didn’t want this marriage any more than I did. Hell, she’s the one that put in the stipulation that she wanted to finish school first. Seriously, Isabel said Natalie was a CNA. I’m no expert, but I think classes are taught through vocational school that don’t require exorbitant amounts of time. Her father said she’d invested years into this career.

I’m starting to feel like this damn family has played me for a fool since day one.

“Why don’t you go back to the room you and Isabel were given. I’ll have my men come collect you when we’re ready to leave.”

“Do you know how long it will be?”

“I—”

“I only ask because Brick mentioned there’s a party here. I was thinking of going.”

I school my features—it’s not easy. “You’ve been kidnapped and held prisoner. Are you sure you’re up to a party?”

“I’d like to unwind. You could join me,” she hums, curling her fingers into the fresh shirt that I borrowed. I’m not sure who it belonged to originally. It’s a little big but fits relatively well. E-Z brought it to me. “I hear the Titans’ parties get a little wild. Might be fun for us to enjoy together.”

“Wild?” I repeat, and I can’t keep the sternness out of my voice.What the hell is going on here?

“Yes. A coworker of mine usually comes to a couple every month. You wouldn’t believe what she tells me goes on during them.”

“And you want to take part?”

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