Page 23 of Silent Ties

“No,” I say quietly, not risking another punishment.

He side-eyes me, one hand on the wheel. He took his coat off and I keep staring at a veiny forearm. I wonder if he only likes me when I’m soft-spoken because for once he converses back. “Then why do you flinch every time we stop?”

My toes curl in the painfully tight heels I’m wearing. I’m accustomed to tight dresses and stilettos but I’m uncomfortable. “You drive too fast.”

He charges forward, slipping in and out of traffic easily now that we’re out of the city.

We come to a red light and he jerks on the brake. My hand flies out, grabbing the door. Every muscle in my body tenses.

“So I’m a terrible driver,” he challenges in the low voice he uses outside of the bedroom. It’s not quite flat or monotone because there’s an edge of darkness. When he chooses to speak he’s nothing but self-assured.

“It’s a gut reaction.” I force my fingers to release the handle. The light turns green and the car sways right, winding down a neighborhood with massive gates and circular driveways. Some properties remain unseen, trees covering the structures, but I don’t need to spot the chateau-looking houses to know this is where the elite live. “I was in a wreck back in high school. I know it’s annoying but I flinch anytime cars stop suddenly.”

It must be my imagination but he slows, gently angling the Porsche through the street. “Were you hurt?”

“No,” I admit. But Daisy totaled her cousin’s car and moving forward if we didn’t take public transportation I drove. “So did you always drive around in cars worth a hundred grand or did your dad ever make you drive a beater?”

Another side-eye. A gate opens and it’s like we press through a bubble. It’s a different world. The million-dollar house is lit up in the night like a castle. Sconces with flames frame the massive front door. Cars trail along the driveway, couples exiting before valet whisks the vehicles away.

Maxim bypasses the line, the car angling down a slope. We park in a private garage, the Porsche just one of many luxury vehicles.

For a beat it’s quiet, neither of us looking forward to going in. I turn my face about to ask for advice when I see his hand reaching for me.

I slap it away.

“Don’t mess up my lipstick!” My dress is covering his dried cum, the last thing I need is to look further messed up.

His jaw ticks and for a second we stare in some stupid standoff. Finally, he opens his car door, his wristwatch glinting in the light. I drag myself out of the low car, struggling to remain decent with my short dress and high heels. Maxim rounds the car, tucking me in close, his hand pinching my waist in warning.

I lean forward and smack his cheek with a kiss. An outline of mulberry lips stains his cheek.

His eyes widen, the features on his face frozen in surprise.

And then someone starts to clap.

“Well done!” It’s the oldest brother—Elijah. He’s an inch taller than his younger brother, his hair a tad lighter and his eyes gray. If I didn’t know they were related I wouldn’t think it, but there’s no mistaking the familiarity. “It appears Mrs. Zimin claimed you as her property. Very important considering this crowd.”

Maxim scowls and unwraps his hand from my waist. We’ve now passed through the garage into a small hallway that I assume leads to the kitchen.

Elijah already holds a tumbler of liquor and lifts it in greeting. But I’m surprised when he offers it to me.

“Oh, you’ll want to drink it now,” he says at my surprise. He produces another one for his brother. “The place is packed and you, the guests of honor, are late.”

Maxim knocks his back, tugging me forward as we walk into the kitchen. It’s an absolute madhouse, with servers running around, and a fire on the stove bursting toward the ceiling.

And in the middle of it all is their father, Lev Zimin. He’s got a tray of hors d’oeuvres all to himself and a glass of amber liquor in front of him.

He swallows a puff pastry. “So you finally decided to join us.”

Roman, pops up, snatching a finger food. “You’ve got lipstick on your face.”

With a sigh, Maxim rubs his cheek. “I’m surprised you decided to join us.”

His mouth full, Max’s twin shrugs. “And miss this shit show?”

Lev straightens, pushing the tray of food away and smoothing his tie. “Russet.”

I’ve never talked to him before let alone told him my name. There’s a knowing glint. This man knows every secret. Knows everything there is in the entire city, let alone the world.

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