Page 77 of Precious Hazard

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Once Sienna steps away, I pick up the handheld mirror off the table, lifting it in front of my face. She’s done an amazingjob. My hair looks nearly identical to the image I showed her as a reference. “Outstanding. Do you think it’ll stay put all night?”

“Absolutely. Where the heck are you going, a masquerade or something?” she chirps, adjusting one of the ringlets behind my ear. “I had no idea Arturo would be into something like that.”

I smile.

I cross my arms over my chest, watching my sisters fidget in their seats on the other side of the table. “Alright. Let’s hear it.”

“Hear what?” Sienna chirps.

“This oh-so-urgent matter that needed to be discussed. In person. Right away. And couldn’t wait a moment longer.”

“Can’t we just want to have coffee with our dear brother because we miss him?”

“It’s the second Saturday of the month. Which means that your favorite shoe store is having a half-off sale that starts”—I glance at my watch—“right about now. I don’t see you skipping it in favor of coffee with me.”

“I love you more than I love pretty, discounted shoes!”

“Uh-huh. And Asya, you just decided on an impromptu trip to New York just so you can join us for an overpriced drink?”

“The pakhan’s private plane is always on standby, and Pasha and I liked the idea of a quick trip. This deli has the best pastrami on rye sandwiches,” Asya mutters.

“Mm-hmm.” I set my palms on the table and lean over. “Are you pregnant, Asya?”

“What? No.”

My gaze slides to Sienna. “Areyoupregnant?”

“I’m not. And stop this nonsense. We just wanted to have a tiny little chat with you.”

“So, there is a hidden agenda after all. What is this? An intervention?”

“Maybe.” Her grin is perfectly innocent.

“Right. I’m all ears.”

They look at each other. Then, Sienna nudges Asya with her elbow, nodding in my direction. Asya shakes her head, nudging back.

“Okay, Okay. I’ll say it.” Sienna mimics my earlier pose and crosses her arms over her chest. “We’re concerned about you, Arturo.”

I snort. “What about me that troubles you so much?”

“Your wife,” Asya deadpans.

“Excuse me?”

“We both like Tara. A lot. But the way you’ve treated her sounds like the absolute pits. Sienna’s been keeping me in the loop, and I gotta tell you… I’m completely shocked. Did you really make Tara sign a prenup with a bunch of rules about how she’s allowed to dress and act?”

My head snaps to Sienna. “So, Tara told you the truth, I take it?”

“Yes. Every terrible bit. Including you threatening to frame her for murder. I have to say, I’m appalled, Arturo.”

“Appalled.” Asya nods at the same time. “You’re lucky she hasn’t told Drago. I mentioned to her that she should. I’m so disappointed in you, big brother.”

“My marriage is none of your business,” I bark. “Or yours, Sienna.”

“Since you’re doing your utmost to sabotage your happiness, I’d say it is,” Sienna throws in.

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