Chapter 15 – Emika
First, it was the unplanned sex—mind-blowing and breathtaking, by the way. Then it was the gifts the morning after. And then came the offer that seemed too good to be true.
“Move into my bedroom.”
Those words were intentional, premeditated, and carefully thought out. He didn’t act out of impulse, nor did he make the decision on the spot. And that only proved one thing to me: His view of who I was had changed.
Adrik had gone out of his way to buy me designer clothes that could last me a lifetime. The man practically bought me a whole boutique. But the gesture that really touched my heart was the new desk.
Sitting on that couch for hours had already been hurting my back and my spine. He noticed. He noticed that little detail and decided to put an end to it. What that told me was that he cared.
Adrik Tarasov was a devil. No doubt. But at least he was starting to make me his priority. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he’d grown a heart overnight.
It had been two days since I moved into his bedroom: a space twice the size of mine. I didn’t think a single room could be so massive and exceptionally clean.
The TV and king-sized bed were bigger, the air smelled better, and even the furniture had a more elegant style. The room screamed luxury at its peak, and I fit in just fine.
Things felt a bit awkward on the first night, but nothing crazy happened. He didn’t make any moves to touch me, and part of me was glad he didn’t. That said, I was a little disappointed deep down.
However, allowing me to settle in on my first night was the right thing to do. It showed that he cared about my pride as a woman and not just my body.
Was it just me, or was he giving ‘intentional man’ vibes?
That night, I had the best sleep I’d had in a long time. How ironic, considering that I’d slept in a monster’s den. I had the sweetest dreams, and in one, my mother was discharged from the hospital, hale and hearty.
Despite my initial doubts, my grandfather—true to his word—had held up his end of the bargain. He made sure that my mother was getting the best treatment money could buy.
She should be back on her feet in no time.
Earlier today, my grandfather had called me, asking to speak with me about something important. I didn’t know why, but I found myself asking if I could come with my husband.
The pause on the other line had been evidence of his shock. He didn’t make a big fuss about it; he only said it was a family matter. The second he said that, my heart skipped a beat. I asked him if it had anything to do with my mother’s health.
He’d claimed it had nothing to do with her, that he’d explain when I came over. A wind of relief washed over my face. Since our talk wasn’t going to revolve around my mother’s health, it couldn’t possibly be that big a deal.
I told my husband that I was going to see my grandpa, and he didn’t object. He ordered five of his best men to drive me to the Beaumont estate.
When I got there, the guards waited for me in the living room while I went upstairs to Grandpa’s study.
“There she is,” he said, his voice a bit lighter than usual. He had this strange grin on his face, although his expression remained neutral.
I closed the door behind me and walked over to the visitor’s chair. “You asked to see me?
“I did,” he answered. “Take a seat.”
I pulled the chair and sat on it. “So, what’s this about?”
“Straight to business.” He reached for a bottle of scotch on his table. “I respect that.”
I watched him pour himself a glass.
He glanced up at me. “Scotch?”
“No, thank you.”
“Tell me,” he took a sip, then asked, “how close are you to your husband?”
I knitted my brows, unsure of what he meant by that. “Um…I don’t—I don’t understand the question.”
“How much do you know about his work?”
I thought for a second. “Well, as his personal assistant, I’d say I know enough.”
“Does this include his shady businesses?”
I shrugged my shoulders casually. “Pretty much. Yes.”
“Interesting.” He sipped from his again.
“What’s with all the questions? Is everything all right?” I asked, my tone laced with a hint of suspicion.
“Everything’s fine,” he answered. “I just need a little something from you.”
I tilted my head to the side, my suspicion growing more and more intense by the second. “And what’s that?”
“Information.” He leaned in with both elbows on his table, his eyes pinned on me. “I want updates on the Tarasov family business, both legal and illegal.”
“What?” My brows rose in disbelief.
He continued, “I want to know every major plan they make the second they make them.” He paused, letting his word sink in. “And that’s where you come in.”
My eyes widened ever so slightly. “You want me to spy on my husband?” I hushed my tone.
“Spy is a strong word. I just need you to report back to me every now and then.”
“Why?”
He paused. “There’s a lot at play here that you do not understand, child.”
“I understand treachery.”
“Oh, please, you don’t even like the man,” he blurted out, reclining in his chair. “I’m aware of your one-year contract with him. You’re literally two enemies forced into a union neither of you wanted.”
“Oh, yeah? And whose fault was that?” I frowned at him for daring to reopen my wound.
He plucked off his glasses and let out a soft sigh. “Look, all I’m saying is that you and I are on the same page. You don’t like the family, and I’m interested in their affairs. We can work together.”
I couldn’t believe my ears right now.
“Help me with the information I need, and I’ll make sure that your contract ends in exactly one year. Not a second longer.”
Silence.
My heart was racing in my chest because I couldn’t imagine myself turning against Adrik. A few weeks ago, I would’ve been okay with the plan. But after everything that had happened recently, something just didn’t seem right.
Each time I was starting to feel comfortable with my so-called grandfather, he would always remind me of the monster he was. This old man was using me for his own selfish gain.
That was when it just dawned on me that this had been part of his plan all along. I wasn’t sure what he wanted with the Tarasov family businesses, but I knew he was up to no good.
Adrik and his family weren’t saints either; they were just as evil as my grandfather. The only difference was that Adrik cared about me in his own twisted way. The thought of betraying the man who had dedicated himself to keeping me safe made my stomach turn.
What was I going to do now: Be my grandfather’s spy, or refuse to play his game?