Chapter SEVENTEEN

JOSEF

The atmosphere inside Adrik’s enormous office shifted as everyone’s attention turned to me. I pretended not to notice at first.

New York City was shrouded in clouds, visible through the window wall behind Adrik’s massive desk and chair. I huffed out a sigh.

Fucking busybody motherfuckers.

“Alright, Josef. We’ve waited a week, but you’re still keeping to yourself. No more hiding. Tell us,” Adrik said.

“Fuck,” I muttered, rubbing my hand across my face.

“I know I was fucking with you before, but you are family, Josef. You can tell us anything,” Marat said.

“Fine, You know I married her. I married Meredith⁠—”

“Wait. Meredith? Why do I know that? Holy shit. You married Meredith Gray! The girl you used to bodyguard?” Marat asked, his mouth dropped open.

“She’s thirty fucking two years old. Not a girl. Not underage. And she’s my wife,” I growled.

“No! I mean, yeah! But she was in high school⁠—”