Sin of Silence (Sinner's Empire #1) - Nikita Slater Page 0,54

over his shoulder as Dasha approached them. She looked annoyed at Jozef, but her gaze shifted to concern when she glanced down at Shaun in Jozef's arms.

"Is she hurt?” Dasha’s accusing gaze pierced her nephew.

Jozef shook his head at the same time as Shaun replied, "I'm okay. I don't even really know why he's carrying me. I tripped in the garden…."

Dasha reached out to pat Shaun's arm. "It's fine, dear. I'm more concerned that you spent the night in the shed." Her accusing gaze lifted to her nephew. "Family does not stay in the shed.”

Shaun turned her face against Jozef to hide the smile that was stretching her lips. Really, it was one of the first things she had to smile about since entering the mansion and she was grateful. Dasha was standing up for her. Giving her nephew shit for locking Shaun in “the shed". Shaun felt elated that anyone in the mansion cared enough about her well-being to inquire. They all knew about Shaun's escape attempt yesterday. Dasha had even warned her about Jozef’s reaction, had attempted to give Shaun advice. Shaun was beginning to look at the other woman as a kind of mother figure; a very deadly one, but still occasionally warm and most definitely effective.

Jozef turned away from his aunt and took a step toward his apartment, but Dasha caught hold of his arm and hurried around to face them.

"People are starting to talk," she said quickly, her concerned gaze now on her nephew. "They know you brought a woman home with you and her unique…” Dasha’s eyes lingered on Shaun’s face, as she continued, “complexion means there’ll be questions if she’s linked to the missing doctor in Ukraine. We need to announce the engagement right away if we’re going to quell these rumours."

Shaun wanted to laugh at Dasha’s way of saying Shaun was a black woman, which made her stand out in that part of the world. Jozef gave another sharp nod that Shaun interpreted as his permission. Apparently, Dasha interpreted it the same way.

"Good. I'll make an announcement to the papers. We’ll have the engagement party here at the mansion." She pulled her phone out of the clutch purse attached to her wrist and tapped on the calendar app. "I think next Saturday should work. It's short notice, but we’re extremely rich, people are used to eccentricity from the rich."

Shaun couldn't help herself, she giggled at Dasha’s nonchalant comment. Dasha’s face softened and she addressed Shaun directly. "I hope you don't mind if I plan it for you, dear. You've barely been here a minute and you won't know how things operate yet. I'll order the flowers, decorations and orchestra, and I'll prepare a guest list. I'll have it brought to Jozef's suite within the day for your approval."

Shaun didn't know what to say. She had so many questions, so many thoughts. Who was going to be on the guest list? Was it a real engagement party or a fake one? And since they were technically engaged, or about to become so, was Jozef’s suite now hers as well?

Jozef shifted Shaun in his arms. She glanced up at him and caught a scowl directed at his aunt. He was becoming impatient.

"Okay, you two get going. I'm sure you could use a rest in a real bed after spending the night in the shed." Dasha’s words were pointed as she sent a glare to her nephew and patted Shaun’s arm again. As Jozef strode away from his aunt, she added, “Take Shaun to the club tonight. At least make an appearance with her before the engagement party. People can get used to seeing her face before it becomes official."

Jozef didn't say anything, not that he could with his arms full of Shaun. He ignored his aunt’s demand and continued through the stone hallways toward his own set of rooms. Shaun wondered if each family member had a suite like Jozef's. It was like an apartment inside of the great big mansion. It made sense. Each grown-up family member could be independent while still living close to the family.

Jozef set Shaun back on her feet once they reached the door to his suite. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, waving Shaun inside. She took a few steps into the room but didn't get far before Jozef wrapped his hand around her arm and swung her back toward him.

"You don't need to carry me anymore – " Shaun started, but her words were crushed