I scarf one down, then stuff the wrapper in the trash can, making sure it’s hidden under some vegetable peelings.
I can’t help picking out a second one.Just one more.This time, it’s a triple chocolate fudge swirl one. I eat it just as quickly, trying not to think about how many calories there are in it, although I already know by heart the exact number. I shove the empty wrapper into the trash can, again under the vegetable peelings, and I’m just starting my third cookie—chocolate hazelnut praline—when a low voice rumbles behind me.
“What are you doing, Avelina?”
I startle, practically jumping out of my skin. Then I freeze, the cookie halfway to my mouth. My stomach plunges straight to my toes. And my breath catches as I turn.
Viktor stands in the doorway, broad shoulders filling the frame, hair mussed from sleep, and sweatpants slung low on his hips. He looks like a sexy dream come to life.And he’s staring straight at me.
“I…uh—” I swallow the bite like a criminal getting rid of the evidence.“Nothing.”
His dark brow arches. “Were you hungry?”
“No…” Heat floods my face. Because if I were hungry, at least I’d have an excuse.
He crosses the kitchen with a slow, predatory grace. “Why are yousneaking around at night, instead of eating in daylight?” His tone is direct but gentle.
I shrink back into myself. “I didn’t want you to think I’m…greedy.” My voice cracks. “Or…you know, too—” The wordfatsticks in my throat like barbed wire, and I can’t say it out loud.
His expression shifts instantly, his dark eyes softening. “Too what?” he asks softly.
I shake my head, mortified. Tears sting my eyes, and I shove the wrapper of the last cookie deeper into my pocket, wishing I could crawl inside a hole and disappear forever.
Viktor exhales sharply, then steps past me and opens another cabinet. My breath catches.
Because on the shelf sits a pristine stack of my favorite cookies—several boxes, neatly lined up.
“I bought these for you,” he says, voice low.
My mouth falls open. “You…what?”
He shrugs, as if it’s obvious. “You like them, yeah? I noticed you save the last one every time, like you’re rationing for wartime.” His lips twitch in the barest hint of a smile. “So now, no rationing needed.”
I blink at him, completely thrown off balance. “Younoticedthat?”
“Of course. Now, stop looking like you’ve been caught committing a crime and sit.”
Before I can protest, he takes a box, pulls out a chair, sits down, and tears open a pack. He takes a cookie, bites it clean in half, and nods approvingly.
“Come,” he says around a mouthful. “Eat with me.”
I lower myself into the chair, stunned, and nibble a cookie—milk chocolate and caramelized pecan—while he demolishes four without hesitation.
By the time we’ve both had enough, I’m left staring at him, my heart pounding like a set of drums.
Because maybe, just maybe…he’s not ashamed of me after all.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
VIKTOR
It’s Monday, and it’s time for Avelina to start the new job. I haven’t taken my eyes off her all morning as she, Sofia, and Leon sit with us for breakfast. The smile on her face is nothing compared to the image of her beneath me, skin flushed and beaded with sweat.
Albert and Queenie are both eating from their bowls on the floor beside me. I took Albert to the vet to check for an identity chip, but he didn’t have one.
Leon’s squeal interrupts my thoughts. His little hands wave as he babbles—he’s so much calmer and happier when he’s with Avelina compared to how he was around Geliy. Leon is already in love with Albert and gets excited whenever he is near the animal. Sofia has also been very interested in Albert, although the little girl tends to gravitate toward Queenie most of the time.
“So, today’s the first day?” Matvey says to Avelina. He and Nikolai are talking with her, and it’s nice to see her getting on with everyone. I scan the table. Grigory is nowhere to be seen, but I mentioned thejob for Avelina to him, and he didn’t have any objections—although I still get the feeling that he’s not totally convinced about her staying here for longer.
