“You’re damn right I am.”
“Because you think I have t-trust issues with you?”
Nodding, I replied, “And your overall opinion of me.”
“You know how highly I think of you.”
“Obviously you don’t if you think I would run away like a dog chasing freedom the first time the gate is opened.”
The corners of his lips quirked. “Interesting analogy.”
“I’m serious, Maksim. At the very least, doesn’t my commitment to you and your treatment mean anything to you?”
He frowned. “I didn’t think it would outweigh your chance at freedom.”
“Unbelievable,” I muttered.
“I’ve been burned in the p-past.”
“And that wasn’t by me.”
“You’re right. It’s not your fault, but that d-doesn’t mean I can’t help but t-think the worst.”
“Look, I know I’m not Bratva, but my word is my bond. I will honor my commitment to you.”
“And I appreciate that.”
“So you’ll let me go alone?” At the shake of his head, I huffed out a frustrated breath.
“You are such a beast!”
Something darkly erotic glittered in Maksim’s eyes at my comment. “Interesting choice of words,” he mused.
“How else should I describe you?”
Tilting his head, Maksim replied, “An asshole? A b-bastard? Maybe the old motherfucker.”
“I’m serious.”
“So am I.” He squeezed my hand in his. “I didn’t want to admit to you the truth, but you’re so d-damn stubborn I g-guess I’ll have to.”
“You need to remember to relax your jaw and pause,” I said after his pattern had been so destabilized.
“Seriously, Sarah?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t let a teachable moment go by.”
Maksim chuckled. “You’re impossible.”
“Just finish what you were saying.”
“Look, you know who I am and the world I belong to. You also just got a taste of what underworld life is like.”
“Yes, I did.”
“As long as you're a part of t-that world, I need t-to make sure you’re safe.”
“So this isn’t about me trying to run away?”
