“Yeah. You're a Bratva kingpin.”
“But you already knew t-that.”
“I think it finally sunk in.”
“And?”
“I’m not going to lie. It’s a little overwhelming.”
To my surprise, Maksim barked out a laugh. “I g-guess it can be overwhelming if you’re not in the life.”
“How else should I take it when my boyfriend threatens to end a guy?”
“There are lots of g-guys out of the mafia who t-threaten the same thing.”
With a ragged sigh, I jerked a hand through my hair. “I guess so.”
“Look, if you’ll let me open the car door, I have something to take your mind off things.”
“Seriously?”
Maksim nodded and sidestepped me to open the car door. When he turned back around, he had a dozen blood red roses. “Interesting color choice,” I mused.
With a roll of his eyes, Maksim countered, “That’s all you have t-to say?”
I laughed. “They’re beautiful.”
As he passed them to me, I leaned over to inhale their sweet smell. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“They’re a very unexpected surprise.”
Smirking, Maksim replied, “Don’t worry. They come with expectation.”
With a laugh, I said, “Oh no. I’m afraid to ask.”
“I need to ask you for a favor.”
“Nice pattern of speech,” I complimented.
“Sarah,” Maksim grunted.
“I can’t help it. You didn’t stutter on any of your triggers those last two times. Not to mention how well you did when you were so angry at Miles”
“Would you p-please just let me ask you something?.”
“Oops, I jinxed you.”
“Seriously?”
“Okay, okay, I’m listening.”
As Maksim exhaled a ragged breath, I realized it must be something pretty serious for him to have this reaction. “I knowit’s short notice, but I was wondering if you would come with me t-to a party tomorrow night.”
“You must really be banking on me not having much of a social life to ask this late,” I teased.
With a scowl, Maksim replied, “I hadn’t p-planned on t-taking anyone.”
