He grinned. “A fucker.”
A laugh burst from my lips at the description of Maksim, but I quickly sobered my expression. “He’s really arranged to have allergy shots?”
“Yeah.”
“Jesus,” I muttered.
Snorting, Lev replied, “I thought the same thing. But I don’t know why I’m surprised. When Maksim commits to something or someone, he’s all in.”
Feeling overwhelmed by the turn the conversation had taken, I jerked my thumb towards the hall. “Um, I’m going to my bedroom to grab my things. Make yourself at home.”
Lev narrowed his eyes. “I assume I can trust you not to do anything stupid.”
“Do you seriously think I’d jump out of a six-story window?”
He threw up his hand. “Hell if I know. You could try to text for help, or hang a banner out the window.”
Shaking my head, I argued, “I’ve committed myself to helping Maksim, and I will see it through.”
Lev gave me an astonished look. “You know, I didn’t believe him when he said you refused to take the money and walk.”
“Wait. How do you know about that?”
“I was texting with him in the car.”
“Oh,” I murmured. Reflecting on his words, I asked, “Why didn’t you believe him?”
“I thought it was just some bullshit he was saying so we wouldn’t think he was crazy for kidnapping you.”
“The Beast kidnapped me,” I corrected.
“Whatever. My point is you really are decent. You know, to stay and help him and not just make it about the money.”
“Thanks. I think.”
Chuckling, he replied, “You’re welcome.”
As I turned away from him, my jangled emotions took another confusing turn. I shouldn’t have cared what Lev thoughtof me considering he had a part in my kidnapping. Despite that valid argument, I still did.
After I got into my room, I went over to my closet. With a groan, I grabbed out the larger piece of my luggage set since my other one I’d taken to the hunt. Unzipping it, I then tossed it on the bed before snatching and grabbing clothes from my drawers and closet. Since I had no idea what all my captivity would entail, I packed a wide array of styles.
I didn’t bother going into the bathroom since I’d already packed my toiletries and makeup for the hunt. Since I wanted to feel at home at Maksim’s, I grabbed a handled bag and threw in the quilt my grandmother made, some photos of my family and the guys, and some of Voxie’s toys.
Even though I imagined he would give me shit about it, I went to get Lev to help me carry it all.
When I came out of the bedroom, I heard strange noises coming from the living room. Frowning, I walked down the hallway and peeked around the corner. Lev had one of Voxie’s multicolored ribbons on a stick and was flipping it through the air. Since she always went crazy for a ribbon, Voxie was leaping through the air and pawing wildly.
In the most adorable baby voice, Lev crooned, “Does the pretty girl like her ribbon?”
I clapped my hand over my mouth to muffle my laughter. I couldn’t believe a big, tough mafia-type man could be reduced to baby talk by my cat. It was so endearing, I couldn’t help staying stock-still to watch them interact for a few moments.
When I finally cleared my throat, Lev dropped the ribbon stick and whirled around.
Ducking his head, he tried hiding his red face. “Are you fucking done?”
“I just need to get Voxie’s food.”
“Then fucking do it.”
