“Hmm. What about the color?”
I shrug, fingers fidgeting with the hem of my tank. “I actually like this one.”
His eyes stay on me, something passing through them too quickly to name. Then he turns to the salesman who’s been hovering at a respectful distance, clearly waiting for his moment.
“We’ll take the blue Bentayga,” Kirill says, voice switching into that crisp, business tone that makes people snap to attention. “Top package. Everything.”
The salesman practically glows. “Of course, Mr. Marinov. We can have it detailed and delivered to your residence thisafternoon. We’ll include the extended maintenance plan, the upgraded sound system, rear entertainment screens, custom interior detailing, ceramic coating…everything you had on the last one.”
My God, how many cars does he have? I’ve seen at least three in the driveway alone.
“And I want bulletproof windows,” Kirill adds, like he’s ordering extra sauce on a pizza. “As always.”
“Of course, sir.” The salesman nods. “We’ll make sure it has the full security package, per your usual specifications.”
He finishes the deal in a handful of signatures and a firm shake of hands.
Lev has wandered over to stare at another SUV, humming to himself, fingers smoothing over the seam where two panels meet.
When we finally step back out into the daylight, my brain’s still somewhere inside counting zeros, wondering how it can be so easy to spend that much money in one day. Kirill strolls beside me, one hand on Lev’s shoulder, the other brushing lightly against my back every few steps, as if he’s making sure I stay within arm’s reach.
“I really hope you liked that car,” he says after a moment, eyes trained ahead.
I let out a shaky laugh. “Why does that matter? It’s your car.”
He stops walking and faces me fully, his attention pinning me in place.
“It matters…” He clasps my hand, thumb stroking over my skin. “Because I bought it for you, solnishko.”
“Wh-what?” I blink back in shock. “Kirill, no. That’s…that’s too much. The clothes were already…this is…” The words scrape out of my throat.
“It’s not too much. You’ll be taking care of my son, remember? You’ll be driving him. I want you both protected at all times.”
Right. This is about Lev. Nothing more.
“I understand. Thank you.”
He takes a half step closer, and my lungs forget how to work properly. Lev stands next to him, headphones clasped over his ears, absorbed in examining the rims of another vehicle, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing right next to him.
“I take care of what is mine,” he says, gruff and somehow gentle at the same time. “And you are mine, Sloane.”
His? How…
His knuckles brush down my cheek, a barely there touch that still manages to send a shiver all the way through me. My body leans into it before I can stop myself, traitorous and hungry for every bit of warmth he offers.
I close my eyes for one stolen second, letting myself feel it: the safety, the belonging, the way his claim wraps around this part inside me that has been starving for far too long.
Then I open them again and remember.
Remember Eli’s threats. Remember Milo. Remember the ledger I’m supposed to find in this man’s house.
Kirill’s thumb pauses at the corner of my mouth, those dark and probing eyes searching mine as if he’s trying to read all the things I’m not saying.
“I don’t deserve any of this.” My voice cracks.
“Maybe not in your mind.” He holds my face in both hands. “But in mine, you do.”
Tears sting my eyes.
