Page 35

CHAPTER 34

ANASTASIA

“I like your casino, Miki. It’s pretty fucking cool.” I hold on tight as he tugs on my hand past his office and towards Lara’s door.

I’m kind of nervous about spending the day with his sister. I know how much she means to him. What if she doesn’t like me? Or I accidentally upset her. My mouth runs away with me sometimes and Miki warned me she can be sensitive sometimes, especially around food and body image. The woman is drop dead gorgeous, but we all have our demons, I suppose. He did say she’s been doing better recently. I’m really hoping we become friends. I could use some girlie time.

With a sharp rap on the door, Mikhail doesn’t wait for a response. He throws it open, his hand on my back, ushering me inside. I come to a sudden stop, the force of the impact jarring me as he slams into me from behind. I try to retreat before he sees the scene I am looking at.

Lara is straddled over Alexei’s lap, with what looks like her tights around his eyes.

Jesus. I squeeze mine shut, waiting for Mikhail’s wrath. Luckily, both of them are dressed by the looks of it. More of a heavy petting session.

Mikhail clears his throat and Lara bursts out laughing, ripping the tights from Alexei’s eyes. He gives us a bright smile with his silver tooth showing and waves. Like nothing is going on out of the ordinary.

“Do you two ever fucking stop?” Mikhail grits out. “I set a specific time to avoid this kind of thing. Alexei, stop distracting Lara at work.”

Alexei lets out a cackle and Lara rolls her eyes, sliding off his lap behind the desk and straightening her white blouse.

“Sorry, Ana.” She looks at me apologetically with her blue eyes.

I offer her a smile and a raised hand.

“No worries. We will go wait in Miki’s office, knock when you’re ready for me.”

Mikhail is already heading into the hall, intertwining his fingers with mine as we stroll down the corridor.

“I like your family. They’re fun.” I nudge his side playfully and he grunts.

By the time we get to his office, Lara is calling after me in a panic.

“I’m ready, I’m ready. I am so sorry.” We turn to face a red faced Lara, who is holding up her car keys. I can’t help but laugh. Tugging on the neck of his t-shirt, I drag him down to me and smack my lips on his.

“Here, my card.” He slides out his black Amex.

He silences me by pressing a finger to my lips as I begin to speak.

“I don’t care what you spend. There is no damn limit. Whatever makes you smile, buy it. Lara has very expensive taste. She can help. And maybe a little something for me to rip off you.”

With no established life or job here, I’m left with no choice but to accept.

“Very good husband.” I wink and pat him on the head.

My gesture causes his eyes to widen, almost in disbelief.

“I will see what I can do, big man. No limit, you say?”

“Try to max it out, I dare you.”

I blush. The man has clearly more money than sense. I’m standing in his damn casino, and they never lose.

“So, looks like I am actually off mansion and yacht shopping? Maybe some fine art?”

He shrugs, the rough texture of his jacket brushing against my arm, as he pulls me into his embrace.

“I’m not with you for money, Mikhail. You could be broke and I’d still be by your side,” I whisper in his ear.

“I know, baby. That’s why I’m saying spend it. If I’m going to use it for anything, it might as well be to see you smile.”

“You are too cute, Mr. Volkov.”

“Don’t push it, iskorka. Now, shop to your heart’s content.” He taps my ass as I pull away. Now it’s my turn to blush.

I drop my heavy bags onto the floor with a thud, and sink gratefully into the worn, plush chair of the coffee shop. Mikhail was not joking when he said Lara knew how to shop.

My god. It’s more of a sport than anything.

“So, are you happy with everything you’ve bought?”

I look down at the mountain of bags.

She literally means everything, from underwear, outfits for every season, a dress for the ball. I even bought Hades a blue diamond encrusted collar. I’m cringing at what the total might be for all of this.

The server brings our coffees, the aroma of roasted beans filling the air. When I blow on the still-steaming mug, my gaze fixes on the decadent chocolate cupcake. I pause as I reach for it.

“Would you like to share?” I ask.

Her nose scrunches up.

“He told you, didn’t he?”

“A little bit.” I don’t lie.

She sighs, stirring her coffee.

“I’ll have half, but you can have the bigger half,” she says with a grin.

“Deal.”

I’m not going to pry. I can just be someone there for her if she needs me.

“So, how does it feel having another sister-in-law?” I ask, twirling my wedding ring.

“Amazing. It’s nice for the balance of men to women to finally be even.”

She smiles brightly at me as I slice the cake in half, sliding hers over on a plate.

“I’m glad. I’ve never really had much in the way of family. It was just me and mom. I had no clue Jax and Katerina existed.”

“Well, you’ve found your way into a big and slightly crazy one now.” She brushes her bright blonde hair over one shoulder.

I hope I don’t lose this. It means more to me than I realized.

She takes a small sip, then looks up with her mug poised near her lips. “I have never seen Miki like this. It’s different, in the best way.”

“Really?”

She nods solemnly.

“Since the accident, he became an icy shell of himself. You seem to have dragged that spark for life back out of him. Even his eyes are brighter.”

Wow. I knew Miki was closed, but it’s sure nice to hear not only is he bringing me happiness, I am to him too.

There’s a pause as Lara takes a bite of her cake.

“Have you, umm, seen under his mask?” She almost whispers it, like it’s a banned topic.

“Yes.” I nod. “I have.”

Her mouth drops open and tears well in her eyes.

Shit. Have I said the wrong thing?

“I can’t believe it,” she mutters to herself.

That makes me sit up straight. “What do you mean?”

“Sorry.” She wipes her tears. “I just never thought Miki would find the strength to reveal himself. None of us have seen his injuries. We know what happened and we are all okay with the mask. We understand. But it’s a huge step for him. I’m just proud of him.”

She sniffles, so I hold my hand out across the table, taking hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“One day, he might have the confidence to leave the mask behind. But, I promise, he is perfect under that mask. The scars are there, but they don’t change who he is.”

She nods. I hope one day Miki feels like he can stop hiding. But I will support him however he decides.

“Thank you, Ana. Thank you for bringing my brother back to life.”

“He’s done the same for me. I love him very much.”

“I know. I can see it in the way you two look at each other.”

That makes me smile, my heart bursting with happiness.

“Now I just need to get rid of that woman in our house,” I grumble.

“Zoya?”

“Yea. She’s obsessed with him, Lara. Uses him like he’s some sort of personal slave. And so fucking rude.”

Lara rolls her blue eyes. “Ignore her. You have what she wants. I’m sure Miki will find a solution soon. Trust him. His heart lies with you, we can all see that. Until Dad is gone, he wants to keep everyone safe. It’s for Galena more than her. It will work out, I promise.”

I chew on the inside of my mouth. Something isn’t quite sitting right with me about Zoya. I’ll find out what.