Page 56

CHAPTER 55

ANASTASIA

I fucking hate her.

She’s taking him away, and there isn’t a damn thing I can do about it.

“You need to stay. For the sake of you, and our baby. I don’t want either of you in danger.” Mikhail throws another shirt into his bag.

“This is bullshit! Get one of your other guys to do this! Someone! Anyone!” I grab the folded up tee and toss it back at him. “You don’t have to go. You’re in charge, make one of your minions go with her. It’s her own fucking fault.” I let myself flop onto the bed, my belly poking up towards the ceiling.

“Galena is still my sister. I swore I’d keep her safe,” he growls, putting the same item into his bag again. “I take my responsibilities very seriously, in case you can’t tell.” He bends, pressing his lips to my lower abdomen, then shifts my legs away from the night stand to pull out his pistol.

“I don’t want you to go.” Maybe if I add some tears it will stop him?

“Pouting will only earn you a spanking. I’ll be back before you know I’m gone.” He holds out his palm. “Come on, I want to show you something before I go.”

I roll my eyes, but let him pull me up.

I don’t want to admit I probably was going to need his help anyways. With this growing baby bump, I’m like a turtle on my back.

He leads me downstairs, then calls Hades to come to him.

The nails clicking on the hard floors precedes the giant dog in his lazy saunter.

Mikhail reaches into a closet and pulls down a large stuffed animal, tossing it onto the floor.

Hades turns his nose, but remains focused on Mikhail, wandering closer to me and lowers his head.

I give him a scratch behind one of his clipped ears.

What is my husband doing?

“This is an important lesson. Hades is trained to attack on a single command. I’ve been anticipating Ivan, but now I want to know that you’re protected.” He takes my arms, and puts me behind him.

“Watch me closely.” His hand raises and he points towards the stuffed toy. “Hades, mayday, mayday, mayday!”

Hades leaps forward, growling, and pounces on the fuzzy animal.

Within seconds, nothing remains but tufts of stuffing and fabric.

“Abort!” Mikhail grunts as he claps, then turns to me. “Did you see what I did?”

Hades drops on his butt, panting, with chunks of white fuzz still clinging to his dark muzzle.

That poor little hippo didn’t stand a chance.

“Remember, it’s three times before he’ll attack whatever you’re pointing to. He’ll die to protect you, just as I would. But he won’t stop until the target looks like that.” He gestures at the spreading mess. “So use him wisely.”

“Maybe I’ll make him do that to your luggage so you stay?” I grumble, letting myself lean against Mikhail’s broad chest.

His chuckle vibrates against my ear. “I’ll be back soon. I’ll feel better knowing you’re here, with him.” He kisses the top of my head.

“Meanwhile, you’re going to be thousands of miles away, with her. ” The thought makes me want to scream.

“Stop. I can only handle one crazy woman in my life. Once we get back with Galena, I’m sending them to New York. Frankie already agreed he’d keep an eye on her for me.” Mikhail flicks his wrist to look at his Rolex.

“I’m sorry, iskorka. I have to go.” His warm hands cup my cheeks and he crashes his lips against mine. “I love you both,” he whispers before picking up his bag and walking out the door.

Hades tilts his massive head, and meanders to his water bowl.

He’s pure terror in action, wrapped in a loveable goofy grin when he lolls his tongue.

I’m glad he’s on my side.