Page 81 of Devious Corruption

He has a reputation for being extremely good with women. And if his smile is any indicator, I can understand why. A woman could get lost in that bad boy grin.

“It’s good to meet you.” Alexander says with a deep nod. “Lev mentioned there’s been some trouble.”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” I interject before Lev can spin things dramatically.

Lev grunts, clearly not pleased with my perspective on things.

“Speaking of trouble. Elana, who were you on a phone call with? An admissions counselor?” Alexander’s voice dips slightly with his question.

His wife, Megan, nudges him. “Don’t push her.”

“I’m not having this argument again, Alexander. I don’t want to talk about school.” She goes toe to toe with him, her gaze as hard as his own.

“Elana,” Alexander squares off with her. “You need to get back into school. The fall semester is already halfway done, but you might be able to go back for the January start date.”

Elana throws her hands up. “I’m not talking about this. I have plans, don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

“What are your plans?” Ivan enters the chat with his arms folded over his chest.

If it’s an attempt at intimidation, his sister isn’t falling for it.

“None of your business.” She turns on her heel and walks out of the room. “Are we going to eat, I’m starved!”

I watch her with strong admiration. She just took onthe Volkov men and walked away completely unscathed. I have to give her props.

“I keep telling you.” Kaz shakes his head slowly. “If you push her, she just leaves. You have to be delicate.” He makes a gesture with his hand like he’s holding a thin crystal bowl.

“Delicate? Elana?” Ivan huffs a laugh dropping his hands to his sides.

“I think you should all just leave her be,” Megan pipes in while pulling her hair up into a ponytail and winding a scrunchy around it. She has jet black hair, except for two streaks of pure white near the front. It only adds to her casual beauty.

“And she’s right. Let’s eat.” Megan grabs Vee’s hand and then my arm and pulls us from the room with her.

She leads us to a dining room where plates have all been set out and an array of food has been placed in the middle.

“This is lunch?” My stomach growls at that moment as my eyes feast on the spread before me. I’d eaten breakfast, but being a guest I was careful about not taking too much. A yogurt and an apple had been enough to tide me over.

“Well, more like brunch. There’s quiche, spinach and a veggie one. Scrambled eggs are in that dish, just lift the lid. Vatrushka for Elana,” Megan smiles at her sister-in-law as she points to the plate filled with the cheese filled pastries. “There’s meats on that platter there with rolls, if anyone wants a sandwich.”

“It all looks so good,” I say.

“It does.” Vee nods. “It’s perfect for my last meal.”

I reach over and squeeze her hand. “It’s not your last meal.”

“It’s temporary.” Ivan stands behind her, squeezing her shoulders and presses a kiss to her cheek. “I promise.”

She sighs. “Still. I don’t like it.”

He helps her into her chair and takes the one to her right. I pull out the chair on her left, but Lev shows up and brushes my hands away from it.

“I can do it,” I mutter but let him scoot the chair in beneath me. He sits to my left.

Alexander takes the head of the table on one side and Megan on the other, leaving Kaz and Elana the seats across from me. The more I look at her the more clearly I sense that I’ve seen her before.

She catches me staring, and I quickly avert my gaze.

“Lev, I’m glad you came over. There’s been some messages from Moscow that I need to let you know about.” Alexander leans back in his chair.