Page 79 of Keeping Ruby

“I made a triple batch today.” I give my tub of cookies a shake. “I was smart this time. I’ve taken some hostage.”

“The men won’t touch your cookies again.”

I stiffen. “What, why?”

“I’ve threatened them with death if they do.”

My mouth falls open. I swear, it might just hit the floor. “Why would you do a thing like that?”

“You were unhappy.”

“Kirill! You go and un-threaten everyone. I made the guys cookies, for frick sake!”

Mirth flickers in his eyes. “I just can’t make you happy, can I?”

“Stop being so extreme.” I roll my eyes. “I’m serious. If these cookies get hard, I’m going to be ticked.”

“Ticked.”

“Pissed.”

He chuckles. “I know what ticked is, wife.”

I give him firm eyes. “Then go tell everyone there are fresh cookies.”

“What are you going to do?” His eyes drag the length of me. The thread he somehow holds around my core gives a quick, sharp tug.

I give my tub another little jiggle as I promptly ignore the tug. “I’m going to read and eat cookies.”

“Did you eat breakfast?”

“Yes.”

“What did you eat?”

“An apple.”

He rolls his tongue over his bottom lip. The move is oddly arousing. “I thought you were done with apples.”

“Apple juice. That stuff is death.”

“Right.”

“Go on,” I shoo. “Go tell everyone I made cookies.”

Under his breath, he says, “As you wish, wife.”

God, why did you make him perfect for me? Of all the men—why is he the one?

Thirty-Six

Kirill

My wife is pregnant. She doesn’t know it, doesn’t seem to suspect a thing, but I’m confident I’ve succeeded in knocking her up. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fill her pretty cunt in the hopes she’d become pregnant. I did.

It’s not confirmed, but I’m confident enough.

I suspect she’ll figure it out soon, as well.

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