Page 20 of Pike’s Redemption

Max released me and returned to his seat, looking between Ronnie and me. “You’re both my favorites. Let’s get serious now for a minute. I hear there's some trouble. I don’t like trouble. Especially not when it involves my family." He was wearing his pakhan face now, the one that people were wary of, with good reason. I suppose it would have been too good to be true for him not to know about what was going on down here.

I sat beside Ronnie, feeling the weight of the conversation to come. "It's complicated, Max. You knew we came down here because of a case. Well, things are starting to surface that... well, let's say it's getting dangerous."

“I knew that Dima called you down for a friend of his.” He narrowed his eyes at me, ready to call me on my shit. “What I did not know was that there was some serial killer out here carving people up. Honestly, Natty, you should have called for Enzo or Luca once you had an idea of what you were dealing with.” He looked more disappointed than angry, making my gut squirm with shame. Ugh.

The front door opened, saving me from having to say anything. Little footsteps clattered against the hardwood as Olive ran inside. “Ronnie, Ronnie! Let’s make pancakes!” She skidded to a stop in the kitchen, taking in Max with his fancy suit and styled hair. “Who are you?”

“I am your Uncle Maxim,” he said easily.

“Why don’t you go find your kitten to show Uncle Maxim,” Dimitri suggested. “Cats are his favorite.” He had strolled in with Hollis, undisturbed by the fact that his brother lounged in his house. I shouldn’t be surprised that he knew already. Dimitri’s security was a little scary for me, even. “Hello, Maxim.” He gave his brother a cool nod. “This is my fiance, Hollis.” Olive scampered off, searching for the orange cat that Dimitri had gotten for her. Max hated cats and was oddly afraid of them. He scowled at Dimitri.

“Nice to meet you, Hollis. Welcome to the family. I apologize for not coming to meet you sooner.” He gave her a polite but distant nod. Max was tough to get to know. Stiff and cold during the best of times. “You might have chosen the wrong brother. That one is an asshole.” He smirked at her, which was his attempt at humor.

There was a shrug from Dimitri. “Or you’re the asshole for coming here without an invitation,” Dimitri suggested mildly.

“The girls need me to find them a house. They invited me,” Max said with a satisfied smirk. That pit in my stomach opened up, and I threw a look at Ronnie, who had the good sense to look ashamed of herself.

“Really?” Dimitri picked his nails with his knife. “Did you hear that, malysh?” Hollis leaned against Dimitri, looking unperturbed.

“I did hear that. Girls, you are planning to move out? Olive will be devastated. You just got here. Wait until I tell her you won’t be here to make her pancakes anymore.” Hollis pouted, but I knew it was just for show. Hollis didn’t pout. We were in trouble if she was throwing us under the bus.

“That’s not fair, Hollis,” Ronnie whined. “Don’t tell Olive that we’re leaving. It wouldn’t be like we’re leaving town.”

“MOMMY!” Olive’s voice called from the upper level. She was having trouble locating the thing. I could tell her Luna was sitting in its favorite sunning station in Dimitri’s office, but I didn’t bother since I’d rather she not be present for any argument Max and Dimitri would have.

“Please,” Ronnie looked upset. “We’re leaving for your safety.” Her mouth snapped shut. “Oops.” Hollis shook her head lightly and headed off to attend to Olive’s needs. Oh no. The men went on high alert. For fuck’s sake, I thought to myself. Ronnie had done it now.

“Just because things have escalated doesn’t mean you should be leaving,” Dimitri argued. “Or be calling Maxim. I could have found a house if you wanted a separate residence. What does Ronnie mean you’re leaving for our safety?” His face had turned red.

“Things are at a delicate stage,” Ronnie hinted. She’d been cryptic when she insisted we get our own place, and I’d still not been able to get an answer from her.

"That’s why I’m here," Max said, his tone turning serious. I want to make sure you two are safe. I’ve arranged for you to move into the house I bought nearby. It’s more secure, and I’ll have men stationed there. You’ll be protected,” he paused. I would have preferred it if you’d agreed to come home. His brow lifted, but I shook my head.

Ronnie laughed, her expression softening. "We appreciate it, Max. We do. It's just... I’m not sure I was expecting guards and stuff.” She picked at a nail and looked over at her computer longingly.

"I know," he said, his gaze steady. "But things are different now. The stakes are higher. And I can't risk losing either of you."

I reached across the table to squeeze his hand. "We get it. We do. And we’ll move. But you have to let us handle some of this alone, too. We're not helpless."

Exchanging a look with Ronnie, I indicated to her that she should say something encouraging, but she only shrugged slightly. "You know how he is, Natasha. Overbearing and protective," she said, her eyes twinkling with affection.

"Overbearing?" Max raised an eyebrow. "I prefer 'responsible.' And maybe a little 'caring.'" Dimitri watched the entire exchange incredulously.

"Caring?" I echoed, a playful smirk on my lips. "Is that what you call it when you hover like a mother hen?"

Max chuckled, shaking his head. "Call it what you want, but it's kept you both alive, hasn't it? Things are different now. The stakes are higher. And I can't risk losing either of you." Max sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know you're both strong, capable women. But that doesn't mean you don't need backup."

"Backup, yes. Babysitting, no," I countered.

Ronnie nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We're a team, Max. We can do this together."

He looked at us both, a mixture of pride and frustration in his eyes. "Fine. I'll ease up on the hovering. But you have to promise me you'll stay in contact. No going off the grid."

"Deal," I said, a grin spreading across my face.

"Now, about this house," Ronnie interjected, her curiosity piqued. "You didn't mention anything about buying property here."

“Yeah, Max,” Dimitri laced the shortened version of the name with disdain. “You didn’t say anything about buying property. Why is that?” There was no getting around the idea that he bought a property here to be close to his brother.

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