Page 32 of Ruthless Mafia Daddy

“That’s a fair point,” she agreed, catching up with me on the stairs.

I got to the end of the stairs and turned right. Living under the same roof with Mikhail was enough pressure on me, spending every night with him would make me lose my head.

****

“She never mentioned a sister in any of our conversations,” Mikhail said to Vivian, casting me a look of accusation.

“You didn’t mention you had a world-class chef in your secret home either,” I shot back, nibbling on my chicken wings. Maya was definitely the best cook I’ve ever met.

A light chuckle left his throat as he watched me. “In my defense, we didn’t get into a relationship until a few weeks ago.”

“That’s my defense, too.” I retorted with a playful wink.

He looked so different at home. His jacket was casually draped over his seat. His tie was absent, and his sleeves were rolled above his elbows. He looked less cautious and more peaceful.

“Hopefully, there’ll be no more surprises or secret families in the way,” he said, and I rolled my eyes at him.

“That’s rich coming from the one who has a whole life in Russia,” I commented as he let out a hearty laugh. I always forget how beautiful his laughter was.

“Shit,” Vivian suddenly exclaimed, looking at her watch. “It’s getting late. I should get going.”

“I’ll walk you,” I said, getting out of my chair.

“I guess this is goodbye.” I turned to Vivian when we got to the front door, and she pulled me into a bone-crushing bear hug.

“Take care of yourself, Arielle, and don’t forget, once you sense the slightest bit of danger, get out immediately. Don’t try to play detective or anything.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I snorted. She finally released me, and I stood there, watching till she disappeared into the driveway.

I was welcomed back into the house by a freshly showered Mikhail casually surfing through the channels on the TV. Even the dining table was squeaky clean and held no evidence of the feast that was devoured on it moments ago. I must’ve spent a longer time than I thought outside.

“Done saying your goodbyes?” Mikhail asked, stretching out his arm for me.

“This is the first time we’re really separated,” I sighed, resting on his shoulder.

“That’s okay. She can always visit,” he replied, tracing soft circles on my arm. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” My pants should be flaming hot with all the lies I’ve spewed today, but oh well.

“Do you want to tell me why I couldn’t find any of your belongings in my room?” he asked, not taking his eyes off the TV.

“I’m here, aren’t I? And I think it’s healthy for couples to maintain some form of healthy boundaries between them.” I replied, watching his face for any reaction.

“I don’t believe that, but I liked the sound of your voice when you said couples, so I’ll let you take your time. You’re just down the hall,” he said, and I snickered.

His arm tightened around me when I tried to leave, so I found myself watching the evening news with him like any normal couple would after dinner.

CHAPTER 14

Arielle

“Good morning,???????.” Maya’s voice startled me, and I almost fell from the tall kitchen stool I was currently standing on.

“We should really put a bell on you,” I muttered, catching my breath. The lady made no sound.

“Was there something you needed?” she asked as I climbed down from the stool, and my stomach rumbled in response.

Mikhail and I got in late from our movie date last night, and I skipped dinner for a generous serving of ice cream. Now, I was up at six a.m., turning the kitchen upside down like a starved rodent.

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