Page 43 of Claimed By the Bratva

“I didn’t say anything you didn’t already know. Just be you, Anton,” she replied before I left.

While wandering through the house and garden, I allowed my mind to take its own path. I considered everything I knew about her, weighed her likes and dislikes, and then concluded that she preferred simpler things in life.

With my mind made, I headed to the kitchen. I wanted to make her a special home-cooked meal. We would spend the evening in. I arranged with Alexandr to use the gazebo in the maze and the den afterward.

I was positive she would enjoy it more than any fancy date. With my plans floating around in my head, I smiled as they appeared to come together. I had a hop in my step and started humming as I went about preparing the ideal meal.

The kitchen staff raised their eyebrows at me as I collected the ingredients. Wanting to impress her with my culinary skills, I decided to make fried shrimp balls with a honey mayo dip for starters.

The main course would be steak bites, mashed potatoes, and a cheesy garlic sauce. Just thinking about it made my mouth water. Once I had these down, I had to pick a dessert. Seeing the staff's expressions made me wonder if I wasn’t taking it too far.

Shaking my head, I knew I wasn’t. I didn’t get many opportunities to show off my skills. Plus, I loved making three-course meals. I finally settled on a rich chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream, which I would pair with rose champagne.

I placed the bottle in the fridge and added a bottle of Pinot Noir just in case she didn’t like champagne. I was happy with my choices. I checked my watch and saw it was close to four, and I still wanted to add to the rose maze.

First, I went to the den. I placed wood on the firepit, ready to be lit. I laid out some blankets and pillows on the floor for a makeshift bed. I set the television to the right station and selected a movie I knew she would enjoy.

Heading out, I was ready to set up the table as the food was done. I added some scented candles to assist in setting the mood. Bringing out a player, I selected soft music for a romantic vibe.

Standing back, I studied the table. Picking some of the roses, I added the petals to the table and the grass around it. Mila had suggested I hang some soft lights to add to the romantic theme. Once that was done, I went back in and plated the food.

I didn’t want any interruptions, so I had the maids bring out the warmer trolley. I placed the main courses inside and witched it on. This would keep the food warm for us. I put the shrimp balls on the table and covered them with rounded steel lids.

The area was perfect. I lit the candles and headed in to fetch Joyce. I found her in the room on her laptop. “Joyce,” I said excitedly. She turned quickly, looking slightly guilty, as she slammed the laptop closed.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yes, why were you looking for me?”

Ignoring the idea that she was up to something, I bowed, holding out my hand as I spoke. “I have something to show you.”

She took my hand but was a bit hesitant to walk with me. “I don’t bite. You know that,” I said, pulling her. “Unless you want me to,” I added, grinning at her. She laughed lightly as she followed willingly.

I led her out to the garden and headed through the maze. As soon as the gazebo came into view, she stopped. Her expression was one of wonder and worth all the hard work I had put in. Holding her hand and elbow, I ushered her to her seat. “Did you do all this?” she asked, looking around.

Smiling at her, I nodded. “Yes, I hope you like it.”

“It is so beautiful, and the food looks good.” Joyce raised her brows as she continued. She appeared slightly suspicious. “Did you also cook the food?”

Nodding again, I tried to look humble as I spoke. “I haven’t cooked in a long time, so please let me know if it’s not nice. Be honest.” Joyce laughed at my failed attempt to hide my abilities.

We ate the shrimp, and then I presented her with the main meal. “I have to say, you have outdone even the finest chefs tonight,” she complimented me. “Tell me more about your upbringing and life, if that’s okay?”

Nodding, I swallowed the bit I had in my mouth. “Well, let’s see. I was of smaller build than my two older brothers. This caused some issues growing up, I was picked on quite a bit. But then, as I grew, my mother took me under her wing and protected me. But this only lasted so long. I was a boy and had to become a man.”

“I’m sorry,” Joyce whispered.

Leaning forward, I took her hand as I continued. “No, don’t be. As you can see, I didn’t stay small.”

Joyce burst out laughing. Hearing her so happy made me smile. “I joined the Marines and came back the man my father wanted. How about you?”

She played with the food on her plate as she replied. “There’s not much to say. I kept my head down, done good in school and stayed out of trouble. Jax lived with us for about three years before the trouble started and my father just got stricter. Plain simple life.”

I watched as she finished her meal without another word. She appeared to be fumbling over her words.

By the time we got to dessert, she couldn’t stop talking about the amount of food I was giving her. “This was truly more than I should have eaten, but it was divine, thank you.”

Her eyes were sparkling as she sipped some champagne. I couldn’t help but watch her every move. I had outdone myself as the food was good, but hearing her laughter made my heart beatfaster. I was so enthralled by her that I almost forgot why I did all of this.

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