Page 45 of Claiming Veronica

That was a non-negotiable in my mind. I didn’t appreciate people talking behind my back, so I wouldn’t do it to them. There was no doubt in my mind that the one thing I could do to lose Veronica would be to treat her like she was sick.

Natasha shook her head, her expression unreadable. “Ronnie is smart, but she’s also... vulnerable. You might not see it, but I do. She’s been through hell, and I won’t let anyone use that against her, even if youthinkyour intentions are good.”

After sliding the pan off the heat, I focused on the fruit I was cutting and reminded myself not to be upset. Before I could respond, Veronica’s voice cut through the air, “Natty, are you giving Eli a hard time?” She kept it light, but I heard the edge to it. She’d heard what her sister was saying, which was good. I was glad I didn’t have to explain.

“No angel, she’s not,” I said. “Sit your ass down so I can feed you.” Ignoring Natasha completely, I focused on my girl. She was dressed in cropped yoga pants and a cropped t-shirt that was a shocking color of purple. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in silken waves, and she had done something fancy with her eye makeup that I hadn’t seen before.

“You cook?” Her voice was colored with amusement. “I’m surprised.”

“Why? Got to eat.” Just because I could make an egg didn’t mean I could cook anything fancy, but I could manage most things. YouTube was a wonder. “Here’s your smoothie.”

“Wow, this is some service.” She grinned at me as I pushed her glass forward and dished her up an egg, two strips of bacon, and some fruit. I knew she kept it light, but I hoped she’d eat her egg. “I’ve got some exciting news, too.”

“Can I make you some eggs, Natasha?” I asked, figuring I needed to make up some ground. She was still standing, glaring at me as if trying to decide how to kill me. I was sure Veronica was intentionally ignoring her as she dipped her bacon into her egg yolk.

“No thanks, Eli. I’ll get myself some coffee.” She shook herself and made her morning coffee, moving around me like I had the plague. Every once in a while, she would glance in Veronica’s direction with a look filled with meaning. I did my best to ignore her as I made myself a couple of eggs.

“What’s your news?” I asked, looking at Veronica. She looked excited, her eyes bright.

“Reed said she was coming. I sent her a ticket, and she’s flying in today. Isn’t that great?”

Not really. I wasn’t much on sharing. It was great she’d have her friend to visit, but it meant that I wouldn’t have as much access to my sweet girl as I wanted. I’d been thinking this morning of getting more of her, not less. I fought a frown and injected enthusiasm into my voice.

“That’s awesome. I can’t wait to meet her. What time does she arrive?”

“At two.” She bit her lip. “Do you have time to go with me to pick her up?” Veronica asked, looking at me from under her lashes with those eyes of hers as she put a bite of food in her mouth, her lips parted. The question warmed that beast inside me that wanted her with a burning intensity that would scare the shit out of her if she knew how much. Or it should.

Before I could respond, a knock echoed from the front door, cutting through the tension in the room. Natasha’s eyes shifted toward the sound, her brow furrowing. “Who the hell…?”

The door swung open, and I heard footsteps—heavy, familiar. I stiffened before I even saw him.

Maxim Volkov.

The air in the room shifted when he walked in, his dark eyes scanning the kitchen like he owned the place. Well, he did, technically. It was my understanding that he’d originally bought the house for himself.

Natasha brightened and rushed forward with relief as if I were holding them hostage. “Max! What a nice surprise.”

He hugged her but didn’t take his eyes off me. “Eli,” he said, his voice calm but laced with warning. “I didn’t expect to find you here.” His words said one thing, but we all knew I was exactly where he expected me to be, which was why he’d come.

“Hello, Max.” Veronica was unconcerned as she continued to eat, swirling her bacon in the yolk and swinging her legs from the stool.

“Good girl,” I praised, looking at her plate, making her blush, but I nudged her smoothie closer. “Don’t forget your smoothie. You’ll need your energy. We have a big day.” I winked at her.

I would have taken a picture of his face if I could have. Maxim was seething as much as Veronica was preening under the attention. I wiped my hands on the towel again, keeping my posture relaxed even though I could feel the tension ratcheting up with every passing second. “Wasn’t planning on an audience,” I said coolly. “Just making breakfast.”

His gaze flicked to the stove, the food, and then back to me. There was a pause, then something like a smirk curled at the corner of his mouth. “You’re playing house now?”

I clenched my fists beneath the counter, keeping my expression neutral. I wasn’t about to explain myself to Maxim fucking Volkov. He didn’t get to waltz in and judge me—or Veronica. “Just making sure my girl eats.” I sent her a smile.

Natasha tugged him forward, and I was surprised she dared with how much energy he was putting off. “Why are you here, Max? Not that you aren’t welcome. Can I get you something? Coffee? Juice?”

His gaze shifted to her, but the smirk didn’t drop. “I’m here for business, but it looks like a bit of a domestic situation is happening here, so I’m glad I came.”

“Max, I love you, but this isn’t your concern,” Veronica said sharply, cutting off whatever remark he was about to make. “I’m an adult. What happens between Eli and me is none of your business. I’ll … we’ll,” she pointed to me, “help you with Spato, but you stay out of our other business.”

Maxim’s shoulders straightened. “Everything involving my family is my business, Ronnie.” He turned back to me, his eyes narrowing. “But she’s right about one thing—she’s an adult. She’s free to make her own decisions. Just be sure you understand the weight of what you’re getting into, Eli. This isn’t a game.”

“I’m not playing games,” I said, meeting his gaze head-on. “Not with her. She’s mine.”

---