Page 47 of Savage Reign

Her eyes drop to my stomach, and she gives a little wink. “If you say so.”

Eva is once again chugging one of her gross green smoothies, dressed in workout gear: tight black leggings, a cropped tank top that shows off her abs, and an unzipped jacket hanging loosely from her shoulders. She looks like she just stepped off the cover of a magazine.

Considering how early it was, she probably spent the night with Nikolai. Something sour curdles in my stomach, realizing he spent the night with Eva—the woman he actually wants. She might not be his girlfriend, or at least that’s what Nikolai claimed, but imagining them together still bugs me. Not that it should. I have bigger issues than worrying about whom Nikolai is sleeping with.

And in truth, I kind of like her.

Eva grins, making a show of inspecting my dress—or rather, her dress. “Oh, look at you. Showing less boob today. I had to dig to the back of my closet to find that dress.”

I glance down at the simple navy dress Eva left for me. It’s actually a bit loose around the chest. “Gee, thanks. This high collar should meet Nikolai’s approval.”

“Don’t mention it. I figure it’s better to keep the peace around here. You wearing one of my usual dresses would probably make him combust—and not in a fun way.”

Despite myself, I chuckle. “Good workout?” I ask between bites of Yelena’s delicious cheese pastry.

When Eva reaches to take one, Yelena slides the tray out of her reach. “One does not sip that disgusting green slime while enjoying my fine vatrushka.”

Eva’s face falls. “But I need something delicious after all this green slime.”

Yelena sniffs at her before turning back to whatever delicacy she’s in the middle of making. I can’t help but laugh—these two have a funny dynamic. Eva frowns and takes another sip of the concoction.

“It was a good workout,” she admits. “Lucky for me, Niko was distracted this morning, so I got in a few more hits than usual.”

Something about her words gives me pause. “Hits?”

“Oh, we spar all the time. You should join us. It’s always smart to know how to fight. And I bet you wouldn’t mind getting a few hits in on your husband.”

I raise an eyebrow. They spar? Either they’re the least romantic couple imaginable, or sparring serves as their version of foreplay. Whatever the case, I’m not about to think about it.

“I’ll pass. I have no desire to spend any more time with Nikolai than necessary.”

“My ears are burning.”

I turn to see Nikolai stride into the kitchen, wearing nothing but gray sweatpants. Dammit. My mouth goes dry, and I quickly spin back around, afraid my reaction will give away what I’m thinking—which is that he looks mind-meltingly hot. Again. You’d think seeing him naked last night would’ve been more than enough, but somehow, I’m still mesmerized by Nikolai without a shirt. Judging by his lack of effort to cover up, he seems to feel the same way.

“Good morning, Sofiya,” he says, coming up to my side. I quickly brush the pastry crumbs from my mouth. His eyes sweep over me, and my skin tingles under his stare. “What a beautiful and demure dress you’re wearing.”

I roll my eyes.

Eva leans forward with a little smile. “You can thank me for that.”

“Why, thank you, Eva,” he drawls sarcastically, then turns back to me.

“I want to introduce you to someone,” he says. I finally take off the blinders I wear when Nikolai is around and realize someone else is in the room. A man with dark curly hair and deep, soulful eyes steps up to me and holds out his hand in greeting. He also looks like he’s been working out with Eva and Nikolai.

“I’m Vadim,” he says. “I work for this guy here.” He points toward Nikolai with his thumb.

I return his warm smile when I shake his hand. “How unfortunate for you.”

He huffs a laugh. “I like her,” he tells Nikolai. And then, to me, he says, “He does have his moments. Even if he can be a cranky son of a bi?—”

“Yeah, thanks for the ringing endorsement.” He runs a hand through his hair. I can’t help but notice that Vadim seems at ease around his pakhan, which is a good sign. It reminds me of Roman and his partner, Pavel. Their men were relaxed around them but also knew when it was time to be serious. They ruled by respect, not fear, which is powerful.

Not that I want to give Nikolai too much credit. He certainly doesn’t deserve a medal or anything like that.

“I’m going to go shower,” Nikolai tells Vadim. “I’ll be ready to go in ten.”

As soon as Nikolai disappears upstairs, Vadim grabs a box from the counter, shakes it, and sits down across from me with a bowl. I glance at the colorful rings tumbling out. “Are those... Froot Loops?”

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