Page 72 of Hunter

“I am sorry about everything, Sophia,” Andrei says, his voice quieter now.

“Apology accepted, Andrei.” We share a warm smile, and for a while, it feels like the weight between us has lifted. Then we talk about everything and anything. We share stories about my childhood, about how life has been for him as a new dad, and he tells me tales of him and Maxim growing up—about all the pranks they used to pull on each other and others. He even shares a few things about my father, the little he knew.

Then he says something that catches my attention. “If you want to know more about your dad and the time he spent with us, you should ask Maxim. They were always together, every chance they got. Maxim looked up to your father like he was his own.”

That piece of information hangs in the air, and my brain short-circuits, unable to process it properly. My father…with Maxim…? My mind races, and I try to push through the whirlwind of thoughts.

I’m not sure how much time has passed before the front door opens. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and my heart skips a beat. I don’t need to look to know it’s Maxim coming this way.

He stands in front of me and Andrei, rubbing the back of his neck with his left hand, a bag in the other. “I…” He looks from me to Andrei, a mixture of confusion and discomfort flickering across his face. “Um…”

Andrei raises an eyebrow, glancing at me. I shrug in response.

“Good morning,” Maxim finally mutters. I’ve never seen him so speechless. He’s doing his best not to ask what Andrei’s doing here, but it’s clear from the redness creeping across his face that he’s struggling.

“He came to check up on me,” I say quickly, trying to defuse the situation before Maxim combusts. I do not need brain splatter as a new decoration.

Maxim shifts his focus fully to me. “I was on my way to the dealership and wasn’t sure if you’ve eaten lunch yet.” He hands me the bag, and I take it. I expect him to let go, but he doesn’t—and neither do I. We hold onto the bag, just staring at each other for far too long. Andrei shifts uncomfortably, trying to make himself scarce.

He clears his throat. “I’m going to go check on my wife. I’ll be back later with Luca.” He pats Maxim on the shoulder and walks out.

The moment the door closes behind him, Maxim speaks, breaking the silence. “He really came to see how you were doing?”

“Yes, he really did. It was a shock to me too.” I tug on the bag, signaling him to let go, and he does. “Thank you for the food.”

“You don’t need to thank me, Sophia.”

The awkward silence stretches between us. I’m not sure what to say to him. Finally, Maxim breaks it. “Do you have any plans today?”

I inwardly sigh in relief that I don’t have to come up with something to say. “I’m going to go to my mom’s house. She isn’t home, so I’m going to use the time to look for something I need.”

“In your father’s office?”

“Yes.” My eyes involuntarily roll. This man doesn’t miss a thing, does he? “Danny interrupted me, and I couldn’t get what I needed.” His nostrils flare at the mention of Danny.

“What are you going to do at the dealership?” I ask, hoping to shift his mind from Danny and remove the murderous look that has taken over his usually calm demeanor.

His eyes brighten. “I’m going to deal with a pest problem.”

“Is it of the two-legged variety?” I joke, trying to lighten the mood. But who am I kidding? Not even the sun’s rays could brighten this situation.

He nods, his face serious again. “I’ll tell you more later. I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

“Then go before you get stuck in traffic.” He hesitates, one leg poised to leave while the other remains firmly rooted to the ground.

“Go,” I urge again.

Maxim closes the distance between us, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Ya lyublyu tebya.” I love you. His voice is low, but there’s a softness to it I’ve never heard before. A breath catches in my throat as I look up into his ocean-colored eyes. Will I ever get over how beautiful he is?

There are so many emotions swirling in his eyes, and I can’t quite pinpoint them until our gazes lock. The uncertainty I saw moments ago disappears, replaced by the all-consuming fire I’ve come to know from him. He leans in, his lips only inches from mine, and warmth spreads through every fiber of my body. The effect he has on me is infuriating.

A sense of emptiness overwhelms me. All I want to do is touch him, kiss him, hold him—but I don’t. Nothing will change if I give in too easily. He’ll never stop with the lies, the half-truths, and his constant obsession with keeping me safe. If I give up now, nothing will change between us.

“Sophia, I?—”

I pull back, my voice firm as I cut him off. “Stop apologizing, Maxim. Please.” My chest tightens as I gather my thoughts. “You and I will have a chance to talk. But right now isn’t the time. We need space to cool down so we won’t say things we don’t mean. We’ve got other, more important business to take care of.”

“Nothing else is more important than you, Sophia. Nothing else matters. I can reschedule the meeting. It’s not a problem.”His voice cracks with visible strain, and my stomach churns. “Please, just talk to me.”

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