Page 473 of Hate Mates

“Relax. Nothing happened.” I’m not admitting what went down last night as I was leaving the club. I’ll take that to the grave.

Alexei has been my bodyguard since I was twelve. He’s only eleven years older, and cool when he’s not busting my ass for misbehaving. Before Alexei, I had a succession of older, grumpier men as bodyguards, and I have zero desire to replace him. Over the years, we have found a happy medium, and Alexeigives me more leeway than most would. I’m aware I’ve been pushing it lately, and last night was a wake-up call. I need to wise up and act smarter. “What’re you looking for?” I ask over a frown.

“Cohen Reynolds.”

I should’ve known he’d check the camera feed before seeking me out.

“Your sister know you’re fooling around with him?” He struggles to hide his smile. There is little love lost between him and Anya.

“I’m not fooling around with him, and no.”

“If you’re dating him, I’ll have to tell your father.”

“I’m not.”

A throat clears. “Am I interrupting?” Cohen arches a brow before dumping two bags on the island unit.

“How’d you get in here?” Alexei gruffly demands, instantly all up in his face.

Cohen squares up to my bodyguard, looking unruffled. “With a key.” Pulling my keychain out of his pants pocket, he dangles it off one finger.

Alexei swivels on his heels, fixing me with one of his special death glares. “You gave him the code? Stupid, stupid girl.”

I purse my lips, embarrassed to be chastised in front of Cohen. Before I can form a response, Cohen says, “That’s not nice.” He calmly sets the keys down on the counter. “Irina drank too much last night, and she asked me to take her home. I made her tell me the code so I could get her safely inside. If you’re that worried, just change it.” He tilts his head to the side. “Who are you anyway? I’ve seen you with Irina before.”

“He’s family,” I reply, playfully shoving Alexei. “He’s my annoying cousin, and he was just leaving.”

“I’m watching you.” Alexei points menacingly at Cohen, holding his gaze as he slowly backs up toward the door.

“I’m quaking in my boots,” Cohen deadpans without a hint of fear, and a laugh bursts from my chest.

Alexei looks like he wants to throw both of us out the window. “Thanks for stopping by, cuz.” I kiss him on both cheeks. “Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out,” I add, pushing him outside and slamming the door in his face.

Cohen chuckles. “Is he always that overprotective?”

“Yes.” It’s his job. “I thought you’d gone.”

He waggles his brows while unloading the contents of one bag. “Miss me?”

“Nope,” I lie as I walk into the kitchen. “Sure you got enough food there, buddy?”

“I didn’t know what you like, so I got a bunch of stuff,” he explains, moving on to the second bag. “Eggs, bacon, avocado. Pastries. Fruit. Granola. Yogurt. Pancakes. Waffles.”

Not sure my queasy stomach can handle much, but it’s a super thoughtful gesture, so I’ll try. It’d be rude not to. “Wow. You don’t do anything by half, do you?” Removing plates and glasses from the cupboard, I deposit them on the island unit before grabbing some silverware.

“Go big or go home is my motto in every aspect of my life.”

“I’m beginning to realize that.”

We sit side by side on stools as we eat and drink, talking about random stuff, and it’s nice. He’s easy to talk to when I forget I’m supposed to hate him. Before I realize it, hours have passed and I’m enjoying myself. We’ve moved out to my balcony with our coffees, chatting as we watch the hustle and bustle of weekend city life below us.

“Irina.”

Whipping my head around, I’m instantly snared by his gorgeous dark eyes. “What?” My heart speeds up, steadily pounding against my chest wall.

“Go out with me.” His earnest tone matches his serious expression.

I stare at him, thoroughly conflicted.

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