Page 20 of Bluff

“Only I bruise you,” I remind her. “I was lying. You’re the one taking one for the team. I’m not good enough for you. I’m grumpy most days, and the thought of any man seeing or touching you causes me to want to commit murder. Pakhan said that’s how he knew you were the one for me. That’s why he asked me to quit my vengeance. For you.”

“We have a lot to overcome,” she says softly.

“We’ll do what we can. Just don’t give up on me and don’t run.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“Then Saturday we’ll marry.”

“You’re not going to ask me.”

“Nope.”

I readjust her and impale her on my cock. We make love this time, showing each other our feelings without words. I know we have a lot to work through, but I’m sure we can do it.

Chapter Seven

AINSLEY

I’m walking along the sidewalk toward Lyric and Aleksei’s house when I hear a sound. It’s faint, a soft meowing. I jump down into the drainage ditch and peek into the culvert. There is a small dark shadow.

“Mrs. Sokolov,” Damir says my name as I use my cell phone’s flashlight. “Do you know how dangerous this is?” He has a bitterness in his voice as he appears next to me.

We look into the culvert, and I see a small cat. Glancing around, I make sure it’s by itself before I climb in after it.

“Mrs. Sokolov, that’s too dangerous. Mr. Sokolov will be upset if he found out you crawled into a possible snake infested area.”

“Damir, my future husband isn’t even in the state. He’ll only find out if you tell him.”

I crawl out with the dirty little cat in my arms. It’s small for an adult cat. By the way it’s acting, snuggling in, and how soft it’s crying, I think it’s a large kitten. I won’t know until we get it to a vet.

As for Mikhail, he and the other guys all got called to go to Eastport to help protect Andrei’s sister, Ridley. They had to leave Thursday, the day after Mikhail and I decided to work on our relationship. I know he couldn’t prepare for what is happening there, but like him, I’m scared for him to leave me.

He’s been gone for two days already and has only been able to send me quick texts. Ridley’s boyfriend was shot and might not make it. Mikhail and the others are searching for the shooter.

On top of all that, Lyric is leaving tomorrow for Hawaii. She’ll be gone for two weeks. I don’t think Mikhail is going to wait for her to get back before we get married.

I want to marry him. I know it’s still for my protection, but I care about him. Now that I know he’s Master, the man I was already falling for, it makes it easier to care. I also believed him when he said he’s been trying to keep me safe for a while now. He knew who I was as soon as Lennon told them. He knew me.

I promised him I would stay here in the gated community, but this little cat needs to be treated and cleaned. Its fur is matted to its body, and it’s super skinny and small.

Damir helps me out of the ditch, and we head back to the house. I call Lyric and tell her I won’t be able to make it. She decides to come down to see me. She’s still recovering from the attack she sustained at the hands of Giovanni Costa. Her hand is still in the cast, and her ribs are still sore.

Damir and I arrange for a vet to come to the house to check on what we now know is a kitten. He’s a Maine Coon and will grow into a very large cat. He doesn’t care for anyone but me holding him. Giving him a bath was a bit crazy, but I got him cleaned up.

When Mikhail calls, I ask if we can video chat. He hits the button so we can, and as soon as he sees the kitten in my arms, he just shakes his head.

“Zayka, what do you have there?” His voice is gruff, and he looks tired.

“He’s a kitten. I’ve named him Soot. The vet said he is only about eight weeks old and is going to need some special care.”

“Ainsley, baby, he could belong to someone, and they lost him.”

“I asked the community gate guards, and they said no one has this kind of cat. He was in a drainage ditch, all alone. I want to keep him. Please.” I’m not above begging. I’ve never been able to have a pet, and I’ve always wanted a cat.

“Okay, zayka, you can keep him. But if someone comes looking, you know you’ll have to give him back.” His lips tip up slightly.

“No, I won’t. Who’s going to cross us?” I give him a smug smile.

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