Page 27 of Cruel Russian Pakhan
“Please don't say no,” Ninel said quickly, eyes wide with anticipation. “I promise we’ll have fun.”
I sighed. Ninel did sound sincere, though.
I’d never been to a party, unless you counted Daisy and Arnold’s anniversary bash, where they invited all their friendsand some family. I was always too busy with school, work…or just trying to survive. I never had time or energy for a social life.
Lev squeezed my hand, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him.
“Do you want to go?” he asked.
I’d been sitting around here doing nothing. I may as well take the opportunity to go out and have a little fun…
“Yes, I’d like that,” I smiled.
“Good. Then it’s settled,” Ninel said gleefully. “After breakfast, you, Mariya and I will…”
Mariya cut her off. “Nins, did you even ask her if she has plans after breakfast? It’s like a switch flips in your brain the second shopping comes up.”
“Vera, I’m sorry,” Ninel said, turning to me. “Mariya’s right. It was rude of me to assume you’re free without asking. Are you free after breakfast so we can go shopping? Please say yes.”
Hesitantly, I looked at Lev. “Will you be coming?”
“No. I have a few things to take care of at the office.”
I bit my lower lip. I really wanted to go…but would it be safe? Going out with Lev, I knew I was safe. With his sisters? I wasn’t so sure.
“I’d really like to go,” I admitted, shifting uncomfortably in my seat, “but the last time I stepped out of this house, Lev and I ended up in a shootout. He was there to protect me…if he's not going…” I let my voice trail off. I lowered my eyes and pushed the pancakes aimlessly around my plate.
Since when did I need a man to feel safe just to go outside?
Since you were in a bloody shootout, Katya. These people are the Russian mafia, for Christ's sake! Of course someone’s always out there trying to put them six feet under.
Lev took my hand gently in his, lifting it to his lips, drawing my eyes to his face.
“I’ll make sure you girls are protected. You’ll be safe, Vera.” He turned to Marten. “I’d like you to go with them. I’ll send some of the guards with you. I’ll push back our meeting this morning by a few hours.”
“Good luck, Marten,” Avit chuckled. “The last time I had shopping duty with Ninel, my blisters had blisters.”
“Vera, don’t let Avit scare you,” Ninel grinned. “We'll have a great time.”
Mariya changed the subject, asking how I was adjusting to life away from my younger sister, Kira. She admitted that little sisters could be annoying, but added with a smile that she'd go crazy if she didn’t talk to Ninel at least once a day.
I didn’t answer, just laughed when Ninel tossed a piece of bacon at Mariya’s head, earning a shriek and a mock glare.
“You should let Lev bring you down to the club one night,” Avit chimed in. “Then you’ll see, we’ve got better alcohol than your brothers’ place. Better music, too.”
I kept smiling, but inside, something nagged me. Based on the questions they asked and the casual mentions of my ‘family,’ it hit me. Levhadkidnapped the wrong person. It wasn't just about me being the right person, but he mixed up my name. He kidnapped the wrong woman. My family wasn’t the one who owed him.
But I wasn’t about to bring it up. Not here, in front of all of them. I’d wait until I was alone with Lev.
Did they even know what Lev had done?
And if they did, Katya, would they even dare do anything about it? He’s their leader, the head of the pack. They’re not going to start a mutiny against their own brother.
During breakfast, I listened and watched the dynamics between Lev’s family. I saw the love between them and how protective the men were of their sisters.
Everyone seemed to warm up to me. Everyone except Jaroslav, whose eyes never left me as he ate silently.
Despite how uncomfortable I felt under his gaze, it was the first time since my adoptive parents that I felt included. And it felt…nice.
