Page 38 of The Bratva's Christmas Bump
“I did nothing!”
“Are you in trouble?”
“No!”
“Do I need to call someone?”
She’s tempting me. She doesn’t know it, but each question coaxes at the truth I’m hiding deep down and it threatens to bubble over as her genuine concern washes over me.
“No,” I say hoarsely. “I’m fine. Everything is fine. I just… I met someone and fell in love. Everything felt—feels right, and it just… it happened.”
Her mouth drops open and she glances around. “Am I being pranked? Is this some kind of Christmas joke?”
“No!” Laughter rises within me. “I’m telling the truth.”
Tiffany peers at me, then she glances at Toto and Stu hovering nearby. “Is it one of them?”
“No, they just work for him.”
“Work for him?”
“Yeah, they’re like… he’s protective, so he has people keeping me safe.”
“From what, muggers?” Tiffany’s light laughter rings out at her joke. “There’s some disconnect here, honey. He’s rich enough for some bodyguards but not a decent ring?”
My thumb presses against the gold band. “It was a really fast wedding.”
“You’re telling me! I can’t believe you didn’t call. This is…” She shakes her head and leans into me, clutching my wrist. “Are you on drugs?”
I immediately shove her away. “No! I chose this. Trust me, if you met him, you’d?—”
“Met who?” Maxim’s voice suddenly washes over me from behind like a warm blanket and my heart jumps.
I watch Tiffany’s face. She glances up once, then does a double-take and stares with wide eyes and parted lips. Her fingers flex against my wrist and she continues to stare without a word.
Facing Maxim, I force a smile. “Maxim, this is my agent, Tiffany. Tiffany, this is Maxim.” I meet her gaze. “My husband.”
I could have knocked Tiffany over with a feather.
To his credit, Maxim looks very handsome. He stands in a black suit with a light blue silk shirt that’s open halfway so his chest tattoos are on display. With one hand in his pocket, his suit sleeve is ruffled enough to show off a thick, gold watch. His hair is neatly combed with a slight side part where a few strands curl down and kiss his forehead with every subtle movement. Even his beard is trimmed neater than it was this morning. All in all, he looks devilishly handsome and his smile is gentle while he holds out a hand to Tiffany.
“It’s lovely to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
That feels like a faint threat and a shiver chills my spine.
“Wow,” Tiffany gasps. “I–I mean you, too. Nice to meet you too.” She rises and shakes his hand. “You… I mean, Hollie, this is your husband?”
“Mhm.” Standing, I brush my hands down my dress to smooth out the skirt. “Since Friday.”
“Well, if you know, you know.” Tiffany laughs, suddenly changing her tune while shaking Maxim’s hand.
“Tiffany, I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve come to take Hollie out to dinner. Am I interrupting?”
Tiffany waves her hand and laughs. “Not at all! Not at all. I just came to give Hollie this. Here, sweetie. Please call this number when you can. I got you another client.”
I accept her card with a smile. “Thanks.”
“Shall we?” Maxim’s hand falls away from Tiffany and his blue eyes lock onto mine while he cocks his elbow.
