Page 18 of The Mistake

Hubert looked at me and then at Ivan, but bowed and did as he was told.

“He’s my guard,” I said.

Ivan nodded. “And now that I’m here, I’m your guard. What are you making?”

“Would you like me to call Ive?” I asked.

“Your husband is aware of my presence. I did tell him I planned to visit. Did he not tell you?”

Should I lie?

Ivan chuckled. “You do not need to worry. I’m aware your husband has not been around.”

“He’s been verybusy.”

“I know.”

Thank fuckingGod. I had no idea what Ive was doing. I could only hope he was busy and there was some crisis, and then I felt bad for even thinking that way. I shouldn’t be hoping for there to be a mess happening in the Volkov Bratva. Wait, my words were true, which meant … oh, crap.

“Is Ive okay?”

“Yes. According to my sources, he will be joining us soon. So what are we making?” he asked, grabbing an apron, washing his hands, and rolling up his sleeves.

His arms were covered in ink. I never noticed that before, but they were completely decorated. Why hadn’t I noticed that before?

“Charlotte?” he asked.

“Biscuits. I’m making biscuits.”

“Are we talking British for cookie, or British for scone?”

This made me frown. “Why British?”

“I heardMichael has been training you.”

“Wouldn’t that be French?” I asked. “He is French, isn’t he?”

This caused Ivan to throw his head back and laugh. “No, Michael is English.One of the best chefs in the world. I thought of stealing him away, but Ive’s got his loyalty.”

This was totally news to me. Michael had always spoken with a French accent.

“I’m so confused,” I said.

“Oh, Michael is a man of many talents. Two years ago, he spoke with aSpanish accent, and then an Italian one. He’s learning the language and as he does, he tries to use the correct pronunciation and dialect.”

“So, he’s learning French. That’s kind of cool.”

“Yeah, until he gets bored and moves on.”

“You don’t think that’s cool?” I asked.

“All learning is welcome, but when it’s wasted, I don’t see the point.”

“How is it wasted? He would be able to travel the world. Go to places and talk to people.”

Ivan stared at me. “Do you have wanderlust?”

“No.” I never had any desire to travel. In fact, the past month had been the best days of my life so far.

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