Page 51 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

I clenched my fists, years of practiced composure the only thing keeping me together. Alex ducked around him, tilting his head at the photo.

"How could someone be missing?"

Then, in that sweet little voice, "You mean Chris?"

The name hit like a stone dropped in water. I nearly lost it.

Chris?

I'd almost forgotten about him.

Maybe I could ask him for help. Have him play my boyfriend for a few days. Maybe then Ivan would leave.

"Chris?" Ivan's voice dropped. "Who's that?"

"My mommy's friend." Alex grabbed his hand, tugging him toward the living room. "Chris is really nice. He comes to play with me every week."

Ivan let himself be pulled a couple steps, then stopped at the living room entrance. He straightened, his gaze settling heavilyon my face. Those eyes were too sharp—like they could punch holes right through my defenses.

I looked away, busying myself with the key dish on the table. The metallic clatter sounded too loud in the silence.

Alex pulled Ivan down onto the carpet. Blocks tumbled out across the floor with a bright clatter.

"Ivan, look at this!"

"I see it."

I turned toward the kitchen, planning to make coffee. My fingers trembled as I reached for the kettle. Cold metal knocked against the counter edge with a sharp clink.

Behind me, Ivan's footsteps followed steadily, stopping at the kitchen doorway.

"Anna."

His voice was low. No accusation in it.

"Who is Chris? He comes every week?"

His stare pressed into my back like a red-hot brand through fabric, making my whole body go rigid.

He sounded like a husband catching his wife cheating.

I didn't turn around. Didn't answer. The kettle started to sing, tiny bubbles rising from the bottom.

"Ivan, is my mommy okay?"

Ivan didn't move, but his voice lifted slightly, directed toward the living room. "She's fine. Just fumbled the kettle."

"Oh, Mommy's such a goof."

Alex's childish laughter drifted in from the living room.

I bit my lip. My face was burning again.

Ivan raised an eyebrow, those gray-blue eyes locked on me, the corner of his mouth curved just enough for the light to carve a shallow shadow.

"She really is."

I suspected he was insulting me.