Page 59 of Scarred Ruin

With my agitation, I didn’t think twice about approaching him.

“Excuse me.”

He’d already noticed my approach, every muscle in his body tensing. At least he had the courtesy to look at me when I was talking to him.

“I know you’re not going to confirm or deny, but I’m well aware you work for Mr. Aristov. So I need you to do me a favor since he seems to be ignoring me. Tell him Ms. Dayne is expecting a return phone call before the end of the business day. Okay?”

As expected, he didn’t respond. This was a different man than Hope had accosted, but I didn’t need her tactics to notice the weapon he had strapped in a shoulder holster. He wasn’t making any real effort to hide it.

Before I turned, I decided to add one more thing. “And let him know I am a black belt in karate. He doesn’t want to anger me.”

Whether or not the guy was amused, I didn’t care. And I hadn’t lied. I’d gotten my black belt at eighteen, not that I’d either needed or used my skills for years, but that was beside the point.

When I headed back into the office, the hulking soldier was watching me intently, the phone still in his hand.

The meeting went well, even though I was completely distracted. Enough was accomplished I’d decided to take a little time off over the weekend. The drawings could wait.

A call never came. Neither did a text.

By the time I walked out of the office to go home, I was livid. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew I should let it go and not even think about the powerful man until Monday. Sadly, a virtue that had never been a part of my system was patience. When something bothered me, until the issue was solved or the question answered, I remained in a fit of knots.

Which was exactly the way I felt right now.

I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my weekend with the need to talk to him hanging over my head. Maybe I was pushing things or poking the beast, but I made a last-minute decision when I was on the highway, rolling past my exit with the men in the big black SUV close behind.

They didn’t try to stop me as I headed toward Maxsim’s house, although my guess was they’d alerted him to my arrival. I had no way of knowing if he was home, but the chance was well worth the time spent.

By the time I rolled down the driveway, I’d gone through several scenarios of what to say to him. None of which were as professional as they needed to be. I’d hoped for calm during the drive. Not a chance.

I flew from the car, storming toward the house, and made it to the door before my bodyguards had parked.

My knock was swift and hard.

There were no heavy footsteps before the door was opened. I’d anticipated the brooding Russian only to find one little girl jumping up and down smiling from ear to ear.

“Izzy! You’re here. I missed you. I knew you’d come. I knew it.” She flung herself at my legs, her forceful delight almost knocking me over.

“Oh, my goodness. I missed you too.” When I crouched to her level so she could hug me, movement caught my eye.

Maxsim was sauntering in my direction, this time wearing black jeans and a white tee shirt. Jesus, his appearance was more like a biker than a Fortune 100 business owner.

I’d taken fifteen minutes to search for more details on his company as Hope had suggested. She’d been right about the legitimacy of his company and of the superpower clients on his roster.

They were a who’s who of opulence and wealth.

He came closer, taking his time while leveling his heated gaze across my face. Seeing him again after our night of passion presented one too many emotions.

“Guess where we’re going?” Mina asked, breaking the connection.

“Where?”

“To get a puppy! Papa said we can get a dog!”

“Oh, honey. That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”

“Will you come with us?”

Her question caught me completely off guard. “I don’t think your daddy would want me to tag along. This is a very special moment and you should share it together.” Even in saying the words, I found myself flicking a single look toward him.