Page 81 of Scarred Ruin

“Maybe. If the guy lurking behind me like the villain from a thriller movie would learn to lighten up and actually have fun.”

“I can be fun.”

“Really? Prove it.”

At least there was a gleam in his eyes. He peeled away the candy wrapper, shoving almost every inch of the full-sized bar into his mouth. I stared at him with my mouth dropped open.

To which he promptly shoved the remainder into my mouth. At least I knew he had a comical side, even if it was like pulling teeth for him to show he was anything but business.

“See?” The one-word question was muffled as he chewed.

At least I swallowed before I answered.

“Nice try. We’ll see if you can support it throughout the night without killing someone.”

In the next few minutes, he relaxed even more but still maintained a watchful eye on the crowd. Soon after, it was evident the little princess was tired. So was the bumblebee, now sitting more than he was trotting after his beloved little girl.

“Come on, Miss Princess. Let’s get you home.” When Maxsim picked her up, I grabbed Shadow’s leash. The moment seemed perfectly normal. “You’ll be good for Svetlana?”

We headed to an SUV where two other men were waiting. I’d almost grown used to having two men trailing behind me everywhere I went.

Sweet Mina had never known anything else. She was a strong little girl, more resilient than I’d been at her age.

I stood back, admiring the two of them.

“He obviously adores her,” Hope said as she flanked my side.

Maxsim was telling Mina something while still holding her, even tweaking her nose until she laughed.

“He’s so good with her.”

“You really like him.” Hope seemed almost surprised.

“I do. I know what you’re going to say. That he’s the last thing I need in my life and you’d be right. He’s a dangerous man, but there is a softer side. He has reasons not to show any emotions other than anger.”

“Don’t we all.” She stole a look to the side where Sergei was standing.

I bumped her arm. “It would seem you don’t mind the company of a big, brooding Russian yourself.”

“Would you believe he can talk?”

“Oh, really.” The way Sergei was daring to slide her a few looks while still keeping an eye on the crowd was a clear indication he didn’t mind her company.

“He asked me what my costume was. Do these people celebrate holidays?”

“They are Russian.”

As soon as she turned toward me, she winked. “I’ve heard they’re very good in bed, which makes up for their gruffness. And I have a feeling you can tell me if that’s true.”

“Go away.”

“Never.”

Mina twisted her body toward me and in a moment that I would cherish for a long time, she threw out her arms in asking for a hug. If she or her father were any closer, they’d notice I had a few tears in my eyes. I hid them well and moved closer.

“Oh, you were the perfect princess. So beautiful.” I squeezed her hard and pulled away on purpose, showing her how much I adored her outfit.

“Thank you for convincing Papa to let me come trick or treating.”