Page 120 of Playing Her Game

Rez stands too and holds out his hand to Leah, biting back a smile.

“Such a gentleman,” she says, looking up at him.

“You wanna pack a bag and come explore with me for a while?” Rez asks me.

“Most definitely.”

“We have lifetime use of this house,” Mother says. “Your room will not be available.”

“I have dozens; take however many you want.” Leah laughs.

When I return with several packed bags, Rez stands beside Matthais, but heads my way, taking the stairs two at a time to grab my bags from me.

“You make a new friend?”

His lips twitch. “Yes, and surprise, your parents love me.”

I laugh, and I do it loudly.

“Shh, fancy girl, I’m not sure joy is allowed in here.”

Outside, Matthias leans against Leah’s car.

“I’ve been good, real good, Anna, this, him, is much different than standing down so that I didn’t scare you off.”

“You flew across the ocean, Daniil.” I remind him.

“Yes, but I didn’t throw you over my shoulder and —”

“You did,” I laugh.

“This isn’t funny. He hurt you and⁠—”

“We were kids,” I say softly.

“And as an adult, he wants to marry you for financial gain.” He says it loud enough that Matthias definitely hears it. As we pass him, he snarls. “I should break your face.”

“Oh, let’s not do that,” Leah says.

I hug her. “Love you, Oma.”

“Spend the time with your handsome friend while he’s here, and when he leaves, we will talk about your trust.”

When Rez kisses her cheek and says, “We will see you Friday,” my heart skips a beat.

CHAPTER 22

MOUNTAINS AND MOMENTS

Anna

By the fourth morning, I've learned that Daniil Reznik is a menace before coffee.

I discover this when I wake to an empty bed, pull on one of his shirts, and find him downstairs arguing with someone over the phone while making breakfast.

"No," he says, one hand braced against the counter. "That's not what I said. I'm asking if anyone has confirmed it." A pause. "I know what the fucking schedule says."

He catches sight of me in the doorway. The tension in his face eases, and his gaze drops to the shirt hanging to my thighs. I raise an eyebrow. He points toward the coffee machine.