“Sorry, where are my manners?” he says, and I scoff. Yeah, Maxim, where are your manners? I’ve never seen them. He gives me a wink and says, “My name is Maxim. I’m Sophia’s boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend?” my mom and Jenny say in unison while gaping at me.
“Yes,” he says, as if what he says is the final word.
I try to force myself to say anything, but nothing comes out. I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience.
“How did you guys meet?” Mom asks, suspicion coating her tone.
“We met at her job. She was treating my brother from a wound he got while we were out on a hunt.” I snort at his comment. The side of his lips curls up into a smile. “I haven’t been able to stay away ever since.” Maxim looks at me. “It’s been impossible. Right, krasavitsa?” All I can do is nod because what else can I say?
“Well, this is a shocker. Sophia doesn’t give just anyone the time of day. You must be something special.” Jenny looks him up and down, then says, turning her attention to me.
“Why didn't you tell us anything?”
Well, because he is not my boyfriend. He is a mafia boss who won't leave me alone, and I’m fucking attracted to him because I’m insane… But I don't say that.
Instead, I lie, “I’ve been busy these past few days; it slipped my mind.” Not sure why. Seemingly content with my answer, they busy themselves in light chatter—probably about him. Maybe I'm just as insane as the six-foot blue-eyed Adonis sitting next to me or because I want them to leave me alone. This seems like my only option, to stop the constant pushing from my family, but it feels like I'm selling my soul to the devil in the process. I guess he is the lesser of two evils, which is ironic because he is the devil.
Maxim puts his arm over my shoulder and leans in to whisper, “Good, girl, but don’t think this will stop your punishment later. You have been very naughty, milaya. Time for you to learn your lesson.” I release a hazy breath. God.
“You’re insane if you think I’ll let you go anywhere near my body again. This little act is out of convenience. Nothing else.”
“What is so convenient about it?”
I sigh and feel embarrassment creep in. “This will get my family off my back about being single. If they think I’m dating you, they will stop pushing me to date.”
He stiffens next to me. Did I say the wrong thing? “From this day on, if they even think about setting you up with anyone else, when you least expect it, body parts will show up on their doorstep. You belong to me, Sophia. Let this be a warning for you and them. Do not fuck with me.”
What did I get myself into?