Page 133 of Bratva's Vow
I found Maxim staring at me. “You’re looking better after sleeping all morning.”
“I’m still a bit shaky but not as bad.” I should probably tell him about the strands of hair that had come out in my brush again, but today was Vova’s memorial.
Maxim put down the dog, who came back to me. I scratched behind his ear. “Where did you find him?”
“I’m not at liberty to say, but I thought maybe you’d want to keep him.”
“Hell yes, I do.” I stood, cradling the dog like a baby. “He’s perfect. What are we going to name him?”
Maxim shrugged again. “That’s up to you.”
“What about… Maxim Junior?”
He scowled. “Absolutely not.”
I grinned. “You’re right. I only need one Maxim in my life. Maybe Jellybean.”
“You want to name our dog Jellybean?”
“I’m namingmydog Jellybean. Didn’t you say you gave him to me?”
The puppy wriggled out of my arms and scampered over to Maxim, yipping happily. Maxim rolled his eyes but scooped him up again with a fleeting, gentle smile. The one that softened all the hard lines in his face and made him look… normal.
This is good.
We needed this. A piece of light on a heavy day.
I’d been dreading today from the moment I woke up. But now, there was a dog in the house, and for some reason, it made everything feel a little more bearable.
The puppy nuzzled into Maxim’s chest, tail wagging lazily. Maxim glanced at me.
“You still up for the service?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I feel better. Not perfect, but I can manage.”
“Good. Eat something. Then we’ll shower together. I’ll help you wash up. We don’t have much time. Thankfully, Pilar got our suits ready.”
“She’s been such a big help.”
Maxim walked with me into the kitchen. “So you no longer want me to get rid of her?”
“Well, maybe not until after I finish my final year. Then I can give you more of my time.”
“And what are your plans after you graduate?”
Pilar had made breakfast. Something savory and eggy that smelled good, but my stomach turned at the idea of eating it. I asked Maxim to make me toast instead. This time, he didn’t burn them. Instead of the tea Pilar had left for me, I chose apple juice. I needed something sweeter to boost my energy level. I would drink the tea later, since she went to so much trouble to make it for me.
Maxim fed the puppy. While I’d been sleeping, Nik had dropped by with bowls and puppy chow. The dog ate it up greedily, and Maxim sat next to me while I told him I had no clue what I wanted to do after college. He suggested I could work with him, but I was hesitant. Archie thought I was a distraction at work, and maybe it would be a good idea for us to have one aspect of our life that was separate.
I glanced at the promise ring that still felt too much like an engagement ring. The idea of being engaged to Maxim wasn’t as terrifying as it seemed, though. In fact, I hoped he’dmeant it as an engagement. There was nothing I’d love more than to be his husband.
After breakfast, we got dressed. The shower had helped. My muscles felt less sore, my mind clearer, the warmth of Maxim’s hands moving over me equal parts careful and grounding. There was a quiet to him today, a solemn steadiness that mirrored the mood hanging heavily between us.
Jellybean padded behind us everywhere we went, nails tapping the floor with a rhythm that somehow made everything feel less still. He followed us to the bedroom, plopped down dramatically at Maxim’s feet while we dressed, and let out the softest little howl when I stood up to fix my tie.
“Oh no,” I murmured, crouching again to rub behind his ears. “We’re not leaving you, little guy. Just stepping out for a bit.”
He whined, nosing at my ankle, then sat back and gave a tragic little yowl that absolutely pierced my heart.
