Page 28 of Cookie: Part One
“We didn’t talk about anything, and I wasn’t trying to get anyone’s attention.” I roll my eyes and both of them groan.
“You jumped in ze Pakhan’s lap like he vas American Santa Claus!”
“Oh please,” I wave her off. “I gave him a hug.” Pyper stares at me like I just committed murder.
“You don’t get it… you aresolucky he likes you. If anyone else tried zhat, zhere vould be bullet in zheir head.” Alik frowns, looking genuinely worried about me.
“Damn!” I shout, sounding like Kevin Hart, actually getting kind of scared.
“Connie! Zhis is serious!” He grasps my arms and I can feel him shaking, seeming really nervous.
“Relax, Alik! I’m joking!” I smile, trying to calm him. “Right? Tell him everything is fine, Pyper.” I bump her shoulder, asking for help, and thankfully she throws her hand around his neck, ruffling his hair.
“Da, relax, Alik. Pakhan vould never let anyzhing happen to Connie. Plus, she’s only here for another veek and a half. Life should be quiet vhen all ze others leave.”
“Bu—”
“Okay, okay, my bad,” I cut him off. “I’ll behave. No more Connie jumping in Pakhan’s lap or talking to scary snake ladies. I Promise,” I tell him, but he squints his eyes at me.
“Connie, it’s not a laughing matter. Do you know people are already saying zhings about you?! About Pakhan!” he panics, and I snort, already knowing. “Zhey’re saying zhat you’re having an affair vit ze Pakhan and also might be trying to seduce Mikhail!” he curls his lips, disgusted.
“First off, ew… Grandpa Viktor is like family to me. And second,” I cut my eyes over to Pyper who shakes her head and I glance back at him. “I don’t even know your cousin like that!” I throw him a look and he grits out.
“I know, but just ze zhought of someone saying zhings pisses me off.” He fists his hands and I rub his arms, trying to calm him down and look to Pyper for help, buts she shrugs.
“Relax, Alik. You should go rest. I can feel you getting a fever,” I tell him and he looks up at me with a sigh. “You were probably not feeling well earlier, right? That’s why you were never at the party huh? You should go rest.”
“Da, da, you should go lay down,” Pyper agrees as she calls over a server and they come over immediately. “Help my brozher over to his room. He’s not feeling vell.”
“No, I d?—”
“Go Alik. Besides, it’s best to rest before ze meeting. You don’t vant to miss zhat, right?” Pyper questions. When he sags and nods, I sigh with relief.
“Fine, but Pyper, stay vit her.”
“I vill.” She pats his back as he leaves and I throw my head back at his overprotective ass. Still, I don’t get a break because soon I hear the faint click of predatory heels coming up behind us. My looking back causes Pyper to follow my gaze and we both see Veronica standing there, looking like a bitch that’s about to start some shit.
Damn can I breathe?!
“Pyper, hello. It’s good to see you,” she says, and Pyper’s eyes scan her before dismissing her.
“Hi,” she responds dryly, picking up a sparkling water.
“Is she your guest?” she asks, eyes glinting as she looks at me. “Because I vas zhinking she looks very familiar. Have you ever been to Russia before?” she questions and I hum, taking a sip of my drink, trying to place her face. She looks familiar, but… maybe I’m just feeling a bit salty thinking about how she was hugged up on Mikhail. That’s ridiculous since that’s his whole ass fiancée.I should feel nothing!
Whew, chile. This just keeps getting messier. Maybe Pyper was right and I AM danger prone.
“No, actually, it’s my first time,” I respond as nicely as I can since I promised Pyper I’ll behave.
“Hmm… I see… ah,” she waves a hand “I digress… I vanted to ask you somezhing.”
“Oookaaaay? What is it?”
“Oh nozhing major… I just vanted to be sure I heard you correctly earlier.” She looks at me, then at Pyper, then back to me. “About ze nickname.”
Pyper starts to open her mouth, but I stop her with a subtle shake of my head.I got this.
“What about it?”
