Page 8 of A Nanny For The Bratva Boss
I glance up at Mikhail, and he’s just… looking at me. Not explaining shit. Just standing there like it’s perfectly normal for him to show up at my door after pretty much pretending I didn’t exist for weeks. With his freaking niece!
His jaw tightens. Shit, that shouldn’t be this sexy. And he grumbles, “You’re coming with us.”
I blink. “What?”
“My sister’s sick. Sofia needs someone to watch her. You’re coming.”
Is he serious right now? “Mikhail, you can’t just…”
He takes a step closer, not saying a word, just towering over me. Invading my space with his huge body, his warmth, his scent, his insane hotness. Oh Lord…
My pulse kicks up. “I can’t leave. I’m… house-sitting?” I ask more than I say.
“You’re not doing shit.”
Rude, but also… not untrue.
Sofia tugs on his hand. “Uncle Misha, you’re supposed to ask nicely.”
His eyes flick down to her, and I watch in fascination as his expression softens. My poor ovaries are about to explode from cuteness overload.
He looks back at me, rumbling in a deadpan tone, “Please.”
I let out an involuntary bark of laughter. This is the least convincing “please” I’ve ever heard in my life, but coming from him? It might as well be a marriage proposal.
Sofia lets go of his hand and takes a step toward me. “My mommy and daddy are really sick. Like, super sick. They’re coughing and snotting. And Mommy said I have to stay with Uncle Misha so I don’t get sick too. But he’s not very good at talking.”
I smile at her, reaching out to smooth her hair. “I noticed, honey.”
“So we need you! Will you help? Pleeeease.”
She’s looking up at me with her big, hopeful eyes, and I’m done for. Because how am I supposed to say no to this adorable little princess? And how am I supposed to say no to my hot,grumpy-ass neighbor when he’s standing there, holding her hand, just trying to be a good uncle? Ugh!
I let out a long breath. “Fine.”
Sofia squeals and claps her hands. “Yay! This is going to be so much fun!”
Mikhail doesn’t smile. Doesn’t say thank you. He just nods once, like he knew I’d say yes all along. Ass. But also… kind of hot? What is wrong with me?
“Pack a bag.”
I blink. “Why? I can just come over when you need me. Help with Sofia during the day and come back here at night…”
Again with the stare. Gah!
“Go. Pack.” His tone leaves no room for argument. And my traitorous body is literally melting at his low, gravely voice ordering me around. More of that, please. Except in bed…
I shake my head. “That’s not… I don’t need to move into your place…”
He steps closer. Close enough that I have to tilt my head way back to hold his gaze. “Maya.”
Just my name. That’s all he says. But the way he says it… My brain goes fuzzy. My knees feel weak. And I hear myself reply, “Fine. I’ll pack a bag.”
Sofia bounces with excitement. “Yay! Sleepover!”
I head inside, and when I glance back, he’s right behind me. Freaking following me into the pool house.
“Seriously?”
