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1
ALINA
“Boris, give it back!” I shout, launching myself toward my two-year-old, black-and-white Karelian bear dog as he slips through the open door of my bedroom, red Prada heel clamped between his teeth. “Bad dog!” I scold, racing down the hallway after him.
He does this anytime he thinks I’ve been neglecting him, the spoiled mutt. And if I don’t chase him down and play with him, I’ll need to buy a new pair of shoes. He doesn’t just steal my shoes, either. It could be my clothes, my pillow, even a textbook on occasion.
He waits for me at the end of the hall, tail wagging, a toothy grin on his mischievous black snout.
“Boris, come,” I command, pointing at the ground with as much authority as I possess.
Not that it’s ever worked in the past.
He’s a very well-behaved dog when he wants to be. But if he knows he’s doing something naughty, he does it full-send. I won’t get that shoe back until I’m panting and sweaty from chasing him around the house.
As soon as I get within four feet of him, Boris bolts down the stairs. Groaning, I snatch the corner of the banister, sling-shotting myself around the turn as my feet pound the rich cherrywood steps. The chase takes me across the entryway, and my heart stops as the front door swings open.
“No!” I shout as my naughty dog slips around my brother’s legs and out onto the front porch.
“Alina?” Viktor sounds stunned as he steps aside, barely avoiding me as I charge past him.
And slam directly into a solid wall.
Yelping as I hit the unexpected obstacle, I bounce backward and topple toward the ground before I can stop myself. Strong hands catch my upper arms, saving me before I land on my butt. They right me in one fluid motion, setting me back on my feet.
Gasping at the sudden lack of equilibrium, I grip the muscular forearms that stabilize me and stare up into a set of the deepest storm-blue eyes I’ve ever seen.
The brooding frown that puts a wrinkle in the stranger’s strong brow makes my heart skip a beat. I don’t scare easily—I was born into one of Boston’s most prominent crime families, so I’ve never had reason to fear anyone—but something about his gaze is predatory. And there’s no doubt that I’m the prey.
The purple bruise traveling along his left cheek bone does little to ease my instinctual flight response. And at the same time, I can’t help the intense attraction that washes through me, warming my cheeks. Who is this solid wall of handsome? And why have I never met him before?
“Sorry,” I breathe, still staggering from smashing face-first into his impressively muscular chest. And all the while, I stare up at his striking angular features. Dark hair falls haphazardly into his impossibly blue eyes, calling more attention to them.
“Are you alright?” the stranger asks with a hint of a Russian accent, his low voice surprisingly soft and pleasing despite his rather daunting appearance. His warm, callused hands release my arms a moment later as if he’s finally sure I won’t fall over.
“Yeah, fine. Thanks. I was just…” My eyes stray past the stranger’s impressive shoulder to find my dog sitting on the sidewalk at the foot of the front steps, fluffy tail patting the ground as he waits patiently to resume our game, my shoe still hanging from his mouth. I glare at him, silently promising to deal with him later, then turn my attention back to the man I accidentally plowed into. “Again, so sorry. I didn’t see you there.”
The subtle smirk that tugs at the stranger’s proud lips tells me that’s the first time he’s ever heard someone say they didn’t see him.
Who can blame him? The man’s nearly large enough to fill the doorway. Maybe he’s not as tall as my father, but he’s got muscles for days and has to be at least six feet tall.
“It’s not a problem,” he assures me, his tone amused, though the intimidating frown still creases his brow.
And despite myself, I find I’m lost for words. No one should be this intimidating and good-looking all at once.
“Mishka, this is my little sister, Alina,” Viktor says, cutting into our moment. “She’s a part-time shopping princess and a full-time pain in the?—”
“Hey!” I object, glaring at my brother as my face warms with fresh embarrassment. “That’s not even close to true, and you know it.”
Viktor just shrugs. A wicked grin splits his face, calling my attention to his swollen lip. Looks like he’s been up to no good. As usual. It’s a wonder my parents haven’t cut him off yet for all the trouble he causes.
But he’s the heir to my father’s business, the prodigious son, which means he can do no wrong in their eyes. And despite our flagrant sibling rivalry, I have to admit, I let him get away with a lot myself. He’s my big brother, after all, and he’s too charming for his own good.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alina,” Mishka says, his deep voice calling my eyes back to his masculine face.
Hearing my name on his lips sends a shiver up my spine. It’s unhealthy to be smitten when I just met the guy. But I can’t help it. Even Mishka’s name is enticing.
“The pleasure’s mine.” I crack a smile and silently pray that I’ve kept the breathiness out of my voice, but I’m blatantly star-struck by this impressive Greek god of a man.
