Page 10 of Savage Truce

“I have no patience for games or anything fake.”

I wonder if that’s why he didn’t like Sofia. He probably saw right through her.

Rodian comes to sit down again, and as he helps himself to a mini sausage roll, he adds, “I prefer someone who makes everything feel peaceful.”

He takes a bite, and while he chews, I find the way his jaw moves incredibly hot.

After swallowing the bite, he continues, “I like a person who notices the little things.” Picking up the tumbler, he takes a sip, then a tender expression settles on his face. “Whenever I’m home, my cousin always sets my favorite mug ready by the coffee machine. It’s such a small gesture telling me he thought of me.”

As I listen to Rodian, a crush starts to form, and I just know by the time he decides to leave, I’ll be head over heels for him.

CHAPTER 4

Anastasia

Not knowing how much time has passed since we started talking, I suddenly realize the noise outside my workshop has faded away, making me wonder whether the party is over. “I think everyone has left.”

When I get up, Rodian also rises to his feet, and I’m very conscious of the intense energy he gives off.

“I’m just going to check,” I say, and walking to the door, I open it.

As I step into the hallway, Rodian joins me and asks, “Is there a restroom I can use?”

“Of course.”

We walk to the backstage area, and finding it empty, I gesture to the other hallway that leads to the kitchen and offices. “The restroom is down there. It’s the first door on the right.”

Rodian pauses to ask, “Are you calling it a night, or do I have you for a bit longer?”

Really?

I check my wristwatch, and seeing it’s already past midnight, a gasp escapes me. “No wonder the party is over.”

When I look up, Rodian says, “I want to spend more time with you.”

Feeling flattered, a shy smile forms on my face as I admit, “I’d like that.” I jab a thumb over my shoulder. “While you use the restroom, I’m going to make sure all the doors are locked.”

Rodian shakes his head. “Wait for me. I don’t like the idea of you walking around the empty theater by yourself.”

I swear I go weak in the knees while my heart skips a beat, and grinning, I nod. “Okay.”

As he walks away from me, I admire how the crisp white dress shirt fits over his broad back, his trimmed waist, and a butt that can only be described as God’s gift to women.

This drop-dead handsome man is interested in me.

My grin grows, and the urge to do a happy dance surges through me.

Because I attended girls-only boarding schools and none of the men I’ve encountered after graduating ever showed any interest in me I’ve never had the opportunity to date

My thoughts return to Rodian, and I wonder about his accent. It sounds Eastern European, but I can’t narrow it down to a specific country, and I don’t want to ask.

Since we started talking, we’ve kept the topics general and haven’t exchanged personal information. I want to keep it that way because there’s no way I can share any of my family details with him.

Just as I think of my impending return to Russia, Rodian comes back. He’s busy rolling up his left sleeve, and my eyes catch on the veins snaking beneath his skin.

Seeing a tattoo of a snowflake, every branch beautifully detailed, the top point longer with an N through it, I ask, “What’s the story behind your tattoo?”

Rodian turns his arm to glance at it, and the corner of his mouth lifts. “My cousin loves snowflakes.” He brushes his thumb over the ink before adding, “The N stands for north. A reminder of home, and a promise to myself to never forget where I come from.”