Page 46 of Anton

The second he sets it down, I start pulling out containers, hoping I can get everything unpacked before Anton comes home. He’s definitely going to get pissy about this, which, if I’m being honest, I don’t entirely mind. There’s something weirdly sexy about how moody he gets.

I’m reaching for the roasted vegetables when claws skid across the floor behind me. Before I can react, Volchok barrels into the kitchen like a furry missile, nearly knocking me sideways.

“Oh my God.” I burst out laughing as he shoves his giant head against my stomach, tail wagging hard enough to take out furniture.

He lets out a low whining sound and starts licking my face.

“I know, buddy. I missed you too.” I laugh, scratching behind his ears as he practically climbs on top of me.

His entire body wiggles with excitement as I pet him. It’s adorable how quickly a dog this size turns into a giant baby. Eventually, he relaxes enough for me to breathe again, sitting beside me and licking my entire arm.

“Good boy.”

I rub the top of his head, and his tail wags faster.

“I know you’re happy to see me, but I have to hurry and put all this food away before your owner gets home,” I tell him while grabbing a container. “And trust me, you’re significantly friendlier than he is.”

Volchok huffs like he agrees.

I slide the containers into the fridge one by one. Roasted chicken. Rice. Ribs. A few sides. God, I hope he actually likes all this.

But I had to do it. Food is one of the only ways I know how to take care of people, and this man needs a few home-cooked meals in his fridge.

“What are you doing here?”

I jump, spinning around so fast I nearly knock my hip into the fridge. Anton stands a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest, watching me with that cold, closed-off stare of his.

“I’m sorry. Uh, I made you food and your men took pity on me and let me in.”

His nostrils flare. “I’m going to fire all of them. In fact, no. I am going to kill them.”

My eyes expand. “Please don’t.” I take a cautious step toward him, still unsure whether he even wants me here. “I don’t need their deaths on my conscience. I only wanted to make sure you had something to eat.”

His jaw clenches, and his gaze flicks to the fridge, completely unimpressed.

“I thought you might appreciate it. The last time I was here, your fridge looked like a sad bachelor’s cry for help, so I figured you could use some actual meals.”

“I don’t remember asking you to feed me.”

“Yet here we are.” I offer him a bright smile. “You’re welcome.”

He just keeps staring at me, his chest rising and falling.

Okay…that’s not intimidating at all.

“Well…all right.” I scratch my temple. “I guess I’ll go. See you. Maybe.”

I head for the door, but one word stops me before I can move any further.

“Stay.”

My heart trips in my chest, and my feet instantly obey. I keep my back to him until the heat of his body gathers behind me and his fingers graze up my arm, the hesitant touch revealing how badly he wants to reach for me again.

When I finally face him, he’s already drawn away. His hesitant eyes trap mine, but beneath the distance is an unfamiliar need. The struggle of a man trying to hold on to something he has never had.

“Are you hungry?” he asks.

A smile warms my face. “I could eat.”