Page 46 of Fractured Ties

Konstantin shook his head, and turned back to his brother. “No, I just thought—”

It was the front door of the townhouse opening and closing that cut off whatever his brother was about to say. Kolya figured he didn’t need Konstantin’s confirmation because he now knew exactly what had caught Konstantin’s attention.

Maya coming back from her walk.

With Sumerki.

She’d taken on the task—Kolya didn’t see the harm.

“Kept them both, did you?” Konstantin asked as the sound of footsteps neared the living room. “That’s cute, Kolya. You’ve found two new pets to take care of, yes?”

Kolya dead-stared his brother until Konstantin grinned back in that smug fucking way of his. Sure, he had heard the joking tone of Konstantin’s voice, but it still rubbed him wrong all the same. He might have snapped something right back at his brother—nature of his beast, and their competitive relationship—had Maya not come to stand in the doorway of the living room.

She made him check himself.

Attitude and all.

Maya didn’t even seem to notice Konstantin sitting in the corner as she bent down to unclip Sumerki’s leash from his new spike-studded collar. Something Maya had convinced him to buy at a pet store when she’d also suggested the pup might like some toys.

To chew on, or some shit.

Kolya figured Sumerki chewed on him enough for him to be the dog’s toy, but who was he to fucking say? Apparently, puppies teethed like human babies.

And one could quickly spend a small fortune on their pets, too.

Kolya smiled at the way Maya seemed far more comfortable into her new situation with him. Time could make all the difference for a person—he suspected her life was a hell of a lot better now than it had ever been before.

As long as she kept smiling.

He was good.

“Oh, privet,” Maya greeted, not unkindly, although still a little stiff, when she stood up straight and finally noticed Konstantin sitting in the corner. “Konstantin, right?”

Konstantin flashed his teeth in a rueful smile. “That’s right, Maya.”

Kolya gave his brother a passing glance.

A warning, if you would.

Konstantin acted like he didn’t even see it. “You’re looking … well, yes? I assume my brother has been staying in line, then.”

Maya’s gaze darted to Kolya, and then back to Konstantin before she cocked an eyebrow and smiled widely. “You could say that.”

Sumerki decided that was the time he was done with nibbling on the end of his tail, and his yellow eyes landed on Kolya. Full steam ahead, the pup bounded across the floor—all legs and paws because his body wasn’t quite filled out just yet. Kolya bent down just in time to catch Sumerki in his hands after the dog went head over paws with a yelp.

Setting the pup back to his feet with a chuckle, Kolya placed Sumerki at his boots, and kept one hand on the dog’s head.

Training started now.

Sumerki stayed—quietly. The chewing on Kolya’s boots couldn’t really be helped, though. He didn’t do that to Maya’s things.

Kolya looked back at Maya. “Spasibo.”

She nodded. “Sure.”

“Get something nice on. We’re going to dinner.”

“Are we?”