Chapter Twenty Maksim #2
“Evening, Maksim. My condolences on Danill’s death.”
“Don’t waste your t-time.”
Desmond's crack of laughter made me smile. “He was a bastard, wasn’t he?”
“D-Da, he was.”
“I suppose congratulations are more in order for you and Dima on your ascent to pahkan.”
“Thank you.”
“What can I do for you?”
“I need to b-be in your neighborhood.”
“Do you?”
“But not on a b-business matter.”
“Aye. What for then?”
Glancing at Sarah, I winked. “I have a lady who loves the cupcakes from O’Brien’s.”
Once again, Desmond’s laughter pierced my eardrum. “She must have a pussy of pure gold for you to put yourself in this position.”
Sarah gasped. Since Desmond was loud as hell, I knew she’d just heard what he said about her. “I think we can b-both agree it’s b-best to keep the pussy happy if we’re ever t-to get a crack at it.”
He chuckled. “Oh yes.”
When I dared to look at Sarah, steam could’ve been curling from her ears from the look she was giving me. I ducked my head to keep from laughing, which I knew would be the worst thing possible at that moment.
“Do I have your p-permission?”
“Considering you’ve made my day with your request, I couldn’t dare deny you.”
“I’m glad I could b-bring you joy, Desmond.”
“Listen, tell O’Brien to give you anything in the store. It’s on the house.”
“That’s t-too kind.”
“I insist. Tell him Lucky Seven will consider it a favor.”
“Thank you, Desmond.”
“You’re welcome.”
As I hung up, I quickly pushed the button for the partition. I knew Sarah was going to pounce, and the last thing I needed was for Oleg to hear.
Thankfully, the partition was in place when she practically shrieked, “Keeping the pussy happy?”
“You know I d-didn’t mean t-that.”
Throwing up her hands, she countered, “I don’t know. It seemed to roll off your tongue pretty effortlessly.”
“Sarah, I’ve known Desmond since I was a kid. He’s a disgusting pig, so I knew what buttons to push to get him on my side.” Giving her a pointed look, I replied, “And it worked.”
From her resigned expression, I could tell she believed me, but the last thing she was going to do was agree. Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest and stared ahead.
When we pulled into the bakery’s parking lot, Sarah's animosity faded slightly. Although I hadn’t initially planned on going in with her, it was imperative to do it now.
To her credit, Sarah didn’t protest when I threw open my door.
Instead, she waited for me to walk around the back of the SUV before she got out.
As I opened the door of the bakery, a bell tinkled over our heads. Before I could make the necessary introductions, the woman behind the counter beamed at the sight of us. “Sarah, I was just wondering when you were going to get by.”
With a smile, Sarah said, “I’m running a bit later today, Joyce.”
The woman’s gaze bounced from Sarah over to me. After taking me in, her hand flew to her throat. As she started backing away from the counter, I shook my head. “It’s okay. I’m not here to hurt anyone, and I have Desmond’s permission.”
Her auburn brows creased suspiciously. “You do?”
“Yes.”
Appearing doubtful, Joyce called, “Michael?”
Sarah shot me a fearful look. “It’s fine,” I reassured her.
Michael appeared with an apron covered in flour. At the sight of me, one of his hands started to dip inside the pocket of that apron.
Taking a step forward, I quickly said, “Desmond says Lucky Seven would consider it a favor to give us the cupcakes on the house.”
Michael’s hand froze. I knew Desmond had given me the code name in case things got tricky. With a nod, he replied, “It would be my honor.”
“Thank you.”
He came to his wife’s side. “Give her the cupcakes, Joyce.”
“Right. Of course.” She turned and fled to the back.
Michael gave Sarah a tight smile. “I didn’t know you were Bratva affiliated.”
“I’m not,” Sarah replied as I also said, “She’s not.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, Michael countered, “I would argue since she is standing beside you that she is.”
“It’s a long story, but I can assure you she’s not,” I replied.
Joyce returned with the cupcakes. “I sent two extra to make sure Sammy has some leftovers.”
Sarah smiled. “You know him too well.”
“He’s one of our favorite customers.”
“I’ll tell him you said hello.”
“Thanks.”
Sarah took the box of cupcakes and then turned to me. “Ready?”
Nodding, I then went to hold open the door for her. “Thanks again,” I called to Michael and Joyce.
“You're welcome,” Michael said almost hesitantly.
When we got outside, Sarah exhaled a ragged breath. “Oh my God.”
“See, I told you it would b-be fine.”
Her dark eyes popped wide. “Fine? The man I’ve known for years as a total teddy bear was about to pull a gun on us.”
“I’m pretty sure t-the g-gun was for me.”
“Yeah, well, he sure didn’t like the idea of me being a part of your world.”
With a smile, I replied, “Yes, I caught t-that.”
“I thought for a moment I was going to have to find another bakery to go to,” Sarah mused.
“B-But it all worked out.”
“I’m pretty sure things are going to be weird between us for a while.”
“Weird is better than blood-soaked cupcakes,” I teased.
“Maksim!”
Grinning at her, I held the door open. “Come on. Let’s get going before we’re any later, and your brother gets worried.”