Soldier Mine (Sons of War #2)(43)

“I can take care of myself,” I murmur then curse myself. I wanted to come across friendlier than I have been in the hopes there’s something between us on Petr’s end, too.

“I’m aware.” He chuckles. He draws abreast of me, and I sneak a glance up at him. His hands are in his pockets, or I’d be debating whether or not I should take his hand the way he did mine last time I was here.

Come to think of it, I have no clue how to tell him I’m interested and that the past and danger I never revealed to him in the first place is no longer an issue. My euphoria at the chance of an us quickly turns into anxiety and uncertainty when I realize I don’t know how it’s going to happen when I put so many roadblocks between us.

“Glad you made it,” he says.

“Thanks.”

“I kinda thought might not come.”

I sigh. “I know. I’m a jerk.”

He chuckles. “Never. But you are stubborn.”

“For a good cause,” I retort coolly and give him a look.

“I know.” He’s smiling down at me with warmth that melts my insides.

If I want to take a chance on him, I can. I do but am paralyzed. I don’t even know how to begin.

“Petr?” a woman’s voice comes from behind us. “Is this the girl Baba keeps talking about?”

We both turn to face the gorgeous brunette with Petr’s eyes. I recognize his sister, Katya, from her pictures. She’s eyeing me like I’m some sort of new species of reindeer. Trailing her, hand in hand, is a handsome man with chiseled features, a high and tight and dark hair, whose assessment of me is briefer, cooler.

“How long have you been seeing each other?” Katya asks with the territorial edge of a protective sister.

“Seven weeks,” Petr answers.

“We’re not,” I reply simultaneously.

Katya crosses her arms and looks between us. “What does that mean?”

“It means it’s none of our business, baby,” her husband replies softly and wraps an arm around her. There’s amusement deep in his gaze, and he’s looking at Petr curiously. “I’m Sawyer. This is Katya,” he says and stretches an arm towards me.

“Claudia.” I shake his hand.

Katya looks ready to say something else, thinks better of it, and rests her head back on her husband’s shoulder.

The quiet is awkward, and my face grows warm. Do I read anything into Petr’s claim we’ve been somewhat of a something or … is he teasing his sister?

“Okay, I have to say it,” Katya says finally. “If you’re anything like Petr’s bitch of an ex, I will find you and make you pay if you hurt him. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve beat up his girlfriend.”

I smile, understanding and sharing the concern she has for her brother.

“Kitty-Khav is my little defender.” Petr wraps his arms around his sister and gives her a bear hug until she objects. “Little being the operative word.”

“Sawyer taught me how to take you down, Petr!” she snaps.

I watch them wrestle for a moment, entertained. She gives up after a brief struggle then embraces her brother. He leans his head down to whisper something to her, and her gaze settles on me briefly.

“Petr’s a good guy. If he likes you, there’s a reason,” Sawyer says, calm where Katya is ready to drag me into the snow maze for a brawl. “He’s been hurt enough, though. He acts tough but he’s a softy.”

I listen, amazed by how close Petr’s family is. I don’t mind the warnings; they’re looking out for someone who is by far the sweetest, best man I’ve met. Petr deserves to be surrounded by people like this.

But me? Do I remotely fit in? Usually comfortable chit chatting with strangers, I’m drawing a blank around Sawyer and Katya. And Petr, too.

“I think our first official date is next week,” I manage finally. “Dinner I think.”

Petr’s attention shifts to me at the words. He releases his sister and meets my gaze with intent interest. “Interesting. Am I invited?” he jokes.

“Yes,” I murmur, face warm.

Before he can say anything else, we’re joined by two others.

Petr shifts to stand beside me without touching me. His nearness is enough to make me fevered, oblivious to the cold that had me shaking in my boots moments before.

“These are a couple of the members from my old team, Riley and Carter,” Petr introduces us.

I shake their hands. Riley is huge with a quick smile and Carter tall and bald headed despite the chilly weather.

“Guys, this is Claudia. She’s …” Petr drifts off.

“Don’t ask. It’s complicated,” Katya supplies.

Neither of the men appears fazed. I’m flustered, though. It’s an honor to meet people in Petr’s life, but when I have no idea where exactly I stand, it’s stressful.

“Baba wants you and Sawyer in the house, Katya,” Riley says.

“Doesn’t he always.” She sighs and glances at Petr. “You be good. You, too, Claudia.” With Sawyer in tow, she returns to the veranda.

“Us, too,” Riley adds with a wink at Petr. “See you in a few.”

I’m beginning to suspect Baba is manipulating things sometimes.