Page 86 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

"Getting to know you, being your friend all this time—I'm already happy."

He stood with his back to the door, light framing his shoulders. "I'm leaving tomorrow. As my good friend, you're buying me dinner, right?"

Seeing him try so hard to act casual made my nose sting. I smiled and nodded. "Of course. What do you want? I've got steak and shrimp at home. I'll make you something."

Chris grinned, his eyes crinkling the way I remembered. "Then I won't hold back. I've been craving your black pepper steak forever. Nothing in any restaurant compares."

I put the roses in a glass vase in the living room, then headed into the kitchen.

Chris tried to follow and help, but I shooed him out. "You're the guest. Sit and watch TV. I'll be quick."

The range hood hummed low. I tied on my apron and started searing the steak. Oil sizzled and popped in the pan, the smell filling the air.

Chris sat on the couch, chatting with me now and then. It felt easy. Like all those other weekends.

I chopped broccoli, my mind wandering.

If I'd never met Ivan. If I'd never been dragged through all that mess—maybe I really would've said yes.

Chris was gentle. Stable. A life with someone like him was probably the best ending Alex and I could hope for.

I cooked two thick steaks and made a side salad.

At dinner, we didn't bring up the proposal again. We talked about school stories, Alex's performance on the soccer field, San Francisco's weather, his future plans.

Chris knew how to keep the mood light. The whole meal felt easy. Comfortable. Like any other hangout between friends.

After dinner, Chris insisted on helping clean up.

He rolled up his sleeves and stood at the sink, scrubbing plates with focused care. His back looked warm. Solid.

"Anna," he said, drying the last dish and turning to face me, "take care of yourself after I leave. If you run into trouble, call me. I'll quit my job and come back if I have to."

I smiled. "Don't talk like that. What kind of trouble would I run into?"

He smiled back and grabbed his jacket from the chair. "I should go. My flight's tomorrow morning. Still need to pack."

I walked him to the door. He leaned in and kissed my cheek.

"Anna. I hope you find peace. Happiness."

"Safe travels, Chris. I hope everything goes well for you."

He let go. Stepped into the elevator.

Goodbye, my best friend.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ivan

I stayed away from Anna during this time.

I was afraid Sergei would set his sights on her.

Even though I wasn't by her side, every detail of her life played out before my eyes.

Especially today.