Leopard's Wrath (Leopard People 11)
She sighed and kept watching those passing by. According to Sevastyan, the foot traffic had increased by quite a bit in the last few weeks. That was good for Evangeline’s business, but not so good for those on security.
“Fyodor wanted to expand this room as well,” Evangeline said. “But after seeing how long it’s taking for Ashe’s coffee shop to be built, I said no. I don’t want my customers to listen to the hammers going all day. In fact, I was going to see if Fyodor could find a way for them to work in the evenings after I’m closed. I know that’s an inconvenience, but maybe if we pay more, it would be worth it to the crew.”
“That’s a good idea. Timur would like that as well.”
Evangeline made a face. “He wouldn’t. He likes being able to watch them like hawks. If he wasn’t down here, what if they snuck something into my kitchen? That’s how he thinks. Timur would prefer me to give up the bakery and stay at home. He thinks once I have the twins that’s what I’ll do.”
“You won’t?”
Evangeline shook her head. “I’m already working on a nursery here at the shop. I’ve been drawing it out, just the way I did this shop and Ashe’s coffee shop. Fyodor and Timur own all the buildings. The one beside the coffee shop is going to be empty in two months. I asked them if I could have that shop as well.” She flashed a small grin. “They think I really want to expand. I want to make a really nice nursery and playroom for the twins. That way I can have them down here when I’m working.”
Ania laughed softly. “I think you are amazing, Evangeline. How do you do it? I think I’m tough and then Mitya starts handing out decrees and I just seem to fall in line. You don’t argue, you just kind of do what you want.”
Evangeline shrugged. “You have to pick your battles with men like Fyodor and Mitya. All the cousins. They have certain things that really matter. Safety is huge to them. Huge. I watch Mitya’s face when he’s around you. He thinks the sun, moon and stars revolve around you. That’s dangerous, because his protection factor is already enormous. Couple that with the way he loves you and you don’t stand much of a chance of winning an argument when it comes to matters of safety. It just isn’t going to happen. You have to resign yourself to that.”
Ania shook her head. “I already have felt that edge with him a few times. Still, I love driving fast. It was always my outlet. I have this need sometimes for the big adrenaline rush, and I’d sneak out and street race. I’ve considered doing it a time or two. But then we have wild sex and the urge passes.” She laughed at herself but at the same time she felt a little guilty that Mitya could get around her so easily.
“Do you feel like racing is a big dream of yours? Because if it is, you need to talk to him about it.”
Ania knew it wasn’t. “No. Sometimes I just want that rush. Sex with Mitya is better.”
“Honey, if you really love him, you have to give him the things he needs. Do you really need street racing? No, probably not. You like it. You get a rush from it, but it isn’t something you need or crave with every fiber of your being. So concede there, jump him and get your rush.”
She looked around her and then gestured. “This shop represents my independence. My ability to rise above my childhood. I need it. I might not forever, but I do now. I had to sit my man down and let him know exactly what the bakery meant to me.”
“And he got it?”
“With some talking. The thing is, when they love you, when you’re their world, they will listen because they want you happy. Timur doesn’t care so much about my happiness as he does about my safety. He curses a lot, but he accommodates what I need. Now, Ashe. If she says she wants the shop and it’s important, that man will do handstands to give it to her. Still, she stays within the parameters he gives her for her safety.”
Evangeline leaned toward her. “But you deserve to have your dream, Ania, whatever it is. You sold your family business, so there must be something else you’ve always secretly desired.”
Ania looked into her latte as if that would give her answers. “I always thought I would have to take over the family business. I’m not very girly, but . . .” She hesitated and looked around again. “If I wasn’t driving, which I would love to do for Sevastyan, then I wouldn’t mind trying my hand at designing cars.”