Read My Russian Master (Service & Submission Book 3) for Free Online Page B

Caroline.”
    “Whatever.” She muttered under her breath, sliding into the vehicle. Jason rolled his eyes at Maxim.
    After Jason climbed in behind the steering wheel, and looking in his mirrors, he pulled into traffic at breakneck speed. Maxim pressed the privacy button on the panel, the glass partition between the backseat and the driver sliding down and out of sight. “I believe you have something to say to Jason, don’t you Carolee — Caroline?”
    She shot Maxim an angry glare, Jason’s eyebrows shooting up as he looked through the rearview mirror at her.
    “Jason, I’m sorry that I didn’t talk to you about Maxim staying at the penthouse. I put my safety at risk. I pay you to protect me and you can only do that if I keep you apprised of my schedule, and of invited guests to the house.”
    The lack of sincerity and flat affect bothered Maxim, and usually he’d push for a genuine apology. For today though, he’d let it slide.
    Jason smiled at both of them. “I think I like having you around already, Maxim. You’re forgiven, Caroline. And, yes, it is very important that I know the comings and goings in your life. I need to check people and places out ahead of time, not on the spur-of-the-moment. I appreciate it.”
    “Good girl,” Maxim whispered to her. “It’ll make his job easier. You understand that, right? It’s about keeping you safe. The most important part of having a healthy lifestyle staying being alive and unharmed, no?”
    “Yes. But I want to make it clear that I’m in charge around here. I make schedules and do things without having to seek permission.” She turned in her seat, her back stiffening. “Is that clear?”
    Maxim nodded at her. “I do understand. Again, we aren’t asking that you receive permission. It’s more like giving Jason, or I, the ability to see if anyone dangerous is around before you invite them to your office or penthouse. Does the difference make sense?”
    She relaxed a little and averted her eyes.
    Uncomfortable. Good.
    “Yes, it does make sense. I’ll do my best.”
    “See that you do.” He turned to look out his window. “I missed the spring rains in New York. They’re cleansing and relaxing. I know you New Yorkers see them as annoying, but they’re actually very nice.”
    The rest of the ride was quiet, with Maxim listening to the rain, horns blowing in the traffic, and watching all the busy people rushing and walking fast to go God knows where in their normal New York bustle.
    * * *
     
    A fter they pulled into their reserved space in the parking garage, Jason turned the engine off and came around to open the door. “I’m coming upstairs with you.”
    It was a statement, not a question. He wasn’t looking for permission, and then before she could answer, Maxim responded for her. “Of course, I’d expect no less. As a matter of fact, I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”
    Caroline rolled her eyes until they hurt. “Are you kidding me? Doesn’t anyone care what I think? You men need to settle down and remember who’s in charge here before I pull rank.” She rose to her full high-heeled height of six feet, and did her best to not be intimidated by all the testosterone of the two men still towering over her.
    Both men glared at her. Jason was the first to speak. “Do we need to discuss again , that you didn’t give me time to fully check into his background? Your safety is my job and your approval, or even liking my statement, doesn’t come into play right now.” He put a hand on her elbow. “Let’s go. I’m kinda anxious to see what’s for dinner.”
    Walking on her other side, Maxim stated, “Hopefully Caroline has enough food in pantry and freezer for me to impress you both.”
    She looked over at Maxim. Would he be upset if she didn’t have the food he needed? She hoped he didn’t write her off as a lost cause. She didn’t have very much in terms of groceries in her house, especially anything healthy or ingredients for fancy