Ivan 2 (Her Russian Protector #9) - Roxie Rivera Page 0,44
price that’s not so eye-watering.”
He considered for a moment and then smiled. “I have something you’ll like. It came in yesterday from my lot in Conroe.” He led us toward a row of vehicles next to the rear of the building. “These haven’t been put into our local system yet. That’s why they’re over here.” He stopped in front of a shiny silver GLS. “It’s two years old. One owner. Less than ten thousand miles. It basically sat in her temperature-controlled garage the whole time she owned it.”
“Why?” I wondered as I opened the driver’s side door for a better look.
“My GM told me she changed jobs after she bought the car and started working internationally. She decided to move overseas, and this was one of the last things she sold.” He gestured for us to explore the vehicle. “I’ll grab some keys, and you and your sister can take it around the block a few times.”
“I like this one,” Ruby announced after she hopped up into the passenger seat. “It feels a bit roomier.” She turned in her seat to look at the middle row and cargo area. “You could probably fit two car seats in there comfortably. You wouldn’t have to upgrade to a minivan until you have three kids.”
I made a face at the idea of three little Ivans running wild in our home. “Let’s just start with one.”
She laughed. “Unless you end up with twins on your first go.”
“I don’t know if I’m ready to go from no kids to two at once.” I couldn’t even imagine the logistics of that. Two cribs, two car seats, double the bottles and diapers, and laundry and baths. “You’ll have to stay with us forever.”
She snorted. “Not a chance. I’m planning to be the aunt who fills them up with sugar and noisy toys and then drops them back off at your house.”
“Wow. Thanks,” I replied dryly. “So helpful.”
“Here you go, Erin.” Alexei returned with the key fob. “When you get back if you want to talk numbers, we can, or I can find something else for you to try.”
We didn’t need to try another vehicle. After the test drive, I decided I wanted it. The negotiation was painless and quick. The price he offered was fair according to what Ruby had found on the internet while we were on our test drive, and the discount on the warranty and service package I wanted made it a no-brainer. It was only when we got to the financing that we disagreed. Ivan had instructed Alexei to invoice him for the full price, but I wanted to finance it under my own name to continue building my credit profile. Another ten minutes of furiously texting back and forth with Ivan ended in me getting my way, much to Alexei’s amusement.
“Thank you for bringing me,” Ruby said a short time later as we left the dealership. “It was nice to do something normal.”
“Is there anything else you’d like to do today? We can grab a late lunch after your appointment,” I offered.
“Steak?” she asked hesitantly. “I can’t remember the last time I ate a really good steak.”
“Then we are definitely going to a steakhouse,” I decided. “Any one in particular?”
As we debated where to get the best steaks in a not too crowded restaurant, I followed the navigation prompts on my phone. Next to me, Ruby radiated nervous energy. Even though she had served her time in prison, she had months and months of probation to finish. If she made any mistakes, they could send her back to jail.
“Do you want me to come inside with you?” I asked after I found a spot to park.
“I don’t think they’ll let you come into the meeting,” she said, looking decidedly anxious.
“I don’t mind sitting in the waiting room.”
“No?”
“Nope.”
When we entered the austere building, we were directed to a security checkpoint and then to the elevators. The entire building smelled stale and slightly sour. The lighting was poor, and the chairs in the waiting area outside the probation intake offices squeaked and wobbled precariously. While Ruby checked in for her appointment, I picked a few brochures off the end table next to my chair and skimmed through them.
“I wonder why they changed it from probation to community supervision?” I flashed the brochure at her as she took her seat.
“Someone probably did a study that said that it was better for an ex-con's self-esteem.” She unlooped the elastic tie holding her auburn locks out of