Free The Russian's Stubborn Lover (The Fedosov Family Series Book 1) by Leslie North Page B

she failed to show for lunch or dinner. Asking Mrs. Padrov, he discovered that she had eaten, just not with him. “Tomorrow she eats here with me, or she doesn’t eat. See that my wishes are carried out.”
    Mrs. Padrov nodded, grinning as she exited the dining room. Julia and Dmitry were circling each other like two dogs in a fight. She looked forward to seeing the outcome unfold before her eyes. She had known Dmitry and his brother since they were small boys, and Dmitry had always been the more serious child.
    Now that he had assumed the reins of the company, any spontaneous or fun-loving part of him had been closeted away. The young American was the first sign of life beyond the company anyone had seen from him in almost a month.
    Mrs. Padrov stopped by the sitting room where Mrs. Fedosov was currently finishing up her correspondence. After a brief conversation, a plan was put into action. Both women would enjoy orchestrating Dmitry’s downfall into fun once again. Julia would also benefit in that she would no longer sit around the estate on the weekends by herself, holed up in her rooms with just her computer and a book.
    As Mrs. Padrov returned to the kitchens, she began planning tomorrow’s meal, knowing that there would most likely be some push back from one, or both, of the unwilling participants in the drama about to unfold.
                                                                                        *****
    Julia woke bright and early and headed downstairs in search of breakfast, hoping to do so before Dmitry awoke.
    Mrs. Padrov was alerted to her presence and rubbed her hands together in anticipation of what was about to take place. “Julia, I am so sorry. I had a rather bad night and overslept. Please forgive me, but I have not yet started breakfast. I will get right on it.”
    Julia smiled at the woman, “No bother. I’ll just join you in the kitchen for a bit.”
    Mrs. Padrov managed to look suitably shaken up and began to wring her hands. Julia was concerned and asked for an explanation, “What’s wrong?”
    “Well, it’s just…I’ve been asked to keep the guests out of the kitchen. I’m sorry, but I’m not allowed to let you eat in there anymore.”
    Julia firmed her mouth, “Dmitry?” she asked, wondering what other surprises were in store for her.
    Mrs. Padrov looked shocked and then shook her head, “No. Dmitry had nothing to do with it. Mrs. Fedosov made the request herself. She accused me of stealing your company for myself when she rather enjoys having you at the table with her.”
    Julia’s face lightened up and she smiled, “Well, I would hate to do anything to upset her. She’s been so kind to me, allowing me to stay here and all. Of course, I would be happy to take my meals with her from now on.” Never mind the overbearing man who was currently in residence. She would focus on Mrs. Fedosov and ignore him!
    “It will only be a few minutes. Coffee is ready, though.”
    Julia grinned, “Thank you. I’ll just have a cup while I wait.”
    “I was thinking of making you something special this morning. Do you like strawberries?”
    “Love them. And, Mrs. Padrov, whatever you make is fine. You are a wonderful cook and I’m sure whatever you choose to feed me will be great.”
    “I couldn’t agree more. One of the reasons I keep returning home to visit is for the food,” a deep voice said behind her.
    Julia whirled around to see Dmitry standing there in nothing but a pair of jeans and a light button up shirt. His feet were bare this morning and the incongruity of him not being fully dressed struck her as odd. She stared at his bare feet long enough, he cleared his throat to bring her eyes back up to his.
    “I trust you are feeling better this morning? You were missed at lunch and dinner yesterday.”
    Julia took the comment as it was intended. “I’m feeling much better. In fact, I believe