Page 190 of Betrayal and Vows

Dmitri clears his throat. "We need to discuss the Volkov meeting next week. They're requesting face-to-face negotiations, and they won't accept anyone but you."

I nod.

It's inevitable that some situations require my personal attention.

The Pakhan can't remain completely invisible, no matter how much I would prefer it.

"Where and when?"

"Moscow. Thursday evening. I've arranged security, and Elena has agreed to stay with Lena and the baby while you're gone."

"I can take care of myself," Lena interjects, but there's no heat in it. She knows as well as I do that my enemies would love nothing more than to hurt her to get to me.

"You can," I agree. "But humor me anyway."

She rolls her eyes but doesn't argue further.

Alexei has finished eating and is now making contented baby noises as he looks around the garden with curiosity.

Everything is new to him, worth investigating with those serious blue eyes.

"He's going to be tall," Dmitri observes. "Look at those legs."

"He gets that from Anton," Lena says. "Everything good comes from Anton. The stubbornness and the appetite—those are Rostova traits."

"The intelligence comes from you," I counter. "And the beauty."

"The protective instincts come from both of you," Dmitri adds. "I swear he glares at strangers just like his father."

As if summoned by our conversation, another car appears on the driveway.

This one I recognize immediately—Elena's modest sedan, which she drives whenever she visits from her new apartment in the city.

"Grandmother's here," Lena announces to Alexei, who responds by blowing a spit bubble.

Elena emerges from her car carrying what appears to be another care package.

She's never been happier than she has this past year.

She spoils Alexei shamelessly and has appointed herself chief advisor on all things baby-related.

This will likely be her last visit before winter sets in.

Spain has been good for her.

She’s slowly spending more time in Russia, but we all understand how difficult it is for her.

"There's my grandson," she calls out, her face lighting up as she spots Alexei in Lena's arms. "And there's my beautiful daughter. Anton, you look like you need more food. Are you eating enough?"

"Hello, Elena," I say dryly. "Yes, I'm eating plenty. Lena makes sure of that."

"Good." Elena settles into the fourth chair, immediately reaching for Alexei, who goes to her willingly. "This little one is getting so big. Are you ready to start him on solids yet?"

"The pediatrician says another month or two," Lena replies. "Though Dmitri keeps trying to speed up the process."

"Baby steps," Elena says firmly, shooting Dmitri a look. "Literally. Let him be a baby."

"He needs to toughen up eventually," Dmitri protests.