And all it took was a cat who saw her exactly as she is.
Viktor steps up behind me. The woody gunpowder scent that lingers on his skin wraps around me. “Sofia is calmer today,” he comments.
I nod. There’s something warm about this whole scene that presses into my ribs, aching and sweet. Like this is where we’remeant to be. With people who understand us. “She is. Queenie might like her more than you.”
He huffs—that’s as close to a laugh as I’ll get. And I laugh as he pinches my hip.
We settle into a companionable silence as we watch them. Then I crane my neck and watch him instead. There’s a softness to his features most don’t catch. Most of the men don’t look him in the eye for long. And I love that it’s something only I see.
Others see the hardened man. The ex-special forces man who barks orders. The dangerous man who could kill you with a single movement. But this Viktor? The one holding me like I matter? That’s the one I study. I know his tells. The small crinkle at the corner of his eyes. That barely-there smile. He’s enjoying the picture of Sofia and Queenie together as much as I am. And that makes me melt inside and squeeze my legs a little tighter, shifting my weight and trying to ignore how he makes my body heat.
“She trusts Queenie,” he says softly. “Somehow that cat knows exactly what people need…”
My throat tightens. “She’s a smart cat. I’ve never quite seen anything like it.”
“She helps Sofia regulate,” Viktor replies. “Me too. I’ve never really experienced that before she showed up.”
I glance back at him. “Maybe it’s magic.”
His lip twitches. “Maybe.”
I shake my head, laughing slightly, as I turn back to Sofia and Queenie. For a moment, this is just a normal, sunny afternoon, and it’s easy to forget what lurks outside the Kremlin.
Almost.
Viktor pulls me closer, his chin resting on my head. These small touches from him bring a different kind of comfort. “She’s safe,” he says gently. Almost like he has a sixth sense, always knowing when I need reminding.
“I just wish it could stay like this…carefree.”
His hold tightens around me very slightly. “I’ll keep her and Leon safe. I’ll keep all of you safe. No matter what it takes.”
He’s said that to me every single day since I told him about Gennady. And God, do I want to believe him, but I know what Gennady is capable of. And that fear gnaws at my gut, fraying the edges of my hope.
“You’re all safe here,” he says again, turning my face up to his. His kiss is brief, but it eases some of my doubts, and my body relaxes.
We stay outside a little longer, soaking up the quiet before bringing the kids inside. Leon plays with his teething toys, Babulya looking on fondly. Sofia snuggles into the couch with her weighted blanket and Queenie stretched across her lap.
After a nod from Babulya, Viktor and I retreat to his office. He leaves the door slightly ajar before leaning against the desk, arms crossed. “I’ve been following Gennady,” he starts, his voice is low and even. Just hearing the name makes my skin crawl. “He’s being careful. Slippery. But we’re better.”
I brace myself. “Oh?”
He nods.
“And?” I try to sound casual.
Viktor motions me toward him. I step closer, and he takes my hand gently, his thumb rubbing the back of it. “He’s been going to the usual places. The rink, hotels, a couple of tourist spots. And some places he definitely shouldn’t be visiting.”
My stomach drops. “Like where?”
“A casino.”
“It’s Vegas. Isn’t that normal?” I ask.
“It’s not one on the Strip. There are some we watch. Know your enemy and all that.”
I press him for more details. “What do you mean, Viktor?”
“It means we need more intel. He’s smart. And I think he’s here for more than just skating. He may be involved in arms deals.”
