He shakes his head. “They look to have healed at different times.”
“So, what are you saying?” I demand.
His face is grim. “She suffered multiple fractures over an extended period of time.”
And then it hits me.
He’s telling me someone beat her.
Oh dear God.
Not much sickens me, but this knowledge makes bile rush up the back of my throat.
Was Geliy responsible? I’m not sure—because she was strong enough to leave him when she realized that she was in danger around him.
So, who then?
I won’t press her for an answer. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.
But when she does, I’m gonna make sure I break every single bone of the fucker who dared lay a finger on her.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
AVELINA
The next day, I’m bringing Sofia back to play in the rec room after taking her to wash her hands.
We round the corner and find Matvey in the rec room with Leon already on his knee. Sofia sits next to them, making sure not to touch them. Matvey rolls out the puzzle mat with the latest incomplete puzzle ready and waiting.
I can’t help my smile.
I settle into one of the sofas, watching as Sofia begins to meticulously work on the puzzle pieces with Matvey. Viktor sits down beside me, still giving me plenty of room.
“My hands still smell like that fucking baby powder.”The words are said just outside the door of the rec room, and they’re close and loud enough for Viktor and me to hear clearly.
“Tell me about it. I was on diaper duty while the bitch napped yesterday. I still can’t get the shit smell out of my jacket.”
I stiffen and swallow thickly, but I try to pretend that I haven’theard anything. I mean, changing diapers isn’t exactly anyone’s favorite job.
“I don’t get it.”
“Yeah, me either. Having to take care of her kids is too much.”
“We’re trained soldiers, not fucking babysitters.”
Viktor’s knuckles whiten as he tightens his fist on his thigh.
“She’s goddamn lazy, and the only thing she’s good at is using people. First Geliy and now Viktor.”
Acute embarrassment rolls through me like an out-of-control tidal wave. The words sting, especially the judgment over my mothering skills. I turn my head like I can’t hear them and try to focus on Leon’s squeal of laughter instead. I’m a guest here, and I don’t want to cause any trouble or tension between Viktor and his men.
Viktor stands abruptly, startling me a little.
“Viktor?”
He ignores me.
“And after that Geliy dude called her such a flighty bitch? I mean, it’s obvious what sort of mom she is.”
