"But Luca's not a stranger; he's my desk buddy."
"Even so, adults have to be there," Igor said, gentle but firm. "That's the rule, got it?"
"Okay," Stella said. "When can you take me, Daddy?"
"After I've met his parents and made sure it's safe."
I looked up and saw Igor on his phone, fingers flying. I grabbed it and saw he'd messaged someone to check Luca's family.
"Igor!"
"What?" He looked innocent. "I just want to know the kid's background. It's sensible, right? Elena, after the kidnapping, I have to make sure everyone around her is safe."
I studied him; his eyes were serious. He had a point. As parents, especially after that, caution made sense.
"Fine," I gave in, handing back the phone. "But just the background. Don't go overboard."
"I'm just protecting our girl," he said, taking it.
He sent a few more messages and set it down.
"Feel better?" I asked.
"As a dad, I'll never fully relax," he admitted, pulling me close. "But I can do what I need to. Elena, I know you think I'm overreacting, but—"
He paused, glancing at Stella playing with her blocks.
"I almost lost her. I never want to feel that again," his voice dropped. "So even if it's a five-year-old boy, I want to know who he is, what his family's like. It's not distrust; it'sprevention."
I got it. The kidnapping had scarred us all. Igor knew this world's dangers better than anyone; he just wanted to shield us his way.
"I understand," I said. "But don't stress too much. She needs a normal childhood, friends."
"I know," he kissed my forehead. "I'll keep it in check."
Before bed, I lay there while Igor reviewed Luca's family file.
"Well?" I asked.
"The kid's family's normal," he said, setting it aside. "Parents have regular jobs, nothing shady."
"So you're good?"
"For now," he said, sliding under the covers and pulling me in.
I laughed, nestling against his chest.
"You're still going to the kindergarten?"
"Yeah," he said. "But just a regular parent visit. Nothing weird."
"Good."
In the dark, he murmured, "She's growing up too fast."
"What?"
"Stella," he said. "Already getting candy from little boys. In a few years, it'll be flowers, love notes..."
