More likely they think you’ve robbed the cradle just like everyone else.
That, and they really think you’re an innocent lamb, too innocent to be with the likes of this family. Although Fyodor can’t be saying much.
“A word with you, Gorya,” Mitya said. “Fyodor and I have business to discuss before we go in.”
Evangeline looked horrified. “This is a celebration, Mitya. We agreed. A party. Fyodor, you promised me. Mitya, you gave your word to Ania that all of you would behave at least through breakfast so the family would have the time to give Maya a proper welcome.”
Gorya did his best not to laugh. That was Evangeline. She might be sweet, but she could stand up to Fyodor when no one else could or would dare to.
“Timur set them up to make fools of themselves,” Goryasaid. “It’s a brotherly cousin thing. They were just going to give me advice on how best to take care of my fiancée. She’s young, and they worry she might have a problem with the life. I’ve explained the difficulties to her. She’s gone into our relationship with her eyes open.”
“She can actually talk for herself,” Maya said.
That startled his cousins and made Evangeline laugh. “Good for you, Maya. Never let these men push you around.”
They went into the dining room to find it filled with family. His family. To his astonishment, Gorya found himself inexplicably happy to see everyone there. His cousins were married with wives they loved. Fyodor and Evangeline had twin boys. Fyodor was so proud of them he could barely stand himself. He made a good father. He was firm but surprisingly gentle, not raising his voice to them when they were rough little things, tumbling all over the floor the way kittens often did.
The two boys made everyone laugh with their antics, even Maya, and she was tense throughout the breakfast. Mitya and Fyodor asked her several pointed questions. Before Gorya could direct the subject away from Maya, Ashe or Timur did. Sometimes Evangeline did, as if she could sense that Maya was uneasy with so many people around her. Sevastyan watched her closely, but he was quiet—mostly, Gorya was certain, because his wife, Flambe, would look up at him with a small shake of her head if he started to ask Maya anything. Gorya liked that the women were so protective.
It was a good morning spent with his family. Maya began to relax a little after breakfast and they moved into the great room, where the twins showed off their tumbling skills and used Sevastyan and Timur for a jungle gym. Gorya caught Maya giggling a few times as she watched the little ones scrambling over the intimidating men.
Finally, he caught her hand, kissed her knuckles and told the others, “I’m going to show Maya around thegrounds. We’ll take my security with me. Don’t look disappointed, Evangeline, we’ll be back inside shortly. I just need to stretch my legs. You can get to know her in a little while. I promise.” He gave Gedeon a quick signal and nodded to Timur to alert Fyodor, Mitya and Sevastyan that they should be prepared to have their security personnel checked for traitors.
“The various security teams are outside on the grounds, Maya. We’ll take a stroll around to familiarize you with the layout, but mostly so we can walk through the men and get a reading on anyone you think is betraying Fyodor, Mitya, or Sevastyan,” he told her as they used a side door to go out into the large garden.
“Are you certain Wraith is going to behave herself surrounded by all those male leopards?” Gedeon asked. “Most of them are without mates.”
“She’s been very quiet lately,” Maya answered. “I think she’s getting close and gearing up for her big moment. Rogue would warn us.”
He would, wouldn’t he, Gorya?
Gorya tightened his hand around hers.Yeah, baby. They’re watching out for us too. They know we’re in a dicey situation. All the Amurovs are right now. If we’re going to protect Drake and shut down this ring, we have to play this thing just right. The timing must be fast and tight. Our leopards are on board. Both are.
She only has so much control.
She’ll warn you,he assured her.
Gedeon took her at her word because despite asking for Gorya’s reassurance, she had sounded confident. Matvei, Rodion and Kyanite accompanied them as they wandered outside, seemingly just walking along various pathways. Gorya knew Meiling was close, somewhere high. She wasn’t alone. There were other snipers on rooftops doing the same. With so many family members gathered, no one was taking chances.
The children were playing inside under close guard. Evangeline and Fyodor protected them carefully. Each time they had playdates with other children, even more guards were put in place. Gorya understood the need, but several times he’d seen Maya assessing the situation and she didn’t look happy.
You’re worried about having children.He chose a path that would take them through Timur’s security team.
Why would you think that?
Amusement shimmered in his mind.Nice way to avoid answering.
Her lashes lifted and she sent him a quick sideways glance from under them.I was giving myself time to think. Unlike you, I like to consider what I’m going to say before I commit to something.
She put a little pressure on his side to move toward his left. A couple of Timur’s men were lounging beneath a low-hanging branch drinking water. They looked as if they’d just come back from a run. Without missing a beat, Matvei engaged them in a friendly conversation. Gorya knew them well, and he spoke to them too, accepting their congratulations and introducing Maya.
She smiled demurely, looking as sweet and innocent as she could possibly look. Beside her, Gorya thought he appeared to be the big bad wolf.
They’re completely loyal. They think you robbed the cradle.
I did. I’m trying to feel remorse, but it’s just not happening.He waited, knowing she would circle back to his question. It was important to him, and she didn’t ignore anything important to him.
He greeted the men he knew as they moved through them. He’d been part of Fyodor’s security team from the beginning, working with Timur and then Sevastyan. He’d protected Mitya, so he knew the men on both teams. Somehe knew from the old country, like Matvei, Rodion and Kyanite.
