His entire body shifted.
His hands extended instinctively — as far as the cuffs allowed.
He couldn’t reach her.
The nurse approached cautiously.
She placed the baby into his arms.
Slow.
Measured.
Careful.
The moment her weight settled against his chest —
Everything changed.
Ruslan froze.
Completely.
He looked down at her.
Not like a crime boss.
Not like a prisoner.
Not like a man who had killed.
But like a father encountering life for the first time.
His large hands — still restrained by metal — adjusted awkwardly around her tiny frame.
He held her like she was made of glass.
Like one wrong movement might shatter her.
His throat moved.
Swallowed.
His dark eyes glistened — something raw and unfiltered surfacing.
“She’s...”
His voice broke.
“...small.”
The word came out almost in disbelief.
Then softer:
“She’s perfect.”
His thumb — rough from prison life — moved slowly near her cheek but stopped just before touching.
