A pain forms in my heart, deep and twisting.
I’m sorry, kiddo. You deserved better.
Nico, never one to let anyone steal his thunder for long, nudges Alex, his grin as big as ever. “My papa can teach you to surf. Right, Papa?” He looks back at Luka, his eyes wide with expectation.
Luka lets out a small laugh, nodding. “Of course, but first, I think we need to getDyadyaDima—I mean,PapaDima—back on his feet. He’s gonna need a bit of time before he’s ready to hit the waves.”
Nico nods, all serious business, but I can’t focus on them anymore. I’m holding on, trying to keep my face neutral, keep everything locked down.
Don’t cry, you stupid bastard. Don’t you dare lose it here.
My fingers move, tightening around Alex’s small hand, my grip trembling. Alex looks at me, then carefully sets down his stuffed bear next to me, making sure it’s just right, its stitched-up face looking at me.
“Papa,”he says, his voice so innocent it cuts through me, “ouchiegoes away.”
I swallow, my throat dry, and I can barely speak, just nodding. “Thank you, kid.”
Before I can say anything else, the door opens again, and Sophia steps in. She’s sun-kissed, her skin glowing from all the time in the Hawaiian sun, her eyes bright, though there’s a softness there as they land on me.
“Mama!” Nico and Natalya shout in unison, rushing toward her. Sophia kneels down, scooping them up into a hug, her laughter ringing out like music in the room. “There you two are. I hope you weren’t causing too much trouble,” she says, her eyes flicking toward Luka for confirmation.
“Only a little,” Luka says with a wink. She smiles back, all warm and sweet, and for a second, I catch that soft, kinda shy love between them—something I don’t get, something I’m not sure I’ve ever had.
“All right, you little rascals,” Sophia says, ruffling Nico’s hair as she stands, her eyes sweeping over the room. “How about we go get some lunch? DyadyaDima needs rest.”
She turns back, guiding the children toward the door. Nico and Natalya follow, chattering about what they want to eat.
Luka is next to move, striding toward the door. He pauses just before stepping out, his eyes locking on me with that familiar intensity. “Rest.You’ll need it,” he says, his voice firm, almost like an order, before he disappears through the doorway.
Erik is right behind him, moving with a little more swagger. He reaches the door, then stops, turning back for just a second. He gives me a wink, a grin tugging at his lips. “Congrats, Papa D,” he says, his tone light, teasing, before he slips out of the room.
Alex stays for a moment longer, giving me one last look, his eyes wide and hopeful. “Ikwomeback, Papa?”
I nod, managing a small smile. “Yeah, kid. I’ll be here.”
He beams at me before scampering off after the others, leaving just Sophia and me in the room. She waits until the door clicks shut, then steps closer, pulling a chair beside the bed.
For a moment, we’re quiet, and I can feel her gaze on me, assessing, taking in every bruise, every scar.
“You know,” she starts, her voice soft but firm, “Alex has been waiting for you.Wren…she was scared, and she ran, but that kid always knew there was more to his family than just Momma. He knew something was missing. And now, he’s got you.”
I turn my head slightly, meeting her eyes. There’s something there—an understanding, a warmth that makes my chest feel tight.
“You’re gonna be great at this, D,” she continues, her voice full of certainty. “I know it. The way he looks at you… you’ve got a chance here to be everything he needs. And I’ve got no doubt you’re going to be the best damn papa he could ever ask for.”
I swallow hard, my throat dry. “You think so?” My voice barely comes out—a rasp, almost a whisper.
Sophia smiles, her eyes softening, and she reaches out, giving my shoulder a squeeze. “I know so. You just need to believe it, too.”
82
Dimitri
Idon’t know how long I’ve been out, but I know my body’s betraying me. Every muscle aches like I’ve been run over by a tank—twice.
Yob tvoyu mat, this better not be me getting old.
My head feels heavy, pain radiating from everywhere.
