“Settling in?” he asks.
I step between him and the children. “We’re fine.”
His eyes move to me, then back to Mila and Alexei. “I wanted to introduce myself properly. I’m Luca.”
Neither of them responds.
“You don’t need to do this right now,” I say.
“They live in my house. They should know who I am.”
“They’re four years old and overwhelmed. Give them time.”
He studies me for a moment, then takes a step into the room. I move to block him.
“Anna.” His voice is calm but firm. “I’m not going to hurt them.”
“I didn’t say you would.”
“Then let me talk to them.”
“No.”
His jaw tightens. “They’re part of this household now. I’m going to be in their lives whether you like it or not.”
“Not today.”
We stare at each other. I can see the calculation in his eyes, weighing whether to push this or let it go.
He lets it go.
“Fine. Dinner is at seven. You and the children will join me.”
“We’ll see.”
“That wasn’t a request.” He turns and walks out before I can respond.
I close the door and lean against it, heart pounding.
Mila looks at me with wide eyes. “Is that him? Our stepfather?”
“Yes.”
“He’s scary,” she whispers.
“I know, baby.” I kneel and pull her into a hug. “But I won’t let him hurt you. I promise.”
Alexei comes over and wraps his arms around both of us.
We stay like that, the three of us holding each other in this too-big room in this too-big house, and I wonder how long I can keep that promise.
6
LUCA
One Week Later
I’m halfwaydown the main staircase when I hear laughter from the garden.
