“She’s pregnant,” I said, and smirked when he choked.
Chapter 81
Iskra
My mother barely looked at me as she dove straight for Runa. I couldn’t blame her—Runa looked magnificent in her sky blue dress, matching cardigan and bow sitting high on her head. The intricate floral details at her waist were eye-catching and her soft leather shoes were designed to stay on her feet.
I was still staring at her when my father pulled me into a sudden hug so tight it knocked the air from my lungs.
Ahh. Men. Such simple creatures.
They could react like a beast and blame the victim for provoking them, then justify everything over a drink at night. I patted my father’s back, alleviating the guilt he carried without naming it. He patted the top of my head like a pet and moved on.
Ruslan was next. My man in arms. I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head on his chest, swallowing when I registered how much of a man he looked at eighteen. Barely the boy I remembered.
My head flew up, nearly catching his chin.
“You’re still reading, yes?” I asked. He rolled his eyes.
“Yes.”
“Good boy,” I said, patting his cheek.“In a quiet pool, devils dwell.”
Brains were required. Keep your intentions hidden, strike when necessary, retreat not in defeat but to fight another day. The old proverb was a warning against what lived within people. Against trusting appearances.
“Indeed,moya zhena,” Vadim said, moving behind me. The warmth of his hand settled on my back.
Galina watched us from across the hallway, clutching her husband’s arm. For once I didn’t feel the familiar irritation at her manner.
I released Ruslan, who moved to join my parents around Runa.
“Nice of you to join us,” I said pleasantly.
Her eyes flicked to Vadim before she nodded and moved past me. Her husband attempted to greet Vadim but she pulled him along through the hallway. She glanced at Runa before her attention shifted to the artwork on the walls. Her husband said something to her that didn’t please her. She dropped his arm and wandered into the living room.
I wasn’t angry with her. I couldn’t be. Neither of us had been given a choice about who we married. Konstantin appeared from the living room doorway and joined the gathering.
This was family, whether I liked it or not.
My parents were already bickering over Runa—would she say babushka or dedushka first? She babbled constantly to herself but hadn’t produced an actual word yet. The debate was heated regardless.
“You’re as sly as a fox,” Vadim murmured beside me.“You should have come with a warning label.”
“I don’t know what you’re referring to,” I said with a sniff, and walked away from him.
His laughter followed me.
I smiled and joined the chaos.
??????
My mother had barely released Runa. I’d kept aside some breast milk for her, knowing the visit might overrun. My mother hummed contentedly as she fed her. Konstantin stepped into my line of sight, blocking the view.
“Thank you for inviting me to lunch,” he said, swirling the clear liquid in his glass.
“You’re family,” I said with a smile.
“My honorarysestra,” he said, raising his glass to me.
