He just handed me a way out. A job. Safety. A bed that isn’t the backseat of my car. A future where I might actually get my son back.
And after all of that, I’m still the one who’s going to hurt him.
CHAPTER THIRTY
SLOANE
I waketo his scent still clinging to the shirt. I don’t remember where I am at first, only registering the softness of the mattress beneath me and the weight of the heavy comforter over my legs, sunlight cutting a pale line across the far wall.
Then last night crashes back in.
Eli. The auction. The gun. Kirill’s hands on me, pulling me off that stage like I was never meant to belong to anyone but him.
Panic stirs in my chest as I wonder if Eli will reach out today, but I force it down and push myself upright, the shirt sliding off one bare shoulder as I head toward the bathroom. A note waits on the chaise beside folded clothes and a pair of brand-new sneakers. I lift the thick paper and read his handwritten words.
I picked these up early for you just so you have something for breakfast. Come down when you wake up.
I trace the letters with my fingertip like an idiot. He went out before I even woke up just to make sure I had something to wear.
My God…how am I supposed to not fall in love with him? How is this fair?
I take the towel and robe and head into the bathroom for a quick shower, using his shampoo and soap and hoping he won’t mind. The hot water feels good, and I close my eyes, letting it run over me like it might wash away the ugliness still sticking to my skin.
When I’m done, I dry my hair, dress in the leggings and tank top he left for me, and step back into the bedroom.
My stomach growls as I move into the hallway. At the landing overlooking the foyer, I spot the same guard from last time posted near the stairs. This time, I know where the kitchen is, so after greeting him, I head that way, catching Lev’s laughter drifting closer.
When I make it to the kitchen, I find Lev sitting at the table with a plate in front of him, the long table covered in more food than two people could ever finish.
Kirill stands near the stove, coffee mug in his grip, broad shoulders relaxed in a way that makes him feel lighter somehow.
He looks over the second he sees me, and the smile that spreads across his face is immediate.
“Dobroye utro,” he says, voice low and gruff. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” Shyness creeps over me, my face warming as I move closer.
Lev’s eyes round, and the moment he sees me, he rushes off the chair. He barrels into me, arms wrapping around my waist, his cheek pressing into my stomach hard enough to knock the air right out of me.
“Hey, buddy.” I bend to hug him properly. “I missed you too.”
When he finally pulls back, he flashes me one of those rare, full smiles that make even the worst day better. I now realizehe only gives them to certain people, and maybe I’m one of the lucky ones.
He takes my hand and pulls me over, then shoves the chair beside his out. “Sit.”
I bite back a laugh at his cute authoritarian, sweet command. Like father, like son.
Kirill chuckles as he moves back to the table. “Yes, please sit and eat. My cook made more than enough.”
“Yeah…” I glance around the table again. “I can definitely see that.”
“Coffee?”
“Sure.” I nod. “Milk and sugar, please.”
He picks up the carafe and an empty mug, pours me a cup, then sets it in front of me before grabbing a plate from the center of the table and loading it with food, most of it unfamiliar.
“If you’re going to be staying with us…” His eyes flick up to mine. “You might as well get used to eating a lot.”
