Kirill’s voice from behind startles me so badly, I almost jump out of my skin. I whip around, my phone jerking, already halfway back into my pocket.
“What are you doing here?” I ask too quickly.
The second the words leave me, I see his gaze drop to the pocket where I shoved my phone. It remains there a beat too long.
“I thought you were going to be at work for a few more hours.”
“I was supposed to be.” He keeps walking toward me, sunlight catching on the gold, diamond-encrusted watch at his wrist. “But the meeting got canceled, so I came home.”
He watches too closely, like he’s trying to figure something out, and it terrifies me. Then he stops in front of me, reaching up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“Are you not happy to see me, detka?”
My eyes skim over the dark gray dress pants and the white shirt stretched over the hard lines of his body.
“Of course I am.” I fiddle with the hem of my shirt. “You just startled me, that’s all.”
Before he can say anything else, Lev jumps off the swing and runs straight toward him.
“Privet, synok.” Kirill bends and kisses the top of his head. “I hope you had a good day.”
Lev doesn’t answer. He just clings to his father, smiling so hard it softens Kirill’s features.
“How about we go inside and get a snack?” he asks.
Lev nods and reaches for both of our hands, tugging us toward the house. As we go, the phone burns in my pocket.
And I can’t stop wondering how much longer I can keep this up before it all comes crashing down on me.
KIRILL
I didn’t miss how she startled when she heard my voice, or how quickly she shoved her phone into her pocket like she was hiding something. I don’t like being made a fool of. And if it’s that man from the photographs calling her, I’ll end him.
Lev and Sloane are on the rug now, lining up puzzle pieces with quiet concentration, their heads bent close together. The sight almost pulls my attention away, until my phone vibrates in my hand.
I step toward the windows overlooking the yard before glancing down at the screen.
Jace Whitlock. What doeshewant?
“Yes?”
There’s a long pause on the other end, followed by a rough exhale that already sounds irritated with itself.
“So…” He clears his throat.
“What the hell do you need?”
Another breath, heavier this time.
“I’m calling because—” He stops, muttering something under his breath that sounds suspiciously like a curse. “Jesus. This is ridiculous.”
Dark amusement curls across my mouth. This should be good.
“Get to the point, Whitlock.”
There’s a scuffle on the other end of the line, followed by another voice I wasn’t expecting.
“Dad, give it to me!” Rue huffs, and then… “Hi! It’s Rue!”
