It’s not what Lachlan is expecting at all.‘No.’
‘He won’t take up space.’
‘My priority is the Penhalyx children.’
‘Vasily likes it here, he told me.I will pay whatever you want.’
‘Julian and Jessamine are my priority.’
‘I’m not asking you to make Vasily a priority.I’m just asking he be allowed to make home here while I travel for business.’
‘Why?’
‘Alistair has already agreed, you may check with him.’
‘Why do you want your son here?’
‘Because he is a gentle boy, withdrawn and shy.I see how you are with them, with the little one.I know what you think of us,’ Sorrenko adds, tiny hint of a defiant smile.‘Iknowwhat you think we are, but I am not Alistair.’
‘Oh, really?’
‘I love my sons, all of them.Roman will fulfil his duty.I’ll educate him in business as he grows into it.Vasily, however, is of no particular use to me.I would rather he be happy here.’
‘I can’t allocate resources to protect—’
‘Then train him.Teach him.Give him a job.We do not raise pampered boys, even in upper echelons.You are good soldier, Tanner.My boy Roman told me, and I know Vasily likes you.’
‘He likes me too much.’
Sorrenko snorts.‘That is your fault for looking like this,’ he points out, gesturing up and down and then sighs, more serious now.‘Not all swim well in the cold.Maybe here he can find his own waters, yes?And more importantly,’ Mikhail Sorrenko is quick to add, ‘I willoweyou.So, what do you think?’
?
Mimi’s fifth birthday party is the first day in months without the shadow of her father looming over the Estate.Lachlan and Blaire throw together a small party with minimal presents and maximum games.Mimi blows out five little candles on a cream cake with raspberries (not strawberries because Jules is allergic) and Vasily cheers alongside Lachlan, Blaire and Jules.
‘Happy birthday, princess,’ Lachlan tells her, nuzzling her cheek when she hugs him.‘Here.This one’s from me.’
‘Yes,present from Daddy!’she shrieks, ripping off the paper and opening the box.Inside is a small mother-of-pearl penknife, folded shut.‘For me?’she double-checks when Lachlan shows her how to use it, slow and careful, the blade is so blunt it’s basically a butter knife, but this type has all kinds of extensions on it, and she’ll keep busy learning them over time.
‘For you,’ he promises.‘Daddy will teach you how to use it.’
‘MaybeDaddycould teach me how to throw a punch finally,’ Blaire mutters, teasing.Though Lachlan gives a good-natured roll of his eyes, he knows without looking that Jules is subtly scowling.‘Here, sweetie, this one came for you without a note,’ Blaire says, pushing forward a large, heavy box wrapped in pastel rainbow paper.
Mimi seems hesitant.‘Who is it from?’she asks warily.
‘I don’t know,’ Blaire lies.‘It was outside the Cove.’
She opens it slowly, a little dent between her eyes, but then she sees the black box and brightens instantly.
‘Mari!’she squeals, opening the lockbox and scooping out her friend, the backpack Lachlan wore for weeks to seem less threatening.Mimi hugs the fox, kissing his fur.‘Imissed youso much!It’s OK now.I said it was only for a while.’She swings him onto her back, sighing happily, ‘Good boy for hiding.I’d never, never leave you behind.’
?
Lachlan tries talking to Jules later on when the sun is setting on Mimi’s birthday and the birds are chirping, and Jules is alone on the shore of the lake.
‘Good day?’he asks, sitting beside Jules.
‘It was.’Jules’ gaze is fixed on the rippling water.‘Vasily said he’s staying.’
