Page 194 of Merciless Daddy

“Good morning, little one.”

She looked at the notebook, then at me. “Did I fall asleep writing?”

“Yes.”

“Did I write anything embarrassing?”

“I did not read it. But it’s possible, I suppose.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“You’re lying.”

“I am not. Scout’s honor.”

She studied me another second, then softened. “Good. I didn’t have you down as a scout.”

I sat on the edge of the bed and brushed hair from her face.

“I suppose you still have a lot to learn about me.”

“Wait, are you actually a scout?”

I chuckled. “No, honey, not really. Hey, Tonio called. Let me know they made it to the ranch. Kiryl is fine.”

Her body tightened before I finished.

“He’s fine?”

“Yes. But I think you should see for yourself.”

I carried the screen from the sitting room into the bedroom. Yelena pulled the sheet to her chest while I connected the call.

Tonio appeared first.

He stood in a bright ranch kitchen wearing a black T-shirt with flour across the front. His hair was a disaster. Behind him, a line of guards moved through the room with plates and coffee.

“Ah,” he said. “The island prisoners have risen.”

“Show me Kiryl,” Yelena said.

“No hello? No thank you for babysitting your brother?”

“Tonio.”

“Such hostility before breakfast. It’s really not the done thing.”

Kiryl stepped into view.

He wore a faded shirt, shorts, and an expression of pure irritation. His pale face was pink across the nose and cheeks. A peeler hung from one hand.

Yelena’s entire body changed.

“Kirya.”

“Hi, Lena.”

“Show me your hands.”