Page 197 of Merciless Daddy

“Okay,” he said quietly.

Yelena looked down at the sheet gathered in her hands. I reached for her fingers.

Kiryl cleared his throat. “You should enjoy the island.”

“I am enjoying it.”

“You sound like Father when he insists he’s having fun. Like you’re hiding something.”

Tonio choked on his coffee.

Yelena’s eyes widened. “You little shit.”

“There she is,” Kiryl said, smiling. “That’s my sister.”

After the call ended, Yelena sat quietly for a while. Then she looked at me.

“You think I’m too protective of him.”

“Not exactly. But I think he’s older than you realize, and a lot more sensible. Resilient, too.”

“I still see him as small. My father was always so mean to him. His least favorite child.”

“I understand. You feel protective.”

“I don’t like it about myself. So anxious.”

“Don’t be hard on yourself. It comes from love. And when you two have been safe for a while, it will be easier.”

Her fingers tightened around mine.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Her eyes went bright. She looked away toward the water.

I gave her a minute.

Then I stood.

“Get dressed.”

She looked suspicious. “Why?”

“Second date. It’s happening. The time has come.”

“Sound ominous.”

I laughed. “Hopefully not! But I suppose we’ll see.”

She smiled despite herself. “Where are we going? How should I dress?”

“A neighboring island. Weather much the same. Dress to make yourself feel happy.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Refuse? The date that you practically begged me for?”