Page 114 of Queen’s Gambit

After another busy birthday yesterday, Eddie had spent all day today with Lilya. They walked the paths through the forest and talked about things that no two-year-old should even be interested in, let alone have an opinion. If they weren’t doing that then Eddie was reading to her, or they were playing with her new flashcards.

Lilya amazed me every day, but watching Eddie with her was incredible. It was like they never spent any time apart. He went way overboard on her birthday. So many books and memory games that would’ve made any other child cry. But Lylia studied the world of knowledge at her fingertips with wonder.

“Tiger,” Lilya said, pointing at the page. She yawned and cuddled closer to Eddie, her raggedy old stuffed animal clutched in her arms. Her eyes were only half open.

“I think it’s time for bed,” Eddie said, and Lilya nodded.

Eddie smiled at me, and I had to bite my lip to keep from bursting into tears. I would’ve had twenty children with him. My ovaries confirmed it when he stood, tucked Lilya in, and kissed the top of her head.

He moved her sippy cup closer to the edge of the nightstand so she could easily grab it. Then turned on her nightlight before slipping out the door. I shouldn’t have been surprised that he knew her bedtime routine. He knew everything about Lilya after only being told once.

Grabbing his hand, I dragged him down the hall to the room I’d claimed at my mother’s retreat and pushed him inside. He smiled and chuckled when I closed the door and practically mauled him with kisses as my hands roamed over his body.

He pulled off the T-shirt he was wearing, and I licked my lips.

“Did you miss me, Ana,” Eddie growled against my neck, making me shiver.

“Yes, every second of every day,” I said, the last word ending in a moan.

“Do you want me to make love to you or fuck you?”

“Fuck me, right now. I need you to fuck me hard. Make me yours all over again.”

The rumble in his chest had my knees shaking and I had no idea how I stayed vertical.

“You’re mine,” he growled, nipping the sensitive skin under my ear.

I squealed as Eddie grabbed my ass and dragged me up his body. Between the sweetness that came so naturally and the burning passion in his eyes, it was a miracle I didn’t melt or combust whenever he was near.

“I love you,” I said as he laid me down on the bed.

“I love you more.”

I smiled.

“Impossible.”

Lilya – Three Years and Two Months Old

As much as I didn’t want to do this, I had to admit that Lilya looked adorable in her little velvet dress, patent leather shoes, and winter coat. She was like a miniature movie star and even flicked her hair over her shoulder like she knew tonight was a big deal.

Christov had insisted that we go to the Nutcracker Ballet. It was a tradition with his family, and considering that I hadn’t seen the Ivankovs since the shower they threw for the ‘twins’ birth, they expected us to attend with the children.

“You look beautiful, baby,” I said, and her eyes, so much like Eddie’s, lit up.

“I’m pretty,” she said, smoothing down her dress and making me laugh.

“Yes, you are. We better get going, or we’ll be late.”

I took her small hand in mine and left the nursery. Vlad waited in the hall wearing a tux, his eyes still as focused as ever.

My eyes narrowed as we reached the bottom of the stairs and saw Alina standing with Christov and Sabastian. I didn’t want Christov, but that didn’t mean I liked Alina. She was conniving, and I trusted her less than him. There was also the respect issue. We didn’t have a normal marriage, but I disliked being forced to go out in public with his mistress as a third wheel.

When Sabastian saw me and Lilya he pulled away from Alina and ran over, hugging my leg. He really was an adorable child despite his parents.

“Yu-ee-anna,” he chimed cheerfully.

“Hi there, Sabastian. You look very handsome,” I said, squatting to hug him and then pretending to straighten his collar. He smiled wide.