Page 95 of Sexting my Bratva Daddies

My stuff. Tears stung my eyes as I took in the space. From the queen-sized bed to the open closet door, absolutely nothing had changed. “Please come in. I know you’re probably dying to say goodnight.” My poor choice of words skipped right over their heads as they crowded in behind me.

Misha turned on the small bedside lamp. “Will you still need to read to him?”

“He’ll probably wake up as soon as I put him down.” The excitement of travel never affected Luka. It put him to sleep. Which meant we might be up all night once he woke up. Oh, well. It would give us both a chance to come to terms with our change of scenery.

I bent and put Luka in the bed.

Viktor pulled the blanket up and tucked it beneath Luka’s chin. They each kissed him on top of the head. Misha ruffled Luka’s hair, then slipped into the hallway.

“I’ll be out in a few minutes. If he stays asleep.” I didn’t dare let myself hope one way or the other, but I’d sensed the rising heat in them the closer we drew to the penthouse.

This was our space, the place where we were whole and came together as one. Agreeing to come back here had ignited the need to be consumed by them. I hadn’t been with anyone since I left. I hadn’t wanted anyone. One look at them at the front door, and it all came back.

I perched on the edge of the bed and fixed the blanket over Luka, listening for the click of the closing door.

No doubt they stood on the other side, listening and waiting. I didn’t mind.

Had I made the right decision for Luka, or had I let my wants overshadow what was best for him? It was important for Luka to know his fathers. I’d questioned how I would explain his parentage to him not long after he was born. I had never dared to hope that they might be present for the explanation.

“They’re good men, Luka. Your fathers are great men, despite the world they live in. They’re strong and capable, and I love them. I hope you can love them too. I hope, for both our sakes, that this world does not consume us.” I never once imagined saying this to Luka inside this house, much less in this room with his fathers twenty feet away. It came out easy and genuine because it was true.

His deep, even breaths promised he hadn’t heard a word I said, which was good. It wasn’t exactly for him as much as the three men waiting for me on the other side of my bedroom door.

I should probably stay here with Luka in case he woke up, but if he hadn’t yet, then there was a very good chance he’d stay asleep all night.

“They deserve the chance to get to know you, kiddo. You’re a great kid. The best in the whole world, and I love you so much.” I kissed his forehead and listened to his breathing, making sure he was well and truly asleep.

A deep breath brought the mixed aroma of Luka’s soap and a lingering scent of the shampoo I’d used when I lived here.

So many memories lingered in these walls. I pushed to my feet and crossed the room. They might not want me tonight, or any night, but I had to face them instead of crawling beneath the covers and hiding.

I’d done enough of that, and I’d come back here to give us all a chance at making things right.

I paused halfway across the room and turned to face the window. New York stretched into the distance, lights from the city never allowing it to go fully dark.

This was the world I’d come to love.

This time, I would not let it go without a fight. Anton was no longer a problem, but now that I understood more about the Bratva, I could not push down the knowledge that being in power meant that someone would always be waiting on the sidelines, waiting to exploit a weakness.

Luka and I would not be their weakness.

36

MISHA

I couldn’t move. Five years. Five agonizing years. Hour after hour of missing her with an ache so deep, I drowned every fucking second.

And it had all been a lie. I’d been too shocked to be angry, and now, listening to her talk to our son, I understood why she’d abandoned us. I might not have been strong enough to do what she did, but I understood.

The constant pain in my heart had eased the longer I stared at her, and touching her knee in the car had been more than I could bear knowing that even though she agreed to come back here, she might not want us anymore.

I put my palm on the door and leaned my forehead on the wood, breathing in the knowledge that Peyton was here.

I was a father. I’d never dared to hope that might be in my future.

I hadn’t known I could love anyone more than I loved Peyton. I loved her more now than I had even thought possible five years ago.

The door opened, and Peyton stepped out. Her hair was longer, her body different but as beautiful as ever.