Page 41 of Inked in Devotion

“We also have an army of house staff with an experienced housekeeper—Sorcha, you’ll meet her tomorrow. I don’t know what I’d do without her.” She glanced at Dora. “You’ll like her.”

Sebastian was trying to wiggle out of my arms. “No, not yet.”

“He’s excited,” Kolya said. “Here, hand him to me.”

Sebastian went willingly and started clapping Kolya’s face again.

“This is still like an alternate universe,” Lucy whispered to me.

“I’m not used to it,” I whispered back.

“Why don’t you all get some rest?” Kirill said.

“It’s way past his bedtime.” Dora approached Kolya and Sebastian because he was trying to get out of his father’s arms as if he couldn’t find relief from what was plaguing him. He fell into Dora’s arms willingly.

“It’s not the sleeping gas, is it?” I asked, worried.

“No. He’s just overstimulated. Come on, let’s give him a bath,” Dora told me.

Lucy and Kirill made their exit. “Breakfast at ten? I want to introduce you to everyone.”

I smiled, suddenly exhausted. I couldn’t wait to get out of my cocktail dress. Sebastian had drooled over it.

“Sounds good.”

I startled awake. I turned over immediately and reached for a sleeping Sebastian. He was dozing off peacefully.

But my heart was pounding erratically. Was I still having a delayed reaction to what happened tonight?

There was a gap in the shades of the windows, with creepy moonlight streaming in. Was someone outside? I got out of bed and drew the curtains tighter.

Maybe it was one of the guards making the rounds? I wished this wasn’t a one-level house.

I slipped back into bed, but sleep eluded me.

What happened tonight was my fault.

My gaze fell on Sebastian. No kid deserved to be in danger because of his mother’s choices.

I grabbed my phone and scrolled down to Marena’s number.

Shit. It was one a.m.

I should call her tomorrow morning and schedule a session, especially after what happened. Also, get more of that chamomile tea, but it didn’t seem to help tonight. I even included it when we grabbed the necessities before we came over.

Maybe I needed something stronger.

Only for a little while.

Chapter

Nine

Kolya

“What are you doing standing there?”

I stopped pacing in front of Chloe’s closed bedroom door and glanced over my shoulder at Dora, observing me with amusement.