Page 79 of Cruel Love

“California?” she spits with disgust.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She rolls her big eyes. “Too much sunlight. It’s bad for your skin.”

I grin. “It’s nice to see you, too, Madam Lutrova.”

Her finger points up. “You saved my grandson. You can call me Nina.” She points behind me. “Who is this?”

“This is Dante Hart and Lucy Vaughn,” I say, turning to introduce them.

Nina glides closer to welcome them as a petite shape appears in the corridor.

“Fox?”

Sofia stands with one hand clenched over her heart. Her smile grows wider and she gasps.

“It is you!” she says, chuckling through her accent.

A bolt of warmth fills my chest. “Sofia,” I say, bowing my head in respect.

She rushes forward and throws her arms around my neck. “I can’t believe you’re here…” she says. “You look well.”

“Eh…” Nina titters.

I chuckle. “Well, I’m alive.”

Sofia takes a step back to look at me again. I know she’ll get the joke better than anyone. She’s a survivor, too.

“Some days, that’s all we need,” she says, glancing at Dante and Lucy behind me. “This isn’t a social call, is it?”

I shake my head. “No.”

She shows a bit of worry on her face but holds her smile.

Nina nudges my arm. “How many beds?” she asks.

“Uh…” I pause to think. “We may not need—”

“You two,” she says, pointing at Dante and Lucy. “Are you married?”

“Nina,” Sofia says, her cheeks pinking.

“Yes,” Dante answers, clenching Lucy’s hand.

Lucy’s eyes twitch wide-open, giving the lie away, but Nina doesn’t question it.

“I’ll prepare the guest suites,” she says. “Markov, will you please tell the kitchen to add some extra plates tonight?”

He nods and wanders toward the hall. “Yes, ma’am.”

I share a silent look with Dante. I hold up a hand, presenting a tight fist with my thumb laying across my fingers. He nods in understanding.

Nina waves us up the stairs. “I’ll show you to your rooms.”

I move to follow but Sofia takes my elbow. “Come with me,” she whispers.

I hesitate. “Well, I should—”

---