Page 45 of The Arrangement

As we make our way to the penguin habitat, there's this warmth in Maksim's eyes that I haven't seen before. It's touching, really, seeing how he's completely wrapped around her little finger.

At the penguin exhibit, Adelina's practically glued to the glass, her laughter filling the air as the penguins dive and play. "Look at that one, Papa! He's doing flips!" she exclaims, pointing eagerly.

Maksim leans down, his voice low and warm. "He's showing off for you, I think."

This whole scene is like a snapshot of a life I'm only just starting to understand. With Irina off visiting her son for the weekend, it's just us, a little makeshift family navigating a day out. And it's nice. More than nice, actually.

"I wish Irina was here," Adelina muses aloud, glancing up at her papa.

He smiles at her gently as he explains. "She deserves a break. Plus, it gives us a chance to spend time together, just the three of us."

Adelina turns to me, her eyes gleaming with an idea. "Tory, if you were an animal, what would you be?"

I ponder for a moment, then play along with a smile. "Hmm, maybe a dolphin? They're smart, love to have fun, and they stick together."

Adelina claps her hands, delighted. "I like dolphins! You can be the dolphin, and I'll be the penguin. We can be zoo buddies!"

Laughing, I nod, fully on board with our new imaginary roles. "Zoo buddies for life," I agree.

Hanging out at the zoo, watching Maksim with Adelina, I'm hit with how much he shields her from his other world. And me? I'm diving headfirst into it, unsure but intrigued by the complexities of this man who can switch from Bratva boss to doting dad in a heartbeat.

As we wrap up our zoo adventure, I find myself caught between the laughter and the reality of stepping into their world. "You know, Maksim, today’s been really something," I say, trying to capture the whirlwind of feelings.

He grins, his hand finding mine. "Just the start, Tory. There's a lot more where that came from."

After the zoo, we decide to make the most of our day in the city. Maksim, ever the planner, has a few tricks up his sleeve, and Adelina's bubbling excitement is contagious.

"Okay, team," Maksim announces with a grin that's too charming for his own good, "next stop, Millennium Park. Ever seen your reflection in a giant bean?"

Adelina bounces on her toes. "A giant bean? Like, for real?"

I laugh, caught up in the fun. "It's like a giant, shiny jellybean, but way cooler."

The Bean, or Cloud Gate if we're being formal, doesn't disappoint. We take turns making faces at our distorted reflections, and Maksim captures the moments with his phone, the perfect mix of tourist and doting dad.

Lunch is an adventure all its own. "Deep dish pizza," Maksim declares, and who am I to argue with a Chicago staple?

Sitting at a downtown pizzeria, we dive into a pie so loaded, it's practically a cheese fortress. "This is pizza?" Adelina eyes it suspiciously but is quickly won over after the first gooey bite.

"Bet you've never had it like this before," I tease, watching her try to navigate the cheesy labyrinth.

Maksim chuckles, wiping sauce from the corner of her mouth. "Chicago doesn't do pizza by halves."

The next stop finds us at Navy Pier, riding the Ferris wheel and playing carnival games. Maksim proves his mettle, winning Adelina a stuffed bear almost as big as she is. "Daddy's got skills," Adelina boasts, hugging her prize.

"Impressive," I admit, grinning at Maksim. "You planning on joining the carnival circuit?"

He winks and whispers to me, "Only if they accept mobsters with a knack for ring toss."

As the day winds down, I can't help but feel a warmth spreading through me. This is a glimpse into a life I could get used to. Laughter, silliness, and a side of Maksim that's utterly endearing.

Walking back to the car, Adelina's bear in tow, I catch Maksim's eye and smile. "Today was perfect."

He takes my hand, squeezing gently. "It's not over yet."

Back home and post-ice cream, we sink into the couch. Maksim hands the remote to Adelina with a flourish. "Your pick, Princess."

Her eyes light up, decisive. "Moana! It's about the ocean and adventures!" she announces, her excitement palpable.

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