Page 64 of Caged

“Of course. I think I’ll get one. Do you think your dad likes them?” I ask as we step up to the counter.

Her face scrunches as she scrutinizes the choices. “I think he’d like?—”

“Three in the afternoon on Monday.” Straining, I can just make out Mikhail’s words.

That’s it.

The moment I needed.

I almost jump up and down and shout in celebration.

“Melissa?” Elena tugs on my wrist.

“Yes? Oh, gosh. I’m sorry, what kind?” I feel bad I ignored her, but it was worth it for that tidbit.

Her little brow furrows, and she looks just like Nikolai. “What’s so exciting?”

“I can’t wait to see the look on your daddy’s face when you bring him his favorite flavor. What was it again? I got lost in the excitement.” I give her a wide smile and dance a little on my toes to accentuate it.

Her toothy grin mimics mine. “Blueberry!”

“That’s mine, too!”

Elena squeals at my little lie.

I’m a strawberry girl like her.

But, I’ll save that admission for later.

Carrying two drinks and the muffins, I follow her back up to the hall.

When the office opens, I can see past Nikolai’s large frame and the absolutely massive one behind him.

A dark, brooding man towers over Nikolai wearing a black balaclava over his lower face. I can see the muscles rippling beneath his white shirt as he pushes the door closed.

“Was that your brother?” I struggle to keep the awe out of my question. I can’t remember the last time I saw a guy that big.

He nods, taking his cup. “Maybe another day you can meet him.” He turns to Elena. “Blueberry! My favorite!”

She giggles, letting a few crumbs dribble down her chin. “I told her! Guess what, Daddy? Guess what hers is?”

He idly brushes her face as he takes a bite. “What?” he mumbles past the crust.

“The same as yours!” she shrieks and falls into laughter.

TWENTY-FOUR

NIKOLAI

Fuck, it’s like my heart is about to explode, watching Elena’s face light up around Melissa. I haven’t seen my little girl this full of life in years.

“Daddy?” Elena tugs on my wrist and motions with her hand for me to lean down to her.

“What, sweetheart?” I whisper in her ear.

“I think you should take her out on a date. I know you like her.”

I let her words rumble around in my brain for a second.

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