“I only just managed to get Elle to sleep. Goodness me, she’s a handful. She was up and down all night last night, refusing to sleep. Or let me sleep.”

“Ha. Don’t think you weren’t also a handful. Jeepers. I remember I used to have to watch you like a hawk when you were little. The moment you started to walk, you got into everything. Especially the fridge. I think the light fascinated you and all the colorful things in there. You would unpack all theshelves you could reach. Oh, and when you were older, you would drag a chair over to it and cause even more havoc.”

Alexei can hear Giorgio though the phone because he speaks really loudly, and his eyes shoot wide, his mouth opening in fake shock. “You were a terror too,” he whispers. “Our daughter is doomed.” Now he’s laughing.

I chase him away because he’s distracting me and making me laugh while I’m trying to talk to my uncle.

He disappears into the kitchen and I hear the coffee machine turn on. I sit down on the sofa, stretching my legs out, resting my feet on the coffee table and leaning back comfortably. Dammit, I really am so tired. Last night was a long one. I hope tonight is easier.

“So, when do I get to see Elle? She seems to grow so much in such a short time. I don’t want to miss anything. Why did you guys have to move all the way out there to the forest? It’s like you’re trying to run away from the city.”

I grin. “Actually, that’s exactly what we were trying to do. Elle can grow up surrounded by trees and nature. It’s beautiful out here. We couldn’t dream of a better place to live.”

Uncle Giorgio sighs loudly. I’ve had this exact conversation with him a number of times since Alexei and I officially moved into our forest home. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been, living here with him. My life is beautiful.

“Yes, yes, but I want to see my granddaughter,” he complains.

“It’s really not that far to drive out here if you want to visit. It’s not like we are on another continent. Are you coming to the dinner tomorrow night?”

“Of course, I’m looking forward to it,” he says.

“Then you can see Elle tomorrow. How have you been otherwise?”

“I bought her the cutest little Mercedes replica car. It’s tiny. And pink. It actually drives. She can drive it.”

“Uncle Giorgio, she is way too young for a toy like that. She won’t be able to play with that for another few years.”

“I don’t care. I had to get it. It was just too amazing. She’s going to love it.”

“I’m sure she is.”

We chat for a little longer, then Alexei comes through carrying two cups of coffee. I drink less tea lately. It’s one of the things that has changed since I became a parent. Coffee gets me through some very long days—I just have to plan my coffee around the feeding times.

After the call with Giorgio ends, I sit down on the couch next to Alexei.

“I’m so tired,” I mumble, leaning against him.

He reaches down and pulls my feet onto his lap. “Lean back. Yes, like that.”

I lean onto the sofa and sip my coffee, closing my eyes as he massages my feet, pressing hard into my soles and relaxing me almost instantly.

***

The following evening, we have a dinner party with his family at Oleg's house. It is the usual chaotic, noisy, fun evening that it always is.

His brothers are laughing loudly. Anya has stolen Elle from me and has her cradled in her arms as she coos softly over her. His entire family adores that little girl, and I have never once felt alone raising her. Obviously, I have Alex by my side, but I also have a bundle of other support from his siblings, their wives and my uncle.

Tonight I am taking a little breather while Anya gets to spend time with my little angel.

Alexei comes up behind me and pulls me up against his chest. I lean my back against him.

“Hey, gorgeous. You look familiar. Do I know you?” he whispers.

“Mm. I don’t know. I think I would have remembered if I’d met you before.”

He chuckles. “Well, if you aren’t doing anything right now, I was wondering if I could tear your panties off with my teeth and fuck you from behind in front of a mirror while I watch you enjoy every thrust of my cock into your pussy.”

Instantly I feel heat flood between my legs. I put my hand behind my back, between our bodies, and grab his cock, which is already growing hard.