Page 16 of Deadly Devotion

Olga chuckled softly, her gaze softening as she watched the children revel in their secret haven. “Yes, except Olga. Now it is time for your studies.”

“Oh man,” Sasha pouted, kicking the grass softly with her foot.

“I think today we will study outside,” Olga announced.

“Yay!!” Sasha cheered.

“Cool! Let’s get our books, Sasha.” In a flash, they were off running.

“That was very nice of you. How long have you been their nanny?” I asked as we began winding our way through the maze.

“Mr. Avilov hired me two years ago after Anya died. Their father could not care for them, so Mr. Avilov brought them to live with him. They are wonderful children.”

Olga leads me out of the maze. Nikolai stands when he sees us. “The children are getting their books.”

“Yes, thank you, Nikolai.” Olga sits at the table under the blue umbrella. “You are welcome to stay with us while the children work.” She gestures to the empty chair next to her.

Since I don’t have anywhere else to go, I accept the invitation. If I have to be a prisoner, I might as well enjoy the estate as much as I can.

Chapter 11:

Aleksandr

After a long night, I arrive home to find Talia in the garden with Nikolai, Olga, and the children. Sasha and Maxim splash around in the pool while Olga and Talia chat on lounge chairs. Nikolai is sitting at the table, looking at something on his phone.

“Boss,” he greets, standing as I approach.

“Uncle! Watch me!” Sasha calls out. She does a cannonball into the pool, splashing Olga and Talia with water.

“Devochka,I told you no more jumping!“ Olga dries herself off with a fluffy towel, then smooths back her grey hair and adjusts the bun on her head. “Good afternoon, Mr. Avilov.”

“Is it afternoon already?” Talia squints at me as she dries off her cream-colored pants.

“Olga, I must speak with you. Talia, please stay with the children.” I take Olga into the kitchen, requesting she sit in a chair at the table.

“Is everything alright?” she asks, concern etched on her face.

“I don’t know how to say this, and I don’t know how I’m going to tell the children.” I release a heavy sigh, leaning my elbows on my knees. “Mikhail is dead.”

“Oh no,” Olga gasps. “How did this happen?”

“He was killed last night, shot once in the chest.” Scrubbing a hand down my face, I lean back in the chair, briefly closing my eyes. When I open them, Olga’s face is twisted in horror, her mouth forming a silent ‘O’.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Avilov.” She gently places a hand on my forearm. Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “The children…” Her voice trails off as she chokes on the words.

“The children will remain here,” I assure her. “They will want for nothing.” Patting her hand, I cross the kitchen for a glass of water. Placing it in front of her, I sit down again. “I don’t know how to tell them,” I admit.

“It is a delicate situation. I think less is better.” She takes a sip of water and then stands abruptly. “I will tell them.”

“No, I will tell them. He was my brother, so the burden is on me.” I stand, straighten my jacket, and run my fingers through my hair.

“I will get them out of the pool and into dry clothes. Then I will bring them to your office.”

I nod and watch her walk out the door. Pulling my cell phone out of my pocket, I sent Nikolai a quick message to bring Talia to my office.

Nikolai ushers Talia into my office, directing her to take a seat in the leather chair across from me. Dimitri gathers all the names and photos of the men who were in the VIP area of the club last night. I’m hopeful Talia will recognize one of them.

“I have photos of the men who were in the club last night.” I spread the photos across my desk and then walked around it to stand next to Talia’s chair. “Do you recognize any of them?”

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