Page 12 of Deadly Vows

“Yes, we can play all the games,” I assured him.

Sasha, always the more cautious one, looked to Talia and Olga for reassurance. Talia nodded, her smile more genuine now.

“I think that is a wonderful idea,” Olga smiled.

“We’ll all go together; even Nanny Olga will come.” I held out my hand to Sasha, hoping she’d take it. She stared at it momentarily before sliding her hand into mine.

“Okay,” she said, “but I want an ice cream sundae with whipped cream, a cherry, and sprinkles.”

“Anything you want,printsessa.”Sasha jumped into my arms, her green eyes sparkling like emeralds.

Maxim held Talia’s hand all the way to the SUV. The drive to the arcade was filled with the children’s enthusiastic chatter. Nikolai drove, and I looked at the side mirror to scan for anysigns of trouble. My paranoia was at an all-time high, but I couldn’t let it ruin this day for them.

The arcade was a cacophony of flashing lights and cheerful noises. Sasha and Maxim ran from game to game with Olga, their earlier fears forgotten. I stayed close to them, my eyes cotinually scanning our surroundings. Talia stood beside me, a comforting reminder of why I was doing all this. Nikolai kept one eye on the children and the other eye on the crowd.

Maxim dragged me to a racing game at one point, insisting I join him. I couldn’t help but laugh at his eagerness. For a few precious moments, I was just an uncle playing with his nephew, not a man consumed by vengeance.

Maxim jumped up and down as the game ended, with a broad grin on his face. “You were so fast, Uncle! Let’s race again!”

“Of course, and this time, I’ll let you win.”

Maxim snorted and put on his game face. Sasha giggled, standing next to her brother. “You can beat him,” she encouraged, smiling from ear to ear. I turned to find Talia watching me, a soft smile on her lips.

“You’re really good with them,” she said, her voice tinged with admiration.

“They deserve better than this,” I replied, my tone grimmer than intended. “They deserve a normal life.”

“And you’re doing your best to give them that,” Talia insisted, touching my arm gently. “You’re a good man, Aleksandr.”

I wanted to believe her, but my past painted a different picture. I gave her a tight smile and changed the subject. “After this game, let’s get them some ice cream.”

The ice cream parlor was a burst of color and sweetness. As they devoured their treats, Sasha and Maxim’s faces were smeared with chocolate and whipped cream. Talia laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. It was a sight that warmed my heart, making me momentarily forget the dark cloud hanging over us.

As we sat at the table, enjoying our ice cream, Talia leaned close to me. “Thank you, Aleksandr,” she said softly. “This means a lot to them. And to me.”

I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. My feelings for her were a complicated mess, tangled up in my need to protect her and the unborn child. I loved her, but admitting that was a weakness I couldn’t afford.

The drive back to the mansion was quiet, the children exhausted from their fun day. As I carried Sasha to her room, her thin arms wrapped around my neck, I felt a fierce protectiveness wash over me. I won’t let anyone take away our happiness.

Once the children were tucked in bed, I was alone with Talia in the hallway. The silence between us was heavy, filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine.

“Aleksandr,” she began hesitantly, “I... I need to tell you something.”

I felt my heart rate quicken. “What is it?”

She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving mine. “I... I care about you. More than I probably should. And I know you feel the same way, even if you won’t admit it.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I was terrified of what that meant for us, for our future. I took a step back, trying to regain my composure.

“Talia,” I said, my voice strained, “you don’t know what you’re saying.”

She shook her head, tears welling up in her hazel eyes. “I do know, Aleksandr. I know you care about me. I see it in the way you look at me, the way you protect me. You don’t have to be afraid to admit it.”

I turned away, my heart pounding. “I’m not afraid. I’m just trying to keep you safe. Keep the baby safe. That’s all that matters right now.”

“Aleksandr,” she said softly, her voice breaking my resolve, “keeping us safe doesn’t mean you have to shut yourself off from us. From me.”

I closed my eyes, struggling to control my emotions. “I can’t afford to be weak,” I hissed.

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