Page 11 of Ruthless Daddies

“Just…like they’re not people to cross,” I say slowly, choosing my words carefully. “There’s something about them that feels intense, like they’re always in control. It’s hard to explain.”

Jenna snorts. “Sounds like mafia vibes if you ask me! Dark suits, private security, all that power? I mean, come on.” She laughs, clearly joking, but the sound doesn’t quite settle my nerves. “Imagine if you’re working for the actual mob! It’s straight out of a crime novel!”

Her words send a shiver through me. The thought has crossed my mind once or twice, especially with how guarded the family is, how intense Ivan and Dmitri seem, and the careful way Nikolai keeps things light, almost like a front. I don’t know what kind of business they’re in, and I’m definitely not in a position to ask.

“Yeah,” I say, forcing a chuckle. “Right out of a crime novel.”

The truth is, I don’t even know what I’d do if that were the case. It’s not my place to know, let alone discuss.

Jenna changes the subject, rattling off details about her week and her plans for our night out, and I let her voice wash over me, grounding me back to something normal.

And then I see him.

Ivan.

He’s shirtless, his powerful frame catching the light as he moves through a series of exercises, each motion controlled and precise. Muscles ripple across his back, and his skin glistens faintly with sweat. I can see the taut lines of his shoulders, the sculpted muscles of his arms flexing as he lowers himselfinto push-ups. I feel my breath catch, my heart stuttering for a moment as I watch him, unable to tear my gaze away.

“Uh-huh,” I murmur absentmindedly into the phone as Jenna keeps talking, but all my focus is on the sight outside my window. Ivan’s dark hair is damp, his jaw set in concentration, and his body…he’s all lean, sculpted muscle, tanned and strong.

The longer I watch, the more my pulse quickens, a low hum of awareness building in the pit of my stomach.

And then, as if sensing my gaze, Ivan suddenly pauses. He looks up, his sharp, ice-blue eyes zeroing in on my window, on me.

My heart skips a beat, and I duck away from the window, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. My pulse pounds as I press my back to the wall, hoping desperately that he didn’t actually see me staring. The last thing I need is for him to think I’m some kind of snoop—or worse, that I’m ogling him like a schoolgirl with a crush.

5

NIKOLAI

It’s early evening by the time I catch sight of Alice again. She’s outside with the twins in the garden, keeping Mila entertained with some elaborate storytelling as Luka sits nearby, watching with wary eyes. There’s something striking about her out there, the late sunlight casting a warm glow around her.

I step outside, strolling toward them with a faint smile. Mila sees me first, and her eyes light up as she waves me over. “Niko!” she calls out, abandoning her spot and running over to me, arms outstretched.

“Hey, little bird,” I say, scooping her up and spinning her once. She squeals, delighted, and clings to my neck.

As I set her down, I glance up to find Alice watching us, a soft smile playing on her lips.

She gives me a polite nod. “Nikolai.”

I return it with a grin, keeping things light. “Looks like you’re winning Mila over easily enough,” I say, glancing down at my niece, who has already returned to Alice’s side, beaming.

Alice smiles, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Mila’s easy. Luka’s…” She hesitates, glancing over at the boy, who’s standing off to the side, staring intently at a patch of flowers as if they hold all the secrets in the world.

“Luka’s Luka,” I say, nodding. “It takes a while to get him to open up.” I know he’s guarded, just like his father. He doesn’t let people in easily—not since Elena. “But you seem to have patience, Alice. That’ll help.”

She chuckles, though her eyes remain focused on Luka. “I hope so. He’s got a lot on his mind for a kid his age.”

I can see she’s trying to understand him, to break through that wall he’s built around himself.

“Elena was…everything to him,” I say, my voice lower, my gaze shifting to Luka. “She was like his whole world, and when she…left, it left a mark. He’s careful with people. It’s his way of keeping himself safe.”

Alice listens, her expression softening as she takes in my words. She doesn’t ask for more, doesn’t pry, just nods, like she’s absorbing it all.

A soft breeze stirs, and for a moment, we’re both quiet.

“Nikolai,” she says slowly, her voice barely a murmur, “I’m sorry for asking, but…what was she like? Elena?”

“She was…bright,” I say. “Brighter than most people. She could make anyone feel like they mattered. And she loved this family with everything she had.”

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