Page 19 of Ruthless Daddies

I lie back on the bench next, gripping the barbell, and push up with controlled power, my arms straining against the weight. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a flicker of movement. She’s still there, still watching, and I can feel the heat of her gaze like a brand on my skin.

My pulse kicks up, but I keep my breathing steady, my movements deliberate. I’m not going to give her the satisfaction of knowing she’s distracting me.

But she is. And it’s infuriating.

I could change this. It wouldn’t take much—just move my workouts to the gym in the west wing, or even one of the other gardens where her window wouldn’t have access. But I don’t. And I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because there’s something about the way she watches me, something that feels less like surveillance and more like curiosity. Hunger, even. A hunger that mirrors my own.

By the time I finish my workout, the sun has risen fully, casting the garden in warm, golden light. I grab my towel and head inside, my muscles loose but my mind still tight with thoughts I can’t shake.

She has no idea how transparent she is.

I shake my head as I climb the stairs, heading for the shower. The cool water hits my skin, washing away the sweat and the lingering frustration, but it does nothing to quiet my mind. I stay longer than I need to, letting the water beat against my back, trying to drown out the image of her flushed cheeks and wide-eyed curiosity.

When I finally pull myself out and dress, I feel more composed, though not by much. I head downstairs, the smell of breakfast wafting through the air, faint laughter drifting from the dining room.

As I approach the doorway, I stop, unseen, taking in the scene.

Alice is seated at the table with Mila and Luka, her hair loose around her shoulders, looking softer than usual in the morning light. She’s laughing at something Mila is saying, her voice bright and warm, and Luka—who is usually so guarded—actually smiles. A real smile, small but genuine. It’s a rare sight, and it hits me harder than I expect.

And then there’s Nikolai, sitting at the head of the table, lounging like he belongs there, his easy charm in full effect. He’s teasing Alice about something, and she’s laughing again, shaking her head but clearly amused. He’s good at that, at making people feel at ease.

They look like a family.

And it’s like a punch to the gut.

I linger for a moment longer, my jaw tightening as I watch Nikolai ruffle Luka’s hair, as Mila leans against Alice like she’s known her for years, not just days. My children.My children. And yet, here they are, smiling and laughing without me, as if I’m the outsider.

I step into the room, moving quietly, but Alice looks up immediately, her eyes finding mine like she’s been waiting for me. Her laughter dies on her lips, and her cheeks flush a soft pink as she quickly glances down at her plate.

“Good morning,” she mumbles, her voice soft, almost shy.

“Good morning,” I reply, my tone neutral but clipped, my gaze lingering on her for just a moment too long. She shifts in her seat, her blush deepening, and I feel a flicker of satisfaction that I have this effect on her.

The others finally notice me. Nikolai glances up, giving me his usual easy grin. “Morning, brother. Sleep well?”

“Fine,” I say curtly, taking a seat at the far end of the table. My tone must give something away because Nikolai’s grin sharpens, his eyes flicking between me and Alice with barely concealed amusement. He’s too perceptive for his own good.

“Morning, Papa,” Mila chirps, beaming at me. Luka nods his own quiet greeting, and I give them both a small smile, though it feels forced.

Alice keeps her head down, her focus on her plate, but I can see the way her fingers grip her fork a little too tightly, the way her shoulders stiffen every time she senses my gaze. She’s nervous, trying to hide it, but she’s not very good at pretending.

“Did you already eat?” Nikolai asks, nodding toward the spread on the table.

I shake my head. “I’m not hungry.” I glance at Alice again, watching as she stirs her coffee, avoiding my eyes. “Don’t let me interrupt.”

“Oh, you’re not interrupting,” Nikolai says, leaning back in his chair, his grin widening. “In fact, we were just talking about Alice’s plans for the day.”

Alice looks up, startled, her blush deepening. “Oh, I—um, nothing special,” she stammers, her voice flustered. “Just spending time with Mila and Luka.”

Her words are innocent enough, but they stir something dark and possessive in me, something I don’t want to examine too closely. I nod, forcing my voice to remain steady. “Good. They need someone like you.”

The compliment surprises her, and she looks at me, her eyes wide. “Thank you,” she says softly, her blush spreading to the tips of her ears.

I watch her for a moment longer before turning my attention to Mila, who is already babbling about some game she wants to play later. But my focus keeps drifting back to Alice, to the way she fidgets under my gaze, the way her lips part slightly every time our eyes meet.

I don’t know what it is about her, but I can’t seem to stay away. And judging by the look on Nikolai’s face, he’s noticed too.

The faint sound of raised voices outside pulls my attention, my brow furrowing as I glance toward the window. It’s not unusual to hear commotion on the grounds, but this…this is different.Louder. Closer. I push back my chair, standing as the noise moves toward the front door.

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