Page 21 of Ruthless Daddies

The study is nothing like I expected. The walls are lined with bookshelves, every inch of them crammed with leather-bound volumes that look like they belong in a museum. Dark wood dominates the space—the shelves, the floors, even the massive desk that sits near the window, papers and folders spread across it in a chaotic but somehow deliberate mess.

The window behind the desk lets in just enough light to highlight the faint dust motes floating in the air. A large armchair sits to the side, near a smaller table stacked with what looks like ledgers and an abandoned glass of amber liquid.

Nikolai is seated behind the desk, leaning back in his chair, one hand draped over the armrest, the other twirling a pen between his fingers. Highlights in his dark hair catch the light, his brown eyes lifting to meet mine as a smile spreads across his face.

“Well, well,” he says, setting the pen down. “What an unexpected pleasure. To what do I owe this visit?”

I hesitate in the doorway, suddenly aware of how small I feel in this room, under his gaze. “I hope I’m not disturbing you,” I say quickly. “The maid said?—”

He cuts me off with a wave of his hand, leaning forward now, his smile turning warm, almost amused. “Don’t worry about what the maid said. I don’t mind being disturbed byyou.”

I blink, caught off guard by the easy charm in his voice. He motions to one of the chairs in front of the desk. “Come, sit. If I knew I’d be having company, I’d have tidied up a bit.”

I step inside cautiously, taking the seat he offers. The leather creaks faintly under me, and I glance around again, noting the faint clutter on the desk—the pens, papers, and a set of brass keys that look like they could open something important.

“This room,” he says, leaning back again and gesturing around us, “is one of the few in the house where I actually get any peace. Though I must admit, your presence improves it considerably.”

I smile faintly, not sure how to respond to that. “It’s a beautiful study,” I say, meaning it. “I didn’t expect something like this.”

“Oh, don’t let the books fool you,” he says with a chuckle. “I probably haven’t read half of them. They’re mostly for show.” He pauses, his brown eyes gleaming with amusement. “Now, Ivan’s office—that’s the real forbidden room. You’d need a battering ram to get through that door without his permission.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. “And Dmitri?”

At that, Nikolai bursts out laughing, the sound rich and genuine. “Ah, Dmitri,” he says, shaking his head. “You know, I don’t even know where he keeps his office. For all I know, he’s set up shop in some secret bunker under the house. The man thrives on mystery.”

I laugh. That seems like an accurate description of his brothers.

“Nikolai,” I say softly, testing the waters. “I’ve been meaning to ask…would it be okay if I took Mila and Luka to the park nearby? It’s just a few blocks away.”

His easy grin falters for the first time, replaced by something more serious. He sits up straighter, his fingers drumming lightly on the desk. “The park?” he repeats, his tone even but laced with hesitation. “Alice, this family doesn’t exactly…exist without complications. Taking them outside our walls isn’t as simple as it sounds.”

“It’s close,” I press, my voice earnest. “I just think it would be good for them to get out for a bit. Luka’s so guarded, and Milaloves being outdoors. They’d have fun, and I’ll be with them the whole time.”

“We have a big garden. What difference does it make?”

“They need to socialize with children their own age,” I say. “They’ll have a hard time fitting in once they start going to school.”

“Ivan wouldn’t like it,” he says.

“You spend more time with them than him,” I say. “He won’t know.”

He hesitates, his brown eyes searching mine, and for a moment, I think he’s going to say no. But then I stand, moving closer, my heart pounding as I step into his space. “I’ll be careful,” I plead, looking up at him. “I promise.”

Something flickers in his expression, a hint of conflict, before he lets out a soft sigh. “Fine,” he says finally, though his tone is laced with reluctance. “But I’m coming with you, and so are a few of our people. And we’re telling my brother. He’ll have my head if I take his children out of grounds without telling him. No arguments.”

I blink, surprised by his concession, and before I can stop myself, I throw my arms around him in a quick hug. “Thank you,” I murmur, the words spilling out without thought.

The moment I realize what I’ve done, I pull back, embarrassed. “Sorry, I?—”

But before I can step away completely, his hands find my waist, holding me still for a fraction of a second too long. His touch is warm, firm, and the way his fingers press against my sides sendsa spark of something unfamiliar rushing through me. When he finally lets go, I step back quickly, my cheeks burning.

“Don’t worry about it,” he says, his smile returning, though there’s something darker in his gaze now. “But remember, Alice, I’m serious about the precautions.”

I nod, unable to meet his eyes, my thoughts a tangled mess.Dmitri, now Nikolai…what is wrong with me?I can’t be thinking about all of them like this. It’s insane. Unprofessional. And yet…

I shake the thought away as Nikolai stands, gesturing for me to follow him. We walk out of the study together, the tension still thick between us. As we head toward the main hall, I glance at him hesitantly.

“Nikolai,” I start, my voice cautious. “Who was that woman?”

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