Page 40 of Ruthless Daddies

He doesn’t respond right away, his gaze fixed on the floor. For a moment, I think I’ve overstepped, pushed too far. But then he looks at me in a way that both scares and thrills me.

“Everything alright here?” Dmitri’s voice cuts through the moment, smooth and laced with a hint of mockery. He strolls into the hallway like he owns the place, his sharp blue eyes flicking between Nikolai and me.

Nikolai tenses immediately, his jaw tightening as his brother approaches. “What do you want, Dmitri?” he snaps, his voice sharper than usual.

“Relax,” Dmitri says, holding up his hands in mock surrender, though the smirk on his face ruins any attempt at innocence. “I was just checking in. Didn’t realize I was interrupting something.”

“You’re not,” I say quickly, but my voice lacks conviction, and both brothers pick up on it instantly. Dmitri’s smirk widens, while Nikolai’s scowl deepens.

“Good,” Dmitri says, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Because I’d hate to think I was intruding on…whatever this is.”

“Not that it’s any of your business,” Nikolai says.

Dmitri narrows his eyes. “No need to get territorial.”

“You always seem to be ‘passing through’ when you’re not wanted,” Nikolai snaps, stepping closer, his jaw tight.

“And you always seem to be overcompensating,” Dmitri retorts, leaning casually against the wall, his smirk unshakable. “Trying to play the noble protector. How’s that working out for you?”

“Get out,” Nikolai growls, his voice low and threatening.

“Make me,” Dmitri shoots back, his tone challenging.

I step between them before the situation escalates into something physical. “That’s enough,” I say sharply, my voice cutting through their bickering.

They both turn to look at me, their eyes filled with frustration and confusion.

“This is ridiculous,” I continue, crossing my arms over my chest. “You’re both acting like children, and it’s becoming a hindrance to my work. My job is to take care of Luka and Mila—not to referee whatever this is.”

“Then stay out of it,” Nikolai says, his eyes narrowing.

“Hard to stay out of something when it’s happening in every hallway I walk down,” I snap back, glaring at him before turning to Dmitri. “And you—you’re not helping.”

Dmitri’s smirk falters slightly, replaced by something that almost looks like guilt. “Hey, I’m not the one?—”

“Enough!” I interrupt, throwing up my hands. “If you two want to settle this, fine. But we’re going to do it differently. Follow me.”

I don’t give them a chance to argue, turning on my heel and marching down the hallway toward my room.

When I reach my door, I open it and step inside, leaving it ajar as I wait for them to follow.

They exchange glances, their expressions ranging from confusion to suspicion, but they step inside nonetheless, the door clicking shut behind them.

“What exactly is this?” Dmitri asks, his tone wary but curious.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself before turning to face them. “If you’re both so determined to fight over…whatever this is, then let’s settle it once and for all.”

Nikolai raises an eyebrow, his arms crossed. “And how exactly do you propose we do that?”

My heart is pounding, but I keep my voice steady as I look them both in the eye. “I want you both to kiss me.”

16

NIKOLAI

Istare at her, utterly dumbfounded. For a few moments, the room is completely silent.

“You want us to…” I trail off, my throat dry as I glance at Dmitri, whose lips are twitching into a grin. “This has to be a joke.”

---