Page 5 of Ruthless Daddies

I take a step back, clearing my throat again. “If you’re interested, we’ll need you to start immediately. The children could use the stability.”

She hesitates again, and I sense her inner conflict. “It’s…it’s a big commitment,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I could use the work.”

A wave of relief washes over me, more powerful than I’d like to admit.

“Yes, I imagine so,” I say, forcing my voice to stay steady. “If you accept, we’ll provide everything you need.”

She takes a deep breath, then nods, that same flicker of determination returning to her eyes. “I accept. When do I start?”

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Now,” I reply, motioning her further into the house. “Welcome to the family, Miss Parker.”

I take another look at her—she’s still dripping wet, her dress clinging to her skin and leaving a small puddle on the polished floor beneath her. I almost feel guilty for keeping her like this, but before I can say anything, I spot Marta waiting discreetly near the hallway entrance.

“Marta,” I call, keeping my tone measured, “see that Miss Parker is taken care of. Make sure she has a blanket or a towel. She’ll be staying with us.”

Marta, always quick and efficient, gives a brief nod. “Of course, sir.” She steps forward, offering Alice a soft, oversized towel with one hand while gesturing for her to follow with the other.

“Thank you,” Alice murmurs, clutching the towel and wrapping it around herself, looking smaller yet somehow even more resolute as she pulls it close.

“Marta will show you to your suite once you’re ready. Take your time, Miss Parker,” I say.

Alice gives me a small, appreciative nod, her eyes meeting mine for just a moment. Then, with a quiet “thank you,” she followsMarta, disappearing down the hallway, her footsteps softening as she moves further away.

Unmoving, I watch her retreating form for a moment, feeling a shift. She isn’t exactly a typical candidate. She proved that within moments of stepping onto our grounds.

I head toward my office, trying to focus on the day’s agenda, but my mind keeps returning to her.

I had her background checked while I was out. She doesn’t have any experience that others before her did, not even an iota of it. But I saw her expression of pure determination as she pulled Mila from the pool, the way she held the little girl close, every muscle in her body prepared to protect her. It is the kind of loyalty and instinct I need in this household.

As much as I may pretend otherwise, our family is under constant pressure—business, rivals, personal matters that demand control and vigilance. That’s why discretion, caution, and loyalty are not optional.

Leaning back in my chair, I sift through recent intel reports on our enemies’ movements. Vadim, our biggest competitor in the city, has made small but provocative encroachments on our business in recent weeks, all warning signs that his aggression may be escalating. I won’t allow him—or anyone—to compromise what’s mine.

I pick up my phone, scrolling to a message from one of my contacts. The report details surveillance on Vadim’s recent activities, including his attempts to undermine our family’s standing. Nothing unexpected, but there’s an edge to his movements that has me on alert. Vadim has been erratic since Elena…left us.

Just as I feel the chill of old memories clawing up, I hear a soft knock at the door.

I glance up to find Marta. She stands at the threshold, her face as unreadable as ever. “Miss Parker is settled, sir,” she says. “Would you like me to review her duties and house expectations with her, or will you be overseeing that yourself?”

I consider this, my gaze flickering to the hallway. “I’ll handle it.”

Marta gives a brisk nod and leaves, and I take a steadying breath, standing and making my way toward the guest wing. If Alice is to join our family and care for my children, she needs to understand exactly what that entails.

I find her standing near the floor-to-ceiling windows in her suite. She has changed into a loose T-shirt and slacks. Her damp hair tumbles over her shoulders, and she’s looking out at the sprawling garden below.

As I step inside, she turns, clearly startled.

“Mr. Morozov—” She catches herself, then corrects, “Ivan.”

I nod approvingly, closing the door behind me. “I wanted to make sure you understand the expectations here.”

“Of course.”

I cross the room, stopping a few feet away, close enough to see her take a small, nervous breath, and yet she doesn’t look away. “This isn’t a simple nanny position, Alice. The children are everything to me, and this household has rules that must be respected. You’ll find that privacy is extremely valued here. We don’t tolerate interference, and our security protocols are absolute. You’ll be expected to adhere to them without question.”

She nods again, absorbing my words. There’s a strength in her gaze that I’m beginning to admire. “I understand, and I don’t have a problem with any of that. I’ll keep things private.”

“Good.” I glance at her, considering. “You’ll be with the children from morning until they go to bed, handling meals, activities, and any tutoring needs. I expect you’ll be resourceful—Mila and Luka respond best to someone who engages them fully. They’re clever, sometimes challenging, but you’ll manage.” I pause, watching her expression.

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