Page 7 of Ruthless Daddies

People who come into this house often act like they’re walking on eggshells. But her? She’s studying me just as much as I’m studying her.

“So,” she says, and there’s a small, cautious smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Are you going to let me find the juice, or…?”

The boldness in her tone is almost surprising, like she’s challenging me. It’s subtle, but it’s there, and I can’t help but feel a flicker of intrigue.

“You don’t strike me as the kind of person who’d need permission,” I reply, leaning against the counter, watching her reaction. “Am I wrong?”

Her gaze meets mine, steady. “No,” she says softly. “You’re not wrong.”

Interesting.

I step back, motioning for her to continue. “By all means, don’t let me stop you.”

She turns back to the fridge, but I can see she’s still on edge.

“You seem intent on getting my attention, Miss Parker,” I say, my voice as even and detached as ever.

Her lips curve slightly, into a faint, almost teasing smile. “Not my intention, but I do have a few questions. If that’s alright.”

I cross my arms, studying her. “Ask.”

She shifts her weight, and though her stance is relaxed, there’s an underlying tension, like she’s assessing every word she’s about to say. “I want to know what I can expect here,” she begins, her tone calm but measured. “I’m here for the twins, and I understand that’s my primary role. But I also know…well, I’m not entirely blind. I can tell there’s more to this family than meets the eye.”

Interesting. Most people wouldn’t even come close to acknowledging that. “More to this family?” I echo, leaning against the wall.

“Yes. I saw the security, the way everything is…monitored. And the twins…” Her voice softens slightly, a warmth creepingin. “They’re young, but they seem to know things most kids wouldn’t.”

“Mila and Luka are…perceptive,” I admit, though my words are carefully chosen. “They grew up in a world where perception can mean survival.”

She nods, absorbing this, her expression thoughtful. “That’s what I mean. If I’m here to protect them, as Ivan said, then I want to know what I’m up against. What threats, what risks—what am I walking into?”

It’s a fair question. She’s stepping into our world, blind to the shadows lurking here. And while Ivan may be content to let her find her footing slowly, I can’t afford that risk. I study her for a moment, watching the way she holds herself, steady and unyielding.

“Let’s just say,” I reply slowly, “this family has…enemies. Rivals, people who would go to great lengths to get to us. The Morozov name isn’t exactly friendly in every corner of the city.” I keep my tone clipped, intentionally vague. She doesn’t need every detail—not yet.

She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t pull back. Instead, she nods, as if this was exactly the answer she expected. “I see.” There’s a pause, and then she tilts her head, watching me with a hint of a smile. “So does that mean I’ll be under as much scrutiny as anyone else here?”

“Yes.” The answer slips out before I even consider softening it.

“And you should be prepared for that. This isn’t a normal nanny position, Alice. You’re entering a world where loyalty isn’t given easily. And if you cross the wrong people, there are consequences.”

Her eyes flash, a mixture of understanding and something else—something like defiance. “I understand that,” she says, her voice firm. “But loyalty goes both ways, doesn’t it?”

Damn, this woman. She’s not making this any easier, and I find myself wanting to push her, to see how far that confidence of hers really goes. I let my eyes travel over her, slower this time, watching as a hint of color rises in her cheeks. But she doesn’t look away, and the effect is…intoxicating.

“What’s interesting,” I murmur, taking another step closer, “is that you’re here, standing in this house, surrounded by people you don’t know, in a world you don’t understand. And yet, you’re not the least bit intimidated.”

Her lips press together, and for a moment, I think I’ve gotten under her skin. But then she smiles, just a little, and it’s the kind of smile that challenges everything I just said.

“Maybe I just don’t scare that easily,” she replies.

I can’t help but chuckle, a low, quiet sound that surprises even me. I take another step, until there’s barely a breath of space between us. I can smell her light, clean scent, feel the warmth radiating off her, and it takes every ounce of self-control to keep my hands at my sides.

“Is that so?” I say softly, letting my voice drop, watching as her eyes flicker down to my mouth, just for a second, before snapping back up.

She swallows, her throat moving as she breathes out slowly, and I catch the way her pulse flutters at her neck. She’s confident, but she’s not immune to me, and that realization is dangerous. It would be so easy to reach out, to press her against the wall andsee if she still keeps up that bold front when there’s no distance between us.

“You’re stepping into a world you don’t understand,” I say.

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