Page 64 of Ruthless Daddies

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” I say, trying to sound casual, though my voice wavers slightly.

“I could say the same,” he replies, stepping closer. “But I like to keep an eye on things. Make sure everyone’s safe.”

“Is that what you’re doing?” I ask, straightening. “Keeping an eye on things?”

He chuckles softly, the sound low and unsettling. “It’s my job, isn’t it?”

I don’t respond, my fingers tightening around the container. The silence stretches, and then, out of nowhere, he says, “This place reminds me of Elena.”

My breath catches, and I glance at him sharply. “Elena?”

He nods, his gaze drifting to the stream. “She loved places like this. Quiet, secluded. Said the water made her feel alive.” His tone softens, almost nostalgic, but there’s an edge to his words I can’t quite place.

“You knew her well,” I say, my voice carefully even.

He smiles faintly, his eyes flicking back to me. “I knew her better than most.”

The weight of his words sends a chill down my spine. There’s something in his tone—something possessive, almost intimate—that makes my stomach twist. I study his face, searching for clues, but his expression remains unreadable.

“She was…kind,” I venture, unsure of what else to say.

“She was more than that,” he replies. “A fact nobody appreciated about her.”

“Not even her own husband?” I know it’s the wrong thing to say as soon as its out of my mouth. His eyes narrow but he doesn’t answer.

“It sounds like you were close,” I say carefully, trying to gauge more.

He tilts his head slightly, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. “Close enough.”

The way he says it sends another ripple of unease through me. Was he involved with Elena?

“I should get back,” I say, my voice a little too quick, too eager to end the conversation.

Sergei doesn’t move, his gaze lingering on me. “You’re an interesting one, Miss Parker,” he says, his tone softer now, almost contemplative. “You remind me of her in some ways.”

The statement freezes me in place, and I don’t know whether to feel flattered or alarmed. “What do you mean?”

He shrugs, the faint smile still on his face. “Just an observation. Be careful, though. Sometimes curiosity can lead to…dangerous places.”

With that, he turns and walks away, disappearing into the shadows as silently as he came.

24

IVAN

For the first time in what feels like years, I’m happy.

I sit by the fire, watching Luka and Mila chase each other across the clearing, their laughter echoing through the trees. Mila shrieks as Luka tags her, her tiny legs carrying her as fast as they can while she tries to escape. They’re covered in dirt, their faces flushed with joy, and I can’t remember the last time I saw them this free, this unburdened.

I lean back in my chair, letting the warmth of the fire wash over me. The night is quiet except for the soft rustle of the wind in the trees and the occasional crackle of the fire. Dmitri and Nikolai are nearby, both looking as relaxed as I’ve seen them in weeks. Alice sits beside Nikolai on the blanket, her face lit up in the firelight as she laughs at something he says.

Luka stumbles back toward the fire, holding up a small stick with something tied to the end of it. “Papa, look!” he says, his voice bright with excitement. “I made a fishing rod!”

I raise an eyebrow, hiding my amusement. “A fishing rod, huh?”

He nods enthusiastically, his face shining with pride. “Miss Alice showed me how to tie the string!”

Alice grins, brushing her hair back. “I just gave him some pointers. He did the rest.”

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