Page 32 of Fatal Bonds

“Oh good. I was going to have to insist you visit more often otherwise.”

She rolls her eyes. “I visit as often as the school lets me,djadja. You make it sound like I’ve abandoned you to wither away all alone or something.”

“Come on in. Lenka’s making dinner, and I want to hear how the new semester’s going. You want something to drink?”

“A glass of wine sounds wonderful.”

I can hear the playful edge in her tone, but that doesn’t stop me from giving her a withering glare as I pause on my way to the kitchen.

Kira smiles impishly. Her humor’s getting sharper, quicker, and it reminds me of her mother’s. God, Leanna knew how to make me laugh.

“Alright, alright. Kidding. Tea would be nice though.”

I don’t even make it to the stove before Lanka’s passing me a steaming mug of liquid with the tab of a tea bag hanging over the side. I love how much the older woman feels like a part of the family. She’s made caring for Kira far less daunting over the years.

“Thanks, Lenka.”

She just nods, her lips pressing into a warm smile.

Heading back out to the living room, I hand Kira her tea and settle onto the couch next to her with my vodka. “So, tell me about school.”

It doesn’t take a lot to get my niece started, and I study her face as she chatters happily about her friends and what classes she’s enjoying, how her junior year is far harder than she anticipated, which is why she’s not coming home as much this year. I nod along, adding beats where she’ll let me. It’s nice to hear how good she sounds, more calm and confident than she has since Emiliano took everything from her and left her a broken, terrified little girl.

“I think Ms. Henry is my favorite, though. She just gets us, and she’s always happy to take time after class if I need help understanding the math.”

“That’s great. Are you still taking choir?”

“Actually, I went for art this time. That’s been really fun so far. I’m learning how to sculpt, and playing with the clay is way more fun than I’d anticipated.”

She mimics the motion with her hands, and I have to fight the urge to chuckle as my lips part in a smile I can’t contain.

“Maks, I?—”

My head snaps in Lindsey’s direction as her voice cuts off abruptly and she freezes at the entrance to the hall, her eyes fixed on Kira.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was interrupting.” Color tints her cheeks, and I catch a flicker of what looks like hurt or rejection before she fixes her face into a look of polite curiosity.

“You didn’t tell me you have a girl over!” Kira exclaims, jumping up off the couch and setting her mug down on the coffee table as she turns to face Lindsey.

“I’m not—” Lindsey starts at the same time as I say, “This is?—”

We break off together, and Lindsey’s blush intensifies as Kira looks between us.

“Kira, this is Lindsey. Lindsey, this is my niece, Kira.”

“Oh,” Lindsey says, then understanding lights her eyes as they shift back to Kira. “Oooh, of course. It’s wonderful to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

She strides forward to shake Kira’s hand, and Kira accepts it with a smile.

“You have?”

“Yes, Maks has nothing but good things to say about you. He let me borrow a few of your books—I hope that’s alright. I have to say, I love your choice of reading material.”

Kira giggles. “I’m glad you like it.”

The smile they share makes me wonder if I’m not missing something about the exchange, but before I dare to ask, Kira’s moving on.

“Are you here for dinner? Sorry, if I’d realizeddjadjahad company. I wouldn’t have come barging in.”

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