Page 65 of Dirty Grovel

By the time the fifth kid jumps overboard, I’ve perfected my pirate growl. And there might be a small chance that I may be enjoying myself.

Just a little.

All part and parcel of the witchcraft that Sutton has managed to pull on me.

Soon enough, we’re waving goodbye to the last guests. I’m so exhausted, I feel like I’ve spent the last six hours getting pummeled in the boxing ring.

“Thank you, Mr. Oleg!” Teo squeals running up to me and hugging me around the middle. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. This was the best party of my whole entire life!”

I can’t help smiling down at the kid. Jesse, Faye and Sutton are standing off to the side, watching the exchange with maternal grins on their faces.

“You’re welcome, kiddo,” I say. “I’m glad you had fun.”

“I had so much fun!” he cries. “But Mama says I have to go to bed now.”

“She’s right—you need your rest. But before you head back, I have to give you my present.”

Jesse spasms in place. “Mr. Oleg, you really don’t have to. This party was a gift enough.”

“Nonsense. You and Teo are valuable members of the crew. A present is absolutely necessary. Pirates always share their booty.”

I glance towards Sutton, who is staring at me with narrowed eyes. I’ve gone rogue on her here and I’m not sure she likes it.

“Artem,” I call, “why don’t you bring in my gift?”

With a smirk, Artem leaves the living room. All three kids are bouncing around in anticipation of this gift. Sutton walks over to me, still dressed as a pirate wench, albeit a tired-looking one.

“You got him a gift?”

“It’s from both of us.”

“But—”

Just then, we hear a tiny little bark. Teo freezes, Lily perks up, and Noah lets out a little gasp.

“Oh my God,” Sutton exclaims. “You didn’t!”

Artem enters the living room again, carrying the tiny Labrador pup that I picked out myself early this morning at one of Nassau’s premier dog breeders.

“Happy birthday, Teo. He’s all yours.”

The kids erupt in screams of excitement. I even get a little squeal from Sutton as she rushes towards Artem.

The only one who isn’t drooling all over the puppy is Faye. She’s standing apart from the crowd clustered around Artem and the trembling puppy, watching me with a knowing half-smile on her face.

I point my chin up towards her and she purses her lips, her smile growing more pronounced.

Damn woman thinks she knows me.

I ignore her.

Artem, after relinquishing the puppy to the kids, walks over and pats me on the back. “Well done, man. This was an epic party. One of your best yet.”

“How did you get away with not wearing a costume?” I gripe.

“I was the lifeguard!”

“Here’s to cheap labor, I guess,” I mutter, grabbing another beer. It must be my fifth or sixth drink for the day, but who’s counting?

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