Page 144 of Mountain Daddy

Vulnerable.

Precious.

Sometimes I still wake up in cold sweats. Dreams of men coming for them. Dreams of blood on bakery floors. Dreams of what I'd do—what I'd become again—if anyone threatened them.

But the dreams come less often now.

I rinse my coffee mug in the sink. Watch through the window as Lilly helps the kids rebuild their castle. Bigger this time. Sturdier.

I'm still watching them when I hear a car on the gravel driveway. The sound sets off old alarms in my head. Instincts that never fully die.

I move to the front window. Look out.

Relax.

Maksim's black Audi.

But not the car that catches my attention. It's who's getting out of the passenger side.

Rosa.

Her wild curls unmistakable even from here. Wearing a sundress. Laughing at something Maksim's said.

Well, well, well.

This is new.

I open the front door before they reach the porch.

“Wasn't expecting company,” I say, leaning against the doorframe. Arms crossed. Eyebrow raised.

Maksim shrugs, casual as ever. “Was in the neighborhood.”

“In the neighborhood,” I repeat. “Two hours from your place.”

Rosa grins, not even pretending to be embarrassed. “My car broke down. Your knight in shining armor here stopped to help.”

“Knight in shining armor?” I can't keep the amusement from my voice. “Maksim?”

“What can I say?” Maksim claps me on the shoulder as he passes. “I'm a fucking gentleman.”

I note the way his hand lingers at Rosa's lower back as she steps inside. The way she leans into it slightly.

Interesting.

“Lilly's out back with the kids,” I tell them, closing the door. “I'll let her know we have visitors.”

“No need,” Lilly says, appearing in the hallway with Ana on her hip. Chleo trailing behind. “I heard a car.”

Her eyes widen when she sees Rosa and Maksim standing together in our entryway.

“Rosa!” She shifts Ana to her other hip. “What are you doing here with...?”

She leaves the question hanging, but her eyes dart between them with obvious curiosity.

“My car died on Route 16,” Rosa explains, reaching out to tickle Ana's chin. “Maksim happened to be driving by.”

“Happened to be driving by,” Lilly repeats, shooting me a look that says she's not buying it either.

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