Page 76 of Toxic Salvation
I don’t even bother answering—I just push Pavel out of my way and stalk through the house to the garden, where Luka standswith a soccer ball, wearing the sourest expression I’ve ever seen on his nine-year-old face.
He’s looking up at Yana, who is skeletally thin and clad in a black velvet dress. She looks like a fucking wraith.
“Play nice, okay?” Pavel warns from behind me.
Before I can tell him I have absolutely no intention of playing nice, Luka catches sight of me. His gray eyes fill with relief and he gives me a smile that Yana assumes is meant for her.
She stretches her arms toward Luka. “My baby boy, I knew you missed me!”
Gag.
Luka stands frozen as she wraps her claws around him and pulls him into her bony embrace. He doesn’t return her hug. His arms stay limp at his side.
“I think I’ll stay,” I tell Pavel firmly.
“Vesper, we don’t need any more complications.”
“I’m not complicating anything. I’m just going to sit here and observe. This is supposed to be a supervised visit, right?”
“That’s whatI’mhere for.”
“Great. Consider me backup.”
Pavel groans and points at the outdoor sofa behind me. “Park your ass and don’t move. And no matter what, do not interfere with this visit.”
“Aye-aye, cap— Hold on.” I grip Pavel’s arm in panic. “What is she doing?”
“It’s a gift, Vesper. She’s giving him a gift.”
I roll my eyes. “ Is that a PlayStation? Typical. Can’t be bothered to be a good mother, so let’s take the easy way out and buy his love.”
He pinches his nose like his head hurts. “Except Luka is too smart for that.”
“You bet your ass he is,” I agree proudly.
Luka examines the PlayStation with all the enthusiasm of someone inspecting a dead fish. Then he sets it on the grass and resumes playing with his soccer ball. Yana’s eyes flicker toward us, her annoyance obvious even from twenty feet away.
Then she notices me and her entire demeanor changes. She stiffens, chest out, eyes narrowing with purpose.
“Oh, boy…” Pavel sighs. “I really thought today was going to be a good day when I woke up. Joke’s on me.”
I make a show of waving, forcing a friendly smile onto my face. Yana’s tongue swipes along her lower lip like a viper’s before she turns her back on me.
Her expression reads loud and clear:Die, bitch.
I settle onto the sofa beside Pavel and keep my eyes trained on Yana. She’s not the only one who can communicate effectively with her eyes. The next time she looks my way, I’ll have my response ready.
Right back at you, she-demon.
“The court allowed her an hour. She’s overstayed her welcome.”
Pavel shifts uncomfortably, keeping his eyes on his phone. “Until Luka says he’s done, I’m not going anywhere near them.”
“Coward.” I pinch his arm as I get to my feet.
“Hey!” He grabs my hand and tries to drag me back down. “Yana can’t know you’re pregnant. Kovan wouldn’t want that. She’ll go running to Ihor immediately.”
I snake my hand away from him. “Look at me. Can you tell I’m pregnant in this blouse?”
