Page 237 of Ruins
“I want them with you, Dea.” The words come out quieter than I expect.
She stills, her brush pausing mid-stroke. Her lips part slightly, but no sound comes out, her mind clearly working through what I just said.
“Them?” she repeats, like the idea has never even occurred to her.
“Or one,” I amend. “I don’t care how many. I just… didn’t realize you were actively preventing it.”
She puts the brush down exhaling slowly, then meets my gaze fully. “Well... you weren’t.”
I blink. “What?”
“Youweren’t preventing it,” she says, nodding toward the pill pack in my hand.
The realization unfurls inside me like a slow burn.
I place the packet down on the counter, stepping closer, my body towering over her as I tilt my head, watching her carefully.
“Of course not.” My voice is low, certain. “Why would I wear protection with my wife?”
Her breath hitches, just slightly.
“You’remine,Dea.”
I’vealwaysused protection before her. Never even considered going without.
But with Vasilisa?It never even crossed my mind.
She looks down, fingers twisting slightly in the fabric of her robe.
Silence stretches between us, thick with unspoken things.
“Do you want kids, Dea?”
She hesitates.
I catch it immediately.
“Why did you hesitate?”
She lets out a slow breath, shifting slightly on the ottoman. “Because I didn’t knowyouwanted one.”
I frown, stepping in front of her, tilting her chin up so she has to meet my gaze.
“That shouldn’t be why you hesitate,” I mutter. “This isn’t about what I want. It should be something webothwant. If you don’t... then we won’t.”
She watches me, searching my face for something.
Then, softly, “I just don’t want oneright now.”
I nod, understanding but… slightly disappointed.
Not because I expect her to be ready, but because for a moment, the thought of her carrying my child—ours—felt right.
Still, I push it down.
“That’s smart,” I say finally. “Not with the war going on.”
She nods quickly, as if relieved to have a tangible reason. But then—her expression shifts.
