Page 43 of The Ties That Bind
Hope stared at the stuffed animal in surprise for several seconds before crushing it in a tight hug. Standing beside her, Shadow gazed at the toy intently, quickly swishing his tail back and forth in a playful manner.
The two of them were so cute that Brie snatched her phone to take a quick picture to share with Rytsar.
Now understanding the significance of the stuffed animals, Brie took the brown teddy bear out of the box. Placing it against her stomach, she pressed the paw, and Rytsar’s gruff but soothing voice came from the bear.
“Little one, it is time to go to bed…” Brie smiled when he began signing the Russian lullaby his mother had sung to him as a boy. Pressing the bear tighter against her belly, Brie closed her eyes as she lost herself in the warm timbre of his song.
“…the sun’s gone to sleep. Close your eyes and I’ll rock you gently…”
Her eyes popped open when she suddenly felt the baby move as if reacting to Rytsar’s voice. Looking down, she saw her daughter toddling toward her, dragging the horse. She wrapped a chubby little arm around Brie’s leg and looked up. “Dyadya.”
Brie grinned. “Yes, sweet pea,dyadyais singing.”
Brie shook her head in amazement. Despite the thousands of miles that separated them, Rytsar had found a meaningful way to remain a part of both children’s lives.
She glanced at the red box again, now more curious than ever, wondering what gift was contained inside.
A Little Lea Time
When Sir informed Brie that he had not been given permission to divulge the contents of the red box, she decided to take matters into her own hands and texted Rytsar.
Sir just told me he can’t share what’s in the box. How is that fair?
All is fair in passion and pain.
She whimpered as she quickly keyed in her rebuttal.
You’re cruel, Rytsar.
Thank you.
Brie could just imagine him laughing as he texted his response.
Although she knew there was nothing she could say to get that sexy sadist to change his mind, she made one last try.
I’ll make it worth your while…
Your suffering is all I require, radost moya.
She giggled despite her frustration.
Then it hit her. The box might simply be a ruse designed to drive her crazy. He knew her curious nature well and how much she struggled with patience. What if this was just a cruel prank?
Is there anything in the box?
When he didn’t answer, she realized he was toying with her.
Fine. I will suffer, Rytsar, but only because you will it.
And that pleases me.
Brie smirked as she put down the phone. In need of a distraction, she asked Sir if she could spend a couple of hours with Lea. She missed spending quality girl time with her best friend.
“Why don’t you invite her here?” Sir suggested.
“What an excellent idea.”
Lea jumped at the chance to hang at the beach and was there within the hour.
