Page 20 of Den of Thieves

“I shudder to think what would have happened if we did not give her anything,” David said.

“Nothing! She’s not a toddler anymore.”

“Just as scary,” Dean mumbled.

“My kids are completely harmless.” Vladimir shook his head and led the group to the dining hall. His cousins needed to get used to being around children. They were bound to have some, one of these days.

He had the staff prepare the formal dining room because the kitchen table wouldn’t fit all of them, plus the nannies. Vladimir rounded the corner and stopped in his tracks.

“What the hell is going on in here?!” he yelled.

His wife decorated the formal dining room in gold, tan, and blue hues. What was once a space that would rival a designer’s showroom now looked like a bomb went off in it.

Karina was going to kill him.

Embroidered napkins were strewn about. There was a red and brown stain on the carpet that Vladimir hoped was food. Nannies ran in and out of the room like rats in the sewer.

At some point, Artym climbed out of his booster seat and sat in the middle of the table in only his underwear, with a biscuit in one hand and a chicken breast in the other. Anastasia stood in the corner with a popsicle in her hand and a smirk on her face.

At the sound of his voice, everyone froze. Vladimir addressed the nannies with forced patience.

“Where is Alexander?”

“We don’t—” she cleared her throat before continuing. “He’s been missing for hours, sir.”

Vladimir dragged a hand down his face.

“Oh, they’re completely harmless alright.” David snorted as the brothers took their seats. At least someone was enjoying this shitshow.

“Not another word out of you three or you’re headed to the nearest hotel.”

They raised their hands in surrender.

“Someone put Artym back in his chair and find his clothes. Anastasia, if you don’t throw that ice cream away and sit down, you are having quiet time for the rest of the week.” His daughter sucked in a breath and rushed to do as she was told.

“Wha-what about Master Alexander?” The nanny squeaked before he could sit down.

“Alexander! You have until the count of three to get your butt in here!”

“Ah, my eardrums!” Dean winced.

Vladimir paid him no mind. His mouth tightened when Alexander appeared from a panel in the wall he never knew existed. This place has hidden fucking passageways?

“No more disappearing, Alexander. You’re going to give your nannies heart attacks.”

His son smiled as he climbed into his chair. He tilted his head at David, Daniil, and Dean.

“Presents?”

The three of them groaned in unison before digging out their wallets again.

“See, this is what happens when you only show up for birthdays!” Vladimir said, exasperated.

**

“When are you coming home to me, Solynchnka?” Vladimir asked later that night. Exhaustion tore at his features. He could only imagine how the nannies felt. Maybe it was time to give them another raise.

“Vlad, I just left this morning.” She reminded him from the other end of the phone. Had it only been sixteen hours since she departed?

---