Page 37 of The Bratva Bosses' Nanny

Kate’s next message pops up.How’s Zoe doing? Any news from her?

Is she reading my mind or something?

She dyed her hair red 2 weeks ago. Looks like a flame in human formI reply and attach the selfie Zoe and I took.

She looks cute! But I miss you, sis. You should stop by the salon soonKate responds.

Her salon, just one of her many businesses, shows her knack for success. Kate is my half-sister, and she’s done more than just succeed—she’s flourished extravagantly.

I’ve never pried into how she built her empire, but her generosity knows no bounds; she covered my college tuition despite my protests, and somehow, she found me this job. Her network seems to stretch into every corner of the city.

Oh, I’d love toI respond.

Then she switches gears.Btw, have you heard from Grace recently?

I pause.Grace? You mean their assistant? How do you even know her?

Oh, she’s a friend from college. Tried to reach you earlier but couldn’t. I tried Grace instead, but she didn’t pick up

I frown.Last time I saw her was weeks ago, KateThe mention of Grace adds another layer of mystery to the already convoluted situation I’m in.

That’s... odd

I type back, a hint of sarcasm in my words.How are you even friends with someone like that? She’s so arrogant. She gets on my nerves

Kate’s unfazed.Oh, she’s just playful. You’d get used to it. Text me if you ever manage to reach her

Sure!I send off the message, but my mind is already elsewhere. Kate’s world is one I’ve only skirted the edges of, her life a puzzle I’ve never solved. She’s been more than generous, her help unwavering, her resources seemingly limitless.

I’m serious. Come by the salon! Maria’s been dying to meet you!

Maria?I type back.

Yes... well. My newest stepmom, lol

I can’t keep track of my stepfather’s wives anymore.Just how long is that going to last? Will your dad divorce her when she hits 25, like Leonardo DiCaprio would?

Shut upKate fires back, but I can tell she’s laughing.Actually, Maria’s been my close friend since college

You never told me about herI reply, a frown forming even though she can’t see it.

Well, I met her in college. But she wasn’t studying; she was working. Um, anyways, I’ll tell you all about it when we meet. How does tomorrow sound?

I cringe internally at the thought of my stepfather, his midlife crises as regular as clockwork, marrying someone Kate’s age—it’s just plain weird.

Working tomorrow. How about this Saturday afternoon?

Perfect. See you then, sis

I put my phone down with a sigh. It’s weird, this whole situation with Maria, Kate’s newest ‘mom.’ And it’s not just the age thing; it’s the way Kate mentioned her so casually, like an afterthought. Like there’s a story there which I’m only getting hints of. Well, I suppose Saturday will reveal all.

I also can’t help but wonder about Grace’s sudden silence. And beneath that, a deeper question lurks—just how deep do Kate’s connections run?

I glance outside, and there’s Aleksandr, slicing through the water like it’s mid-summer and not the brink of winter. The water heater’s off—steam should be rising in the cold air, but it’s not. How is he not a human ice cube right now? I move towards the pool.

I’m rooted to the spot, not sure if it’s the shock of seeing him swim in freezing temperatures or the way the water accentuates, well, everything. I’m definitely intimidated, but I can’t decide if it’s by his apparent immunity to the cold or the way his muscles move with such power. Probably both.

I should ask about Grace, but the thought slips away as he finishes a lap and hangs on the edge of the pool, catching his breath. That sight knocks the air from my lungs, too.

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