Page 7 of The Bratva Bosses' Nanny

Dmitri seems more... human. Maybe even approachable.

I make up my mind to talk to him later. To find out what exactly I’ve gotten myself into. But for now, I refocus on the little girl in front of me.

“Okay, Alina, let’s try another word. How about ‘cup’?” I point to a sippy cup on the low table between us.

My phone buzzes from where it’s placed on the coffee table, drawing my attention away from Alina. I lean over to pick it up and see it’s a message from my sister, Kate.

How’s the new job, sis?

I hesitate for a moment, fingers hovering over the keyboard. How to put it into words?It’s... complicated but interestingI finally type.

Ooh, crypticKate fires back.Did you meet the guys yet? What’d you think?

They’re, um, intense. How did you even find these people?I ask, feeling like I’m tiptoeing around land mines.

Are they hot or what?Kate doesn’t miss a beat.

Stop it, Kate

Admit it, Emma

I let out a tiny sigh. She’s not going to let this go.Fine, they’re kind of... hot. But that doesn’t change the fact they scare me a little

A little fear can be exciting, sisshe responds, her text dripping with unspoken mischief.

I roll my eyes, even though she can’t see me.Only you would say that. Anyway, one of them is a little easier to talk to. His name’s Dmitri

Ah, a favorite already?

I wouldn’t go that far. It’s just... he seems kinder than the others. More approachable, I guess

Don’t let those good looks fool you. Stay focused, Em. You’re there for a job

I know, I knowI text back, setting the phone down and taking a deep breath. It’s easier said than done, though. I can’t forget why I’m here—to take care of Alina. Whatever strange tension or sparks I’m feeling around her uncles are secondary. Maybe even irrelevant.

But as I glance back at Alina, I can’t help but feel that understanding the men in her life might be key to understanding her. And maybe, understanding myself in this new, puzzling role I’ve taken on.

“So, Alina,” I redirect my focus back to the small girl, pushing away thoughts of Dmitri and his intense gaze. “Let’s try saying ‘cup’ one more time, shall we?”

Then another text. I roll my eyes. Can you let me do my job, Kate?

How’s the kiddo?Kate’s text lights up the screen.

She’s adjusting. I’m trying to teach her some basic English wordsI reply.

Sounds like a plan. Talk later, sis

Setting the phone down again, I can’t help but ponder the circumstances which brought me here. I had been skeptical when Kate first mentioned this nanny job just yesterday.

Kate had insisted, saying it would be a great opportunity. A way to make some good money and to help a child in need. She hadn’t been wrong about the latter.

Alina glances at the cup on the table, then back at me, her eyes full of youthful uncertainty but also a spark of willingness to learn.

It’s that tiny spark which ignites my resolve. I’m here for her, first and foremost. And no amount of complicated men or confusing emotions will steer me off course.

Nikolai walks into the room, and it’s as if the air thickens. He’s undeniably good-looking, but in an intimidating way. Tall and muscular with a strong jawline, his eyes are so piercingly blue they seem almost unreal.

The scar running down his cheek adds an element of danger to his already intense demeanor. Unlike Dmitri, there’s no softness in those eyes, but they’re not as icy as Aleksandr’s either.

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