Page 41 of Her Protector

But I knew they'd never harm me. Sometimes, their patience made me crazy, and I wanted to challenge them. But I knew that was my inner brat craving some structure and guidance.

"I love your brat." Andrei drew me away from my musings with his thick, accented voice and smoldering caramel eyes. "And I would never seek to stifle her too much, but I know you require that back and forth. The defiance and response."

"Did I say my thoughts out loud again?" I gave a small chuckle. "Because I was just thinking how much I liked being defiant sometimes and getting a response."

"You actually didn't, but I could see the wheels turning, and knowing you as I do, I took a good guess." Andrei smiled ruefully. "Thank you for taking my mind off where we're going. I know it probably wasn't your intention, but I appreciate it all the same."

I squeezed his fingers and gave him a grin. "I know what it's like to need a distraction from your thoughts sometimes."

His hand slid up to my neck, pulling me forward just enough to press his forehead against mine. "You're too good for me."

I clucked my tongue. "We discussed saying that and how it's not allowed."

"We did. I'm sorry,kroshka. I'll refrain from saying it in the future."

"Good." I giggled. "Don't make me use my stern voice on you."

"Okay, love birds." Kaleb glanced over his shoulder after he put the car in park. "We're here."

The smile slid from Andrei's face, and he looked toward the front door as if it were about to reach out and bite him in the ass. "Is it too late to turn around and go back home?"

"Hey," I grabbed his hand again. "We can do this together, remember?"

"Yeah," he breathed out. "Together."

CHAPTER 23

Andrei

Ilet go of Lottie's hand to exit the car and jog around to her door before anyone else could enter. Not that they would try. Kaleb and Colby allowed me whatever grace I needed to get through the night.

I was grateful for that.

Because I was one step away from either draining a bottle of vodka to remain calm, or throwing up. Maybe a bit of both, especially if I drank the vodka.

Sergei opened the door before we reached it, meeting us halfway between the SUV and the door. He held out a hand, and I shook it before bringing him in for a back-slapping hug. "Welcome to my home, cousin."

"Thank you for having us."

My cousin dipped his head with a grin and held his arm out for the rest of my family. "Welcome. Nice to see you again."

This new, polite Sergei would take some getting used to. He opened the door and gestured for us to join him inside.

“Papa!” A little girl ran straight up to Sergei as he entered the foyer. “Where did you go?”

Her dark hair was in braided pigtails, and when she smiled, she was missing two of her bottom front teeth. Her dress swirledaround her knees, and black Mary Janes were on her feet. She looked like the female version of Sergei. Good thing she inherited the softer side of his features.

Sergei scooped her up into his arms and balanced her on his hip. “Remember I told you we were having special guests come today?”

She nodded and eyed us cautiously. But she still smiled. Her head rested against her dad’s shoulder as if she were torn between shyness, outgoingness, and confidence.

“This is my cousin Andrei and his friends Lottie, Kaleb, and Colby.”

Lottie grinned and waved. “I heard your name is Sofia. That’s such a pretty name.”

And just like that, Sofia lifted her head from Sergei’s shoulder and he set her back down on her feet. She marched right up to Lottie and crooked her finger at her. Lottie got down on one knee to be at Sofia's level.

"You're really pretty. I love your purse." Sofia jumped up and down. "Grogu is my favorite ever! Well, maybe Groot, too. But he's one of my favorites. Do you want to come see my Grogu toys?"

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