AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I gave a nod. “A single rose will be enough to brighten this place.”
“This is an assassin’s lair, Lucia,” he said in a grim tone. “Death is the only thing that pervades this place. I doubt a single rose can make a difference here.”
“We’re all alive, aren’t we?”
He let out a sigh absent-mindedly and reached out to caress my cheek gently. I wish there was a way to delve into his mind and read his thoughts.
Before I could say anything, he turned away and left the kitchen.
Left all alone in the vast kitchen, I missed him immediately.
The aroma of burning chocolate wafted into my nostrils. The cake was ready to come out of the oven now.
Going back to the oven, I took the cake out and set it to cool before unmolding it from the tin. My creation looked dark and decadent but I decided to take it to the next level.
Measuring out some chocolate chips, I added them into a saucepan with milk and cream. A hot fudgy, chocolate sauce would taste amazing drizzled over the top of the cake.
The sauce was nearly ready when my first guest arrived.
Mikhail strode over to me, his silvery eyes shining with curiosity. He gazed out at all the ingredients spread out on the counter and moved closer to me as I stirred the sauce.
“I forgot you could bake,” he said. “I’ve missed this smell.”
“It’s been a while since I last baked anything,” I said. “I hope the cake tastes good.”
“It looks good enough to lick.” To my surprise, he leaned over it.
“Don’t!” I cried, wrapping my arms around his waist and pulling him away from my precious creation.
Chuckles escaped him as I tackled him.
“It’s for everyone,” I shouted as he fought against me.
“Leave that cake alone!” a third voice called out.
Next moment, Mikhail cried out, straightening up so quickly, I was nearly thrown off him.
“You’re such a bitch,” Mikhail bit out.
“Yeah?” Lilja challenged. “You’re one too!”
That’s when I noticed a thin needle sticking out of Mikhail’s left cheek. A tiny trickle of blood appeared on his unblemished skin.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“He’s fine,” Lilja muttered, walking over to us. She was about to reach toward Mikhail but he swatted her hand away, looking pissed.
“I’ve told you not to do this,” Mikhail huffed, pulling the needle out. “You’re not fucking six anymore and it’s not cute!”
“You could do this at six?” I asked, absolutely impressed by her aim and talent.
“Stop sounding impressed,” Mikhail said through clenched teeth. “It’ll get into her head.” He stomped away and sunk into a chair at the dining table.
“Thanks,” I whispered.
Lilja winked at me and went to join her brother. She spent the next several minutes trying to make it up to him and promising him ridiculous things like she’d wash his motorcycles for him for a month if he didn’t tattle about the incident to Yakim.
A smile came onto my lips as I watched them. Suddenly, I was glad the Volkov family didn’t send out their daughters away like they did with their sons.
