Page 154 of Voracious

I pull her into my side as she stands and kiss the top of her head. There’s no fist into my ribs or cursing, my daughter doesn’t hate me, she allows me to lead her into the kitchen as she whispers to herself, “Dima will be happy.”

I slow my steps, correcting her, “Fuck anything he wants, do whatever will make you happy.”

Vanya looks up at me, a small crease between her brows, and she says, “Dima makes me happy and he said he’d like it if you walked with me even though I know how to walk.”

Fucking dickhead, cunt. He’s manipulating her and trying to make me turn back on my plan to kill him.

Inessa gives me a teary smile as she stands at the doors leading outside to the pool where everyone is congregated. But Vanya ignores them and stares at her cake on the island. There’s a small smile on her face and she tilts her head to look at the sides, her temple brushing my chest and I hold her tighter with my arm around her shoulder in the only form of embrace she’ll allow me.

My good fucking mood is ruined again when Dima steps into the kitchen, but she smiles at him like she needs him. There’s so much joy on her face and she looks at the cake then back to him, mouthing,“A real birthday.”So, I allow him to live for the time being.

My brothers dislike him more than I do and they push him away as they come to stand beside my daughter. Viktor is sat on the stool beside Dani, Verena stands on the island with Dima ensuring she doesn’t fall as Inessa fits herself at my side.

“Do the honors, birthday girl.” Vitali hands the knife to my daughter as Valentin lights her candles.

No one sings because that would piss her off and she pauses, looking at everyone as though she doesn’t know what to do. Dani smiles and Viktor tries to help her as he whispers, “You’re supposed to make a wish.”

Dima stares at me and I move back in case she tries to run, but my strong baby girl doesn’t move. She gently slides the cake closer to her cousin and sister as she says, “I’m real now, you can have the wishes.”

The End.

For now…