Page 134 of The Bratva King

It’s strange because I understand Nikolai’s business. More like I know it exists, but it’s not my business. This feels normal. Like a real family dinner. Not the kind I grew up with, where silence was mandatory, and tension filled every corner of the room.

Luke takes a bite of his chicken and keeps talking with his mouth full. I’m about to correct him when Nikolai catches my eye and gives the slightest shake of his head. Let him be a kid, the look says.

So, I do.

Irina made pasta tonight. Real Italian pasta with a sauce that smells like heaven. I’m halfway through dinner when I realize how relaxed and at peace I am, just sitting here with the people I care about.

“Mom, Nik says we can go to the dinosaur museum next month,” Luke announces.

I glance at Nikolai. “Does he?”

A New York trip? I really need to tell him the truth.

“If you want,” Nik says.

“That sounds fun,” I say.

“Can Mila come?” Luke asks.

Mila’s eyes light up. “Can I?”

Olga smiles. “We’ll see, malyshka.”

After dinner, I’m about to take Luke up to bed when he looks up at Nik.

Nik looks from Luke to me. “I’ll take you up,” he says.

Luke takes Nikolai’s hand without hesitation. He does it often now, but it still gets me every time.

I watch them walk down the hall together, and I have to blink hard, fast, before either of them turns around and sees.

“He’s good with him,” Olga says quietly.

“He is,” I admit.

“Nikolai doesn’t let people in,” she continues. “But when he does, he’s all in. You understand?”

I nod.

“He’ll protect you,” she says. “Both of you. With his life.”

“I know.”

She stands and clears the plates. I help her carry dishes to the kitchen, where Irina shoos us both away. I wander through the house, not sure what to do with myself. I could go upstairs and check on Luke, but Nik has it handled.

I don’t have to do it all anymore.

Greg told me to run, but I can’t this time.

Not when Luke is finally coming out of his shell.

Not when I’m falling in love with a man who makes me feel safe for the first time in my life.

I go upstairs, peek into Luke’s room, and smile. Nik is reading one of the books he bought for Luke. It’s way too advanced for a four-year-old, but that doesn’t matter. It’s about dinosaurs. Luke will absorb it.

Nik must sense me because he looks up. “Sorry. I just want to say a quick goodnight, then I’ll leave you to it.”

I give Luke a quick kiss and leave them to finish the book.