Page 8 of Cherished By the BRATVA Grump

“That means, whenever my family has a problem, I step in to fix it.”

Patricia nods, her face solemn but in a way that makes me feel like she is pleased with my answer.

“What kind of problems?” Tamsin says, still oblivious to the implication. Patricia’s mouth curls up on one side. She is enjoying this. She knows it’s torture for me.

“Messy ones,” I say, facing Tamsin but double checking with Patricia how far I should take this. She gives a light shrug and I feel more out of my depth with these two women than I ever have in my life doing murderous shit for my family.

Tamsin finally looks up from her plate and meets my eyes.

“Federov…” she finally says. “Where’s that name from?”

“Russia.” I reply. “My grandfather brought the name over here with him. Had five sons. Each of those had a son…”

“And you fix messy problems…” she adds, dropping her fork on the side of her plate.

I don’t say anything, just look at her and wait for it to click into place. When it does, she spins to her mother. “And you’re okay with this?” she shrieks, pushing back from the table and sending her chair falling.

“They are good people, Tamsin. I wouldn’t let him in my house if he weren’t. You know that.”

“Good people don’t kill people.” Tamsin’s hazel eyes flare as she says it.

Patricia opens her mouth to say something but I hold up my hand to stop her.

“Dinner was delicious, Patricia. Thank you for having me. Tamsin,” I add, turning to her as I stand. “I’m sorry I wasted your time.”

I leave through the front door, both women remaining silent until the door closes behind me.

I’m an idiot. I should have known better than to try and pursue a relationship with anyone. Just because it seems to have worked out for my cousins…what are the chances of me finding the same in the same city.

Perhaps it’s time I looked at moving away. Maybe Eduard and Jasper could figure out a way to expand the business into other territories. Or I could find an honest job in security or something.

One thing I know for certain is that I don’t want to be anywhere near here while Tamsin is here.

I reach the small parking lot and get into my car, driving straight to Eduard’s place.

It’s not long after seven when I pull up outside their house. It’s a large five-bed just on the outskirts of town, with a gate that speaks more to his paranoia than their aesthetic choices. I’d never in a million years imagined Eduard doing the whole family home thing, but I’m happy he has found a reason to.

It’s Eduard’s sister who opens the door, Valeria. She has been the epitome of mischief since we were all kids, and I can tell she has been up to no good by the grin on her face.

“Dem,” she says, swinging the door wide as Eduard appears with Lilah on his hip. “Just in time for story-time.”

I raise an eyebrow at her.

“Yes,” Eduard agrees, “Tonight it’s Monster Soup.” He hands me a square book and his daughter, and points to the stairs.

Lilah giggles as she takes my chin in her chubby fingers, then rests her head on my shoulder.

She smells like warmth and honey and baby powder and it makes me realize why people obsess over the smell of babies.

It takes two full read throughs of Monster Soup before her little eyes get heavy and she falls asleep with her thumb in her mouth. Her belly rising and falling with each breath. Sammie pokes her head in to check on her and we head downstairs together.

“She will be walking soon,” Valeria says as we walk into the living room.

Eduard hands me a glass of clear liquid and I down it in one gulp.

“Trust me,” she adds, “That girl is going places.”

Sammie smiles and Eduard nods in all seriousness.