Page 138 of Bratva and Betrayal: Kirill

Gale doesn’t mention the guards. The girls attend a very exclusive school, and many rich parents have a security detail following them around.

I tie the balloons to a bunch of chairs around one table while Violet and Emily check out all the flavors. My heart is so filled with joy and pride when I hear my daughter read them to her best friend. But Violet loves to be in charge.

When the girls get to our table and see the balloons, Emily jumps up and down and does a little happy dance. But Violet immediately starts rearranging them.

With Violet playing party decorator, and Emily sitting at the table with her legs swinging joyfully, Gale goes to the counter to order. Next, she brings over a large silver tray with at least ten flavors.

“It’s called the kitchen sink.” She puts it down on the table and hands out cups and spoons. “It’s a birthday special. Here are sprinkles, crunchies, and gummies.”

I sigh. It’s so big because they expect more than two kids. But heck, I love ice cream. And so does Violet.

“Look, Mommy, a purple scoop.” Violet turns to Emily. “That’s my mother’s favorite color. She paints with it all the time.”

“You paint?” Gale asks.

I nod, feeling awkward.

“Can I see your work?”

I take out my phone and show her the photos of the paintings that I put up on Instagram. While Gale is looking at them, I grab the purple scoop and take a lick that tastes like blueberry. The shock of cold on my tongue reminds me of the day Elodie and I got ice cream in Arizona. I was finally feeling normal, and then we were taken.

I think about Kirill in Las Vegas, checking on her. But I’m also startled to think what if something else had happened that day? What if that other mafia man took me instead? I would have been denied this second chance at my life.

My heart pounds at the thought that I’m falling in love with Kirill. But does he still love me?

I stare out at this risk I’m taking. Balloons, a kitchen sink, sitting out in the open. I’m testing that love.

Gale blinks tears at how happy Emily is. “Thank you so much for this. I… She’s had a hard time making friends.”

“Violet adores her. We’re not going anywhere.” I nod, watching the girls. “Emily seems so happy now.”

“She is. For today, at least.” Gale’s shoulders sag in relief. “How about you? Was Violet always this easy?”

I swallow, forcing a small smile. It’s too much to confess about my amnesia.

“She was,” I say, because it’s technically the truth.

Kirill had the hard part. He had the diapers, the late-night feedings, the colds, and the fevers.

I didn’t have it easy all these years for a different reason, but I still feel guilty.

The ice cream starts to melt because two five-year-olds and Moms who get brain freeze can’t eat ten scoops of ice cream. It’s been a wonderful hour. The girls’ laughter is something I will keep with me. Emily clings to Violet like she’s a big sister. God, she’ll make a great big sister when Kirill and I have more children.

I need a son…

My life feels so right and more secure than ever. I want my husband to have a successful reign as Pakhan. I want him to raise sons he’ll be proud of. And I want a hand in making them good men.

I know they’ll be…bad like their father. In those ways. Do…bad things.

But Kirill is a wonderful father, and after he got over hating me, he’s been a loving, supportive husband.

When I see one of the guards get on his phone, I remember I’m not supposed to be here.

“We do have to go home.” I stand up. “This has been great.”

Emily hugs Violet tight at the waist. “Will you come for a pway date, pweeze?” she asks.

Violet nods enthusiastically. “Yes!”