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Color rose in her cheeks. “He knows who you are—who Yuriy is.”

I frowned. “And you’re sure he’s trustworthy?”

“He is. He’s been like a father figure to us, which was a relief, considering we had no one when we first moved here.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Since he and Richard came into our lives, this place has actually started to feel like home.”

“Richard?”

“His son. He has severe social anxiety, so he doesn’t leave the house much. It’s gotten a little better with me and Zasha, though.” She hesitated. “They would’ve had Christmas dinner with us, but with you and Yuriy here… he won’t be able to handle it. So Zasha’s going to bring food over to them instead.”

“I see.” It seemed like they had a nice little arrangement and as apprehensive as I was about a stranger knowing about the true nature of my business, I trusted Yelena’s judgment. Having someone else looking out for them when I wasn’t around to do it was comforting.

“I want to spend as much of my time here with you before I leave,” I said. “You’re so far away from me, but I’ll allow it because here you’re safe, and if you need me, I’m just a plane ride away.”

“Truthfully, I’ve been nervous about having my baby, but with you here, I feel like it’s all going to be fine.”

My throat tightened as her words caught me off guard. She’d said it so simply, like it was nothing, but it meant the world to me.

I cleared my throat. “Printsessa… I’ll always be here for you. No matter how old you get, no matter where life takes you, you’ll always be my little girl.”

Her eyes softened, glossy with emotion.

Before I could say anything else, the thud of footsteps broke the moment. Yuriy stepped into the kitchen and leaned against the doorframe, fully dressed, smug, and looking like trouble wrapped in sin.

He’d changed into a pair of black jeans that looked painted on, a fitted lightweight green sweater that clung too well to his shoulders, and boots more suited for city streets than snow. His hair was back up in the usual messy man bun that he wore so well. For once, I would have liked to see him with his hair down. He had so much of it. It was a shame he kept it bound all the time.

His cologne wafted at me from across the room, and I inhaled deeply, loving the sandalwood mixed with a hint of some fruit. He looked as good as he smelled, and his smug half smile said he knew exactly how attractive he was. And that I noticed.

Fucking ass.

Yelena gave him a once-over and frowned. “You’re not seriously going out like that, are you?”

“Why not?” Yuriy gestured down at himself, feigning innocence. “You don’t like my lumberjack chic look? It’s perfect for cutting down a tree.”

“You’ll freeze to death,” she scolded. “That sweater’s too light. You need layers. A scarf. A beanie.”

“But if I wear all that, I’ll deprive the world of appreciating my hot bod. Can’t have that on my conscience.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’ll deprive the world of you when you get hypothermia. Don’t be vain, Yuriy.”

Yelena leaned forward, squinting. “Wait—holy shit, Yuriy, what happened to your neck?”

I froze. My eyes darted to his collar, where the edge of a bruise—my bruise—peeked above the neckline of his shirt. The ones my hands had left when I’d slammed him against the wall last night and choked him after he’d given me the most intense orgasm I’d ever had.

Panic punched through me. My mind scrambled for excuses, for words, for anything. But Yuriy, damn him, didn’t miss a beat. He touched the mark lightly and smirked. “Oh, that. I annoyed Stas at the bar, and he tried to end me. Damn near succeeded too.”

Yelena’s mouth fell open. “Papa, you didn’t!”

“Kidding,” Yuriy said quickly, flashing her that easy grin. “I went home with a guy last night. Didn’t know he was into choking kink, but it was kind of hot. Good sex usually leaves marks, and I don’t mind. Keeps the memory fresh.” He glanced at me as he said it, voice dipping enough to turn the air thick again. “Some memories are worth keeping.”

Heat crawled up my neck, and my stomach flipped, every word landing like a fingertip against my skin.

Yelena groaned, shaking her head. “Well, be careful. You look like you almost didn’t make it home last night. Papa, keep a better eye on him when you go out.”

“He’s a grown man. If he likes it rough, who are we to comment on it?”

“Exactly.” Yuriy winked at her. “Anything else you need while we’re out, Yelena?”

“Just the tree, thank you. You’re both a lifesaver. Take my SUV.”