Page 17 of Born into Chaos

I groan and kiss the top of Roma’s cute head, because it’s impossible to get too angry while he’s sitting in my lap.

“Just the usual, I guess.” I don’t mention the argument we had, instead choosing to keep that little tidbit to myself. “He can’t stand me. I don’t know why he agreed to bodyguard duty.”

Natalya lets out a soft laugh while she and Lara share a look.

“What?” I ask. “Don’t share that look.”

Natalya gives me a wink. “What look?”

“Theyou’re such a dumbass, Vitya is obviously in love with youlook, because it’s not true, Nat.”

She looks at me in mock horror. “I would never call you a dumbass.” Looking over at Lara, she adds, “But he’s definitely in love with her.”

“Absolutely,” Lara agrees. Turning her blue eyes to me, she says, “He makes sure you have your hat on before you go out in cold weather, Sveta. Arkady is an amazing bodyguard, and he always makes sure Roma and I are safe, but he doesn’t make sure my hat is pulled down so my ears don’t get cold.”

“He’s just overbearing,” I tell them. “He doesn’t want my dad to get pissed, and he just really likes bossing me around.”

“No, there’s more to it than that,” Natalya insists. “There’s something in the way he looks at you.”

“Well, he sure couldn’t look away fast enough today.” I hug Romaand kiss his cheek before saying, “And he went out last night. I think we all know what that means.”

“Not necessarily,” Lara says. “Especially if he’s in a bad mood today. Wouldn’t he be a little happier if what you think happened actually happened?”

I think about it while Roma plays with my fingers. Vitya has been incredibly irritable lately, and you’d think if he’d gotten laid last night that he’d at least be a little bit happier today, but there’s no difference in mood. In fact, he’s even worse than he was yesterday.

“Maybe he couldn’t find anyone,” I say, “or maybe it was just really bad.”

“Or maybe he didn’t do anything because none of those women were you,” Natalya says, reminding me of what a hopeless romantic she is.

“Yeah, I’m sure that’s it,” I tell her, and she lifts a brow at my sarcastic tone and points a perfectly manicured pink nail at me.

“Lara and I are right. You just wait and see, Sveta. One day he’s going to lose control around you and the truth is going to come out.”

I lift Roma up and turn him around so he’s standing on my lap with my hands securely around his waist. His unsteady legs lock in place before they give out and he giggles. He’s only six months old, but it’s obvious he’s anxious to start running around. He’s a big slobbery mess, but I don’t care. I kiss his tummy and make him laugh, the sound of it making me forget all about my crappy morning with Vitya.

“Daddy!”

I turn my head to see Vitya watching me from the doorway as Dominic comes walking in. I look away, not ready to make eye contact with him just yet and instead watch Isabella run to her dad. Dominic laughs and scoops her up, covering her in kisses while speaking rapid Italian. I have no idea if she understands any of it, but she smiles and laughs all the same.

Keeping Isabella in his arms, he walks over to Natalya and leans down to kiss her. “How are you feeling,principessa?”

“I’m fine,” she tells him. “I think the morning sickness might be gone for good.”

“Glad to hear it.” He does a quick scan of the plate in front of her. “Keep eating, baby. You haven’t eaten nearly enough. Make sure you get all the chicken and avocado. It’s good for you.”

She pats his cheek. “So bossy.”

“I am, and I’m used to being obeyed, so pick up your fork and start eating.”

She laughs at him, a move that no one else could ever get away with, and says, “It’s so cute when you say things like that.”

Dominic groans and looks over at us. “You see what a handful she is?”

“Definitely,” I agree. “Always has been.”

Natalya laughs, knowing we’re both full of shit, and Dominic gives her a wink when she picks up her fork and spears a piece of grilled chicken and avocado.

“Hey, Vitya,” Luka says, pulling my attention back to the open French doors that Vitya is currently leaning a shoulder against. He nods at Luka and then turns his attention back to me, but I look away again and watch my cousin walk over. He kisses Lara and then whispers something that makes her blush. Roma, having heard his dad’s voice when he came in, grunts while trying to wiggle around. He lets out an annoyed whine that has Luka giving Lara another kiss before turning to his son with a laugh.

---