Page 57 of Sinful Union

Before I have a chance to say anything else, he changes the subject. “We have guests. I saw them on the security feed. Who is the woman and the girl accompanying Vlad?”

Shit.No getting out of it now.

“The woman’s name is Camille, and…actually, let’s go to the kitchen to talk.”

A flicker of irritation appears on his face. Pavel isn’t the sort of man whom you keep information from. But then his expression softens, as if he can sense there’s something serious at play.

“Okay,” he concedes. “Let’s go to the kitchen.”

We descend the stairs in silence. When we enter the kitchen, Pavel’s gaze lands on Vlad first, then Camille, and finally Ana. She tilts her head, blinking up at him. He takes a step closer, his expression softening into something tender and warm. He looks at her like he’s trying to solve a puzzle.

His lips turn upward into the brightest smile as he asks, “And who is this lovely young lady?”

Chapter 26

Pavel

Icrouch down in front of the little girl, so we’re eye to eye.

She’s maybe five, with dark curls, bright eyes, and a timid smile that doesn’t quite hide the curiosity dancing beyond it. Kat stands protectively behind her, clearly on edge.

“Pavel, this is Ana,” Kat says, a slight tremble to her voice. She looks at the child, then back at me. “Ana, say hello to Mr. Fetisov.”

Ana stands up tall before offering a practiced polite bow, her curls bouncing. “Hello, Mr. Fetisov.” Her tone is soft but confident. She’s obviously been taught good manners.

“Nice to meet you, Ana.” I hold out my hand, and she gives it a careful shake with a stern, grown-up expression that almost makes me laugh. Then she giggles, disarming me in an instant.

I stand up, my eyes landing on Vlad. He stands a few feet away, arms crossed, carefully watching the girl. Behind him is a tall, poised woman who I can only assume is Camille, the person Kat mentioned before we left my office to come to the kitchen.

Kat’s body language is tense, guarded—shoulders tight, chin raised, eyes scanning the room. Even Ana, who was cheerful just a moment ago, seems to pick up on the tension.

“I am Camille,” the woman says with a French accent. She walks toward me and offers her hand. I take it.As we shake, her eyes look me over. She’s not checking me out—she’sassessingme.

What the hell is going on? No one is offering an explanation. It’s as if they’re waiting for me to piece it together on my own. I feel a strange sensation in my core. A newfound sense of overwhelming purpose. I clear my throat. “Welcome to my home,” I say. My voice is low, more subdued than usual. “I’m pleased you could come.”

Vlad gives me a polite nod. “Thank you, Pavel. We appreciate it.”

Camille smiles politely. “Ana’s been asking to see Kat for ages.”

Kat exhales sharply, a look of concern and mild shock taking over her expression.

“Desoleeif we are intruding,” Camille says politely.

“Not at all. Come, let’s get everyone a little something to eat.”

Ana looks up at Kat again. “Mama, I am still hungry.”

Mama?

That single word crashes into my thoughts like a bulldozer.Kat is her mother.My mind reels. How? When? Why didn’t she tell me she had a child?I can’t stop the barrage of questions hammering around inside my skull.

Kat lowers herself to Ana’s level, smoothing a stray curl away from the little girl’s face.

“Okay, sweetheart. But first, I need to speak to Mr. Fetisov.” She gives me a look that begs me not to push. Then she kisses Ana’s cheek. “Go with Uncle Vlad and Camille, okay?”

Ana nods, “All right.” Then she looks at me again, uncertain. “Nice to meet you.”

Camille reaches for Ana’s hand, and they head toward the living room. Vlad follows. Kat watches them go before turning back to me, her expression shadowed with anxiety.Her stare pins me in place, silently pleading:Don’t ask, not yet.I clench my jaw, keeping my questions to myself—for now.

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