Page 59 of Sinful Union

I lace my fingers through hers, leading her out of the study. My mind still spins with the enormity of what we just discussed, but I push it all back. I have a daughter. She’s here, in my home.Protecting her comes before everything else.

As we approach the kitchen, we find Ana perched on a stool at the island, kicking her legs and chatting with Camille, who’s smiling at something the girl said. Vlad stands guard in his typical stance, arms folded, an odd mix of tension and relief in his eyes.

Camille and Ana turn as we approach, curiosity on their faces. I let go of Kat’s hand and step toward Ana. She gives me a shy smile that fills my chest with unexpected warmth.

“You still hungry?” I ask.

She nods; her eyes bright. “Yes!”

A grin twitches at my lips.“Then let’s whip you up a snack.”

Kat slips in beside me, her presence steady despite her anxiety.We may face threats, we may have to confront Piotr, and we definitely have a million questions to untangle. But at this moment, I soak in the sweet excitement on Ana’s face, letting it anchor me.

Chapter 27

Pavel

“Voilà,” Camille says with a small smile. “Quiche Lorraine.Simple, but delicious.”

She insisted on cooking, and I luckily had all the ingredients already on hand. With practiced ease, she sets the quiche on the table, the golden crust perfectly crisp, the scent of melted cheese, eggs, and smoked ham filling the room.

Ana beams as Camille puts a plate in front of her. “Thank you!” She glances over at me, her feet kicking under the table. “Mr. Fetisov, do you like quiche?”

I smile at the formality. “I suppose we’re about to find out.”

Camille serves the rest of us, and soon, everyone is happily eating. The room hums with quiet satisfaction, forks tapping against plates.

Ana takes a big bite, eyes widening as she dramatically says, “Mmm, it’s so good!”

Vlad chuckles. “That’s high praise.”

Kat shifts beside me, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her glass. She’s watching me closely, gauging my reaction to Ana and the sudden family dynamic settling around us.I know she’s bracing for me to snap, to push back against the disruption, but I don’t have any intention of doing so.

I glance at Ana, swinging her legs again as she eats. Every so often, she sneaks a peek my way, like she’s still trying to figure me out. The weight of it settles deep in my chest. She has no idea who I am to her, not yet. But she’s here, in my home, and that’s a start.

“So, Ana, what do you like to do for fun?” I ask.

She lights up. “I love to draw, and I used to take dance lessons.” She leans in conspiratorially. “But I stopped because the teacher was mean.”

Vlad snorts a laugh. “She wasn’t mean; she just had rules.”

“She yelled a lot,” Ana argues.

“Ballet is strict,” Camille chimes in, a teasing note in her voice. “But I do recall that teacher being a bit intense.”

“See? Camille says the same as me!”

I chuckle. “Do you like books?”

Ana nods her head enthusiastically. “I do!”

“What kind of books do you like?”

Ana considers this, nibbling on a bite of quiche. “Princess stories,” she decides, “but not the boring ones. I like the kind where the princess fights the bad guys.”

Kat grins. “My brave, strong girl.”

Ana smiles at her mother before turning back to me. “Do you like stories, Mr. Fetisov?”

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