Page 61 of Sinful Union

Ana glances between us, suddenly wary. “Mama, you’re not leaving me again, are you?”

Kat reaches over, covering Ana’s small hand with her own. “Just for a little bit, sweetheart. But I have a surprise for you first.”

Ana tilts her head. “A surprise?” Her voice is cautious but hopeful.

I clear my throat, choosing my words carefully. “We’re going to prepare a room for you upstairs,” I tell Ana, watching her reaction closely. “A space just for you—with toys, a princess bed, and anything else you want or need.”

Ana’s brow furrows. “But we already live with Uncle Piotr and Uncle Vlad.”

Anger coils in my gut at the mere mention of that prick Piotr, but I keep my tone calm and even. “Your mama lives here now. If you want to stay with her, this can be your home, too, but only if you want it to be.”

Ana’s face shifts from confusion to curiosity, then finally excitement. “Can I see it?”

Kat smiles. “It’s not ready yet, but we’ll get it set up for you right away.”

Ana wiggles in her chair, excitement beginning to outweigh any lingering hesitation. “Can I have lots of pillows and books?”

“As many as you want,” I assure her.

She leans forward, lowering her voice. “And toys?”

I smirk. “Obviously.”

She grins, the hesitation in her small frame finally easing. “Yay! I want to stay here with Mama.”

Relief rushes through me, but I keep my expression neutral. “Good. We will also prepare a room for Camille right next door.”

Camille, still at the sink rinsing dishes, turns in surprise. “Oh, my. Well, that’s very kind of you, Mr. Fetisov.Merci beaucoup.”

Kat nods and smiles. “We’ll discuss the details later, but we’d love for you to stay on.”

Camille smiles broadly. “I’d be happy to. It’s been a while since I’ve taught in a new place.” She looks over to Vlad, who’s been quietly listening. “We’ll need to arrange to get our things from the house.”

Vlad straightens slightly. “I can help with that.”

Camille gives him a small nod, something unspoken passing between them.

Kat turns back to me. “Is that alright?”

I rest my forearms on the table, glancing at Ana’s eager face, then at Kat’s expectant one. “Of course,” I reply. “We’ll make it happen.”

Ana lets out a delighted squeal. “Yay! Can I see my room now?”

Kat laughs, pushing her chair back. “Come on, let’s go take a look and start planning.”

Ana slides off her chair and grabs Kat’s hand, practically bouncing with excitement. “Can I have twinkly lights?” She directs the question toward me.

I realize she’s asking my permission, or at least my agreement. It’s a strange sensation being consulted about such things, like we’re forming a real family dynamic.

“Absolutely,” I say. “Whatever you want, within reason, of course.”

“Cool!”

“Give them the two guest rooms on the second floor,” I say to Kat. “Give Camille the one with the ensuite.”

Ana nods eagerly, tugging at Camille’s shirt sleeve. “C’mon, let’s go see our new rooms!” Camille turns off the water and dries her hands, while Ana practically drags her toward the door.

“I need to talk to you and Vlad,” I tell her. “Tell him to join me in my office. You can meet us once Ana and Camille are settled.”

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