Page 55 of Scarlet Sins

Then I go searching for Erin.

She’s not with Sasha, who’s with Olga downstairs, and she’s not in our room. A place she’s been spending less time in than I like. As in not sleeping there.

I find her in her room, curled on the bed, looking pale. I cross to her and brush her hair from her face and she stirs. “Hey,Lyubimaya,” I say softly, “it’s me.”

She sits up. “I fell asleep.”

“I wanted to let you know that Ilya’s awake and doing well.”

A bright smile lights up her face, bringing a little color with it. “Oh, I’m so happy. Thank you. He’s like family, you know?”

“Yeah, I know.”

I start to leave, knowing I need to give her some space. But I stop. “This weekend, we’re going away. I booked us a place.”

“Where? Is it child friendly?”

“Lake Geneva.”

“In Wisconsin?”

“It’s gorgeous.” I pause. “And it’s just for us. Sasha’s staying here with Alina.”

Her face falls. “Oh, I… I don’t know about being apart from him.” Then she bites her lip. “But I guess some time away will do us both some good.”

“He loves Alina.” I smile. “And she loves him. It’ll be good for everyone.”

She breathes out in a rush. “Okay.” This time I go to leave, but she calls out. “Demyan?”

“Yeah?”

“Tomorrow morning, c-can you watch Sasha? If you’re not with Stefina.”

“I’m not.”

She nods. “I have plans with Alina, and they’d be better if he stays here; h-he gets bored shopping.”

“I’d love to. You know I love spending time with our son. I’ll see you for dinner?”

“Maybe. I had a late lunch,” she says.

I keep my face neutral as I go, but fuck, are they shopping after Alina’s appointment, or is the shopping a ruse for this OB-GYN appointment?

Tomorrow, I’m finding out.

Chapter Thirteen

DEMYAN

I’m playing with Sasha,with his little trucks—he’s given me the pink one and ordering me about, something I very much allow.

Fucking Stefina’s been pushed off to Monday. I’ve cited unexpected and very important business, but whether she decides to turn up today is anyone’s guess. She won’t be allowed in, though, so it doesn’t particularly bother me.

“No, Dino!” Sasha commands, pointing to the right where he’s got quite the buildup of soft toys and then the cars and trucks. On top of them all sits that flea-bitten toy goat.

“Over here?” I point in the opposite direction.

He attacks me, pushing at my arm, frowning hard, trying to move me. “Daddy! No!”

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