Page 13 of Prince Charming

The alternative was never speaking with her children. That was an unbearable thought.

When the twins grew bored, she spoke briefly with their grandmother. Her ex’s mother. Who thankfully was a saint to help Marianna.

In Russian she asked. “Are they eating okay? Lily said she got sick.”

“It was a little sniffle. Do not worry. How are you?”

“Missing you all. I wish you were here already.”

“The children talk of nothing else. They want to see the Colorado mountains and watch Sesame Street in their funny voices.” The real American voices they meant, not dubbed like they have at home.

Marianna smiled. “Are they doing well with their English?”

Since birth, she’d oscillated between languages with her twins, in hopes one day they would live in the United States.

“Da. Very good. We do lessons every morning. They’re better than me.”

“I should send more money to get them a tutor.”

“No, Marianna, you give too much and have nothing for yourself.”

“What I earn is for my family, Galina. I want them to have the best I can provide.”

“Lapushka, you have always given your all to the children, look at your sacrifice to give them a better life.”

“I miss them so much. I can’t seem to figure a way to get them here or me back there without causing too much suspicion with the authorities.”

“They will be with you soon,Lapushka. Do not lose sight of what you are working so hard for,da? Is it still safe there?”

Marianna knew what she was asking.

Galina was well aware of how bad theBratvawere,havinglost both her husband and son to them.

“Yes. They left for good.” She didn’t mention it was through Tag and his motorcycle club why she was free of theBratvatrouble. She suspected, as helpful as they seemed to be, they were as dangerous, but in a way that made others feel safe.

Having seen firsthand how many feared the Renegade Souls and others revered them.

Whatever it may be, Marianna was grateful.

The call was over far too soon, and her heart ached.

Pasha didn’t want to talk to her again.

Marianna knew he was angry and didn’t understand why his mama wasn’t at home.

She came off the phone dejected and barely holding her emotions on the inside.

Sneaking out of Tag’s office undetected, a frown marred her face when she saw a familiar white paper sack sitting on top of her purse.

She knew before opening it he’d brought her lunch again.

Marianna forgot her sandwich one time.Only one time. Tag thought she might starve to death and brought her food like some Knight in leather armor. She couldn’t refuse, largely because it came from her favorite food truck parked down the street.

The guy didn’t do anything in moderation, that much she knew.

Was he a modern-day Robin Hood, taking food to all the pathetic females of Colorado?

There were so few men who displayed his kind of confidence. A successful man, one who was respected in the community.

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