Page 25 of King of Malice
Her friend seems like someone who should come see me. But that is not a part of my life Ava should know about yet, so I don’t mention it. “I’m sure you’re right. My father was too much discipline…” An understatement. “And not nearly enough love.”
“Hmmm.” Ava gives me a soft smile. “You’re not that kind of father at all.”
“Thank you,” I return, taking a large bite of the food in front of me. I can’t dally too long, but as I finish the bite, I lean over and brush a light kiss on Ava’s temple.
It’s a peck, nothing more. Ava gives me a small smile as I settle back into my seat. There is no wariness this time as she gently nips her bottom lip. She always looks beautiful but sweet and a bit vulnerable, pulling on every male instinct I possess. I want to pull her in my lap and kiss her senseless.
I don’t. That isn’t what she needs just yet.
A comfortable silence falls before Anna holds out a piece of macaroni and cheese to me between pudgy fingers. “For you, Daddy.”
I do not like macaroni and cheese but can’t resist my daughter, andI take the piece from her hand, Ava’s eyes laughing, as I make an exaggerated, “Mmm. Delicious.”
Anna smiles and then gets another piece to feed Ava. I’m well aware I started this, and I’m so glad I did as I watch Ava eat the piece of macaroni from Anna’s hand.
This is the exact kind of moment I pictured. And I know that Ava belongs here with us. No one is getting in the way of that.
That’s a promise. And I keep my promises.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ava
Dimitri leaves shortlyafter dinner and Anna and I spend the evening together.
We read books, play with toys, but toward bedtime, she gets very quiet. I assume she’s tired until she melts into my lap and I feel her head. “You’re warm, sweetie pie.”
“Cold,” she answers, snuggling deeper into my body as she tugs on her ear. “It hurts.”
I wince, lifting her in my arms. Heading into the hall bathroom, I find a swipe thermometer and brush it over her forehead. Numbers flash and finally pop up on the screen. Shoot. She’s got a fever. “Over a hundred,” I murmur.
Picking up my phone I realize it’s almost nine. Pressing a few buttons, I dial Dimitri and wait as the line rings.
He picks up on the second ring. “Milaya?”
“Hey. Sorry to bother you.”
“You are never bothering me. What do you need?”
I feel heat slide through me at his words. Even my relationshipwith Cadence doesn’t feel like this. If I’m being honest, things have been weird with Cadence lately, even before she disappeared.
Longer stretches of not talking, her hinting she needed a change, telling me that I needed to start getting out, start really living life.
I sigh. “It’s Anna. She’s got a fever, and she says her ear hurts.”
“Damn. I knew it. Give her the Children’s Tylenol in the medicine cabinet. I’ll call the emergency line and make an appointment for the morning.”
“How much?” I ask, seeing the bottle on the shelf next to where I found the thermometer.
He gives me the dosage and I nod along as Anna buries her face in my shoulder, giving a soft little groan. “Oh, sweetie pie,” I coo. “You’ll feel better soon. Promise.”
Dimitri is quiet on the other side of the line. “Go ahead and give her the dose. I’ll wait.”
“I know you have to work,” I say as I take the bottle down, removing the dosing cap.
“It’s fine, Ava, you’ll know all of this soon enough, and besides, I like hearing your voice.”
I give the bottle a one-handed shake and then remove the cap while still holding Anna. I almost correct Dimitri that I’m only here for a few weeks, but I purse my lips instead as I pour out the medicine.
