Page 203 of Toxic Temptation
“Really really.” I reach through the window and squeeze his shoulder. “Now, what do you say we go inside and salvage what’s left of your birthday? I may have arranged a little surprise.”
His eyebrows lift slightly. “What kind of surprise?”
“The kind where you have to trust me and not ask questions.”
For the first time since he came home, Luka actually smiles. “Okay. But if it’s terrible, we’re coming right back to the car. And it better not have cherries.”
I hold out a hand for him to shake. “You’ve got a deal, my friend.”
70
KOVAN
A birthday party.
For Luka.
At Vesper’s childhood home.
The idea felt insane right up until we pulled into the driveway of the modest suburban house, where a dozen helium balloons bobbed against the front porch railings in the evening breeze.
Apparently, when Vesper disappeared for two hours yesterday to “make some calls,” she was mobilizing an entire support network. Her mother, Waylen, and Charity have transformed the place into something out of a kid’s fever dream.
Streamers hang from every doorframe. Balloons float over every table. A bounce house dominates the backyard, next to an old tire swing hanging from the oak tree.
But it’s the cake that’s got Luka’s complete and undivided attention.
Three layers of chocolate frosting tower on the dining room table, decorated with nine rainbow candles that flicker in the warm light and not a cherry in sight. He’s been grinning from ear-to-ear since we walked through the door.
I have to give Vesper credit—I never would have thought of any of this.
My version of a kid’s birthday party involved taking him to whatever restaurant he wanted, followed by whatever activity he chose. Amusement park. Science museum. Laser tag. His call, his day.
But watching him now, I’m realizing that sometimes, Luka doesn’t know what he wants until someone shows him what’s possible.
And this—the comfortable chaos of Vesper’s childhood home, the ridiculous party hats, the bowls of candy scattered across every surface—this is exactly what he didn’t know he needed.
“Party’s a success,” Osip remarks, appearing at my elbow with a beer in hand.
He’s been exchanging loaded glances with Charity all evening. I even caught the two of them in the bounce house earlier, laughing like teenagers while Pavel bounced them both into the mesh walls.
I nod. “Vesper knew exactly what she was doing.”
“You two make a hell of a team.” Osip’s grin is cheeky. “Just saying.”
“Subtle as a brick to the face, as always,moy brat.”
He laughs, but his expression turns more serious. “The kid deserves this kind of happiness.”
“He does.” I watch Luka attempt to stick another candle into the cake while Vesper tries to stop him. “I just wish I’d thought of it myself.”
“There are some things that require a woman’s touch,” Osip says. “Like parties. And raising kids. You’ve done good with Luka, but let’s be honest—something was missing from the equation.” He nods toward Vesper, who’s now helping Luka light the candles without burning his eyebrows off. “And I think you found it.”
Before I can tell him he’s reading too much into the situation, he grips my shoulder.
“Actually, though, I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I’ve got an idea. Something that might keep Luka safe permanently.”
“What kind of idea?”
