Page 192 of Blood & Snow
The silence that follows feels pregnant with possibilities. Irina could still reject my presence, and demand that Nadya choose between family and the man who has brought such chaos into her life.
But instead, her expression softens into acceptance.
"I need to sit down," Irina says, moving to the kitchen table and lowering herself into a chair.
"This is a lot to process."
We join her at the table, Nadya and I sitting close enough that our shoulders touch.
The physical contact grounds me.
Irina turns her attention to me, studying my face with a protective posture.
"If you hurt my sister, I will make you regret it. I don't care how much money you have or how many business connections you've accumulated. Family protects family."
"I would expect nothing less," I say.
"And I promise you, Nadya's wellbeing is my highest priority."
"Good." Irina takes a deep breath, seeming to come to some internal decision.
"Tomorrow isNovy God. We're having dinner here with the children. Traditional foods, nothing fancy. You're invited if you want to join us."
The invitation catches me off guard.
I expectedcontinued suspicion, possibly a demand that I stay away from Nadya until Irina could investigate my background more thoroughly.
Instead, she's welcoming me into their family celebration.
"I would be honored," I say.
"And Christmas," Anya's voice pipes up from the hallway where she's clearly been eavesdropping.
"And Old New Year too!" Mikhail chimes in.
"Anya!" Irina calls, but there's no real anger in her voice.
"Were you listening to adult conversation?"
The girl emerges from the hallway, Mikhail behind her.
"You said Xander could come tomorrow. That means he should come to all our celebrations. It's only fair."
Her eyes sparkle with joy.
"She has a point," I say, smiling at the child's logic.
"Fine," Irina concedes.
"But you're bringing food. I'm not cooking for six people on my salary."
"Done. Tell me what you need and I'll have it delivered."
We spend the next hour planning menus and discussing logistics while the children show me their favorite ornaments on the tree.
Anya particularly loves the ballerina music box, which she demonstrates three times to ensure I understand its importance.
Mikhail explains the intricacies of his model airplane with the enthusiasm of a future engineer.
