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“We just need you to sign a few things and collect the New Home package Mr. Nechayev ordered,” she says. “The only thing outstanding is a name for his collar. We can engrave it right now before you leave.”
I’ve already decided what I’m gonna call him. The markings on his head looked unmistakably like the hat famously worn by—
“Napoleon.” I glance down, smiling as small smores emanate from beneath my lapel. “His name is Napoleon.”
We swing by the Kislev house to show Steffie our new addition. Morgana gives her dire warnings in hushed tones outside the lounge, but when she lets her loose to come and say hello, she surprises us all by sitting quietly on the rug, waiting for Napoleon to go to her.
“Malen'kiy kotenok,” she coos. “He’s so cute, Tetushka Lili. Are his legs poorly?”
“Yes, honey.” I scoop her into my arms, and she watches as Napoleon negotiates around the table legs. “He tries so hard though, don’t you think? It’s important to always persevere with what you have and not let things hold you back.”
I catch Arman’s eye. He’s peaceful and happy in a way I’ve never seen before. Is that what being my husband does for him?
Morgana gives the kitten a fuss, and he arches his back. “He’s gorgeous. If you’re not careful, Steffie will stash him someplace, and you’ll never be able to take him home.”
“Is Vlad not here?” Arman asks. “I need to ask him whether he has set up the commission meeting yet.”
“He has.” Morgana picks Napoleon up and hands him to Steffie, who sits as still as a mannequin, a broad smile lighting up her face. “He took a callback from Oleg earlier. The komissiya and mafia commission will assemble at The Russian Tea Room’s Bear Lounge tomorrow evening. I think he said nine p.m.? Vlad’s over there with Oleg now, finalizing the arrangements.”
“Okay, great. Come on, baby girl. Grab the feline terror, and let’s take him home. We need to ensure he won’t tear me or the apartment to pieces, or we won’t be able to go out tonight.”
Steffie is spinning in circles, making a sound like an ambulance siren. Morgana sighs.
“Wait until you guys have kids,” she says. “They don’t need to be treated for fleas quite as often, but other than that—no difference.”
36
Arman
No matter how busy Sasha’s restaurant is, there’s always a table for me. Well, kind of. Sasha forgot I’d booked this time and ushers a group of belligerent bankers to a corner so I can have my favorite window-side spot.
“What’ll it be, Lili?” he asks.
Lilyana folds her menu. “Clam linguine and a green salad, please. I’d love an Aperol spritz too.”
“That’s a travesty.” Sasha folds his arms. “I will bring you a chilled Vermentino, and you will accept that I know best.”
She laughs. “You’re so pushy, Sasha!”
“Ok, look.” Sasha holds up his hands. “Take my suggestion, and after the meal, if you still wish you’d had the Aperol, you can have it with my compliments, and you can call me an arrogant asshole in front of my staff. Deal?”
“Deal.”
I order swordfish and a server returns with the wine. It’s dry with a subtle saltiness, perfect for seafood. I suspect Lilyana will lose her bet.
“Do you think Napoleon will be alright?” she asks as I pour the wine.
“I don’t own enough stuff that I truly care about,” I reply. “He’s got that climbing tree thing and his toys; I’m sure he’ll be fine. He might just sleep.”
“I love him.” Lilyana smiles and sips her wine. “It’s a ‘fuck you’ to my father to have a kitten again. I’ll look after him, I promise.”
“Language.” I shoot her a stern look, and it thrills me to see her looking cowed. “When it comes to you taking care of your cat, I have no concerns.” I reach for her hand. “Now we need to discuss some ground rules for our marriage.”
She narrows her eyes, her head taking on a quizzical tilt. “Oh? If you think one small cat buys my subservience for the rest of time, you’re wrong.”
“So you’re saying you need another cat?”
She gives a snorting little laugh, and my heart flips over. Her self-consciousness, once as familiar and enveloping to her as a winter coat, has faded away, revealing the sparkling, free-spirited woman I knew she could be.
