“Jasha,” he began, his voice trembling slightly. “I’m so sorry about this. I know this isn’t fair to you, but I couldn’t…I couldn’t come up with the money.”
Hearing his father in such misery, Jasha couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow. He knew how much pressure his father had been under. “It’s okay, Papa,” he said, trying to sound reassuring. “I’m safe. Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m glad you’re safe, Jasha. I’m so sorry. Are you sure Mr. Bronson didn’t hurt you?”
Jasha nodded, even though his father couldn’t see him. “No! He treated me fairly. He hasn’t hurt me at all or taken advantage of me. I’m in Lake Tahoe with lots of snow.”
Jasha took several pictures of the room with Daisy eating, then sent them to his father.
“See, Daisy and I are doing okay here. Out my window is Lake Tahoe. So don’t worry. I miss you, though.”
“I miss you too. This apartment is a coffin without you here. Please call me when you can.”
“I will. I love you.”
“I love you,” his father choked out and ended the call.
In a tender gesture, he directed his attention towards Daisy, who gracefully made her way to the bed and nestled beside him. He gently stroked her velvety fur. He knew he was in for a long, lonely time, but at least he had her for company.
Chapter Five
Kaleb
After breakfast, Kaleb told Jasha to meet him in his office to discuss his rules and expectations. The expression on Jasha’s face when he spoke to him displayed intense anger, something he hadn’t seen yesterday. Then, he’d only seen fear. Kaleb’s decision regarding the Kozlov situation was not only correct but in the best interests of all parties involved, including Jasha. The boy had no idea what his father was into. While hisfather taught Russian in high school, he also had reckless side jobs which had landed him in his current deplorable position.
Kaleb ushered Jasha into his office, a space he’d meticulously crafted to be both functional and imposing. The large room included a huge desk, its dark wood gleaming under the soft glow of a single arched window. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound volumes. A lavish burgundy armchair sat in the far corner, inviting relaxation but rarely used. To Kaleb, it was a sanctuary, a place where he could focus and exert control.
“Have a seat,” Kaleb gestured to a minimalist chair across from his desk. As Jasha complied, Kaleb leaned forward, his tone sharp. “While you’re under my protection, there are certain rules you’ll need to follow.”
“I don’t need your protection at twenty-one.”
Jasha wore a pair of jeans and a purple T-shirt with white letters spelling out NYU. The room filled with the scent of his Christmas pine gel from his recent shower. His hair was impeccably groomed, as if it had just been styled by a professional stylist.
Jasha jumped, startled, as a loud knock reverberated through the room.
“Come in.” Kaleb made himself comfortable in his leather chair behind his desk.
Miss Nadia entered, carefully balancing a red rectangular tray. On it were two Santa Claus mugs filled with steaming hot chocolate, each topped with a dollop of whipped cream. There was also a plate filled with an assortment of cookies in various shapes. She set their hot drinks in front
of them, then placed the plate of cookies in the middle of the desk.
Her silver hair was neatly tied back into a bun. Her blue eyes, despite her stern exterior, twinkled with a warmth thatinvited trust. The sight of Miss Nadia in her freshly pressed, brand new Christmas uniform surprised Jasha. It was a deep red dress adorned with delicate white lace on the collar and cuffs. A small gold-embroidered apron was tied around her waist, and a matching cap perched on top of her head. Her black polished shoes and a sprig of holly pinned to her chest completed her uniform.
Jasha’s eyes widened as he studied the cookies. The candy cane ones had a smooth layer of white icing adorned with vibrant red stripes, while the Christmas trees were beautifully decorated with green icing and a generous amount of colorful sprinkles. The star-shaped cookies were covered with white icing, topped with a combination of red and green sprinkles.
She gave them each a red napkin, then turned to leave. “Enjoy your cookies and hot chocolate,” she said. “Anything else?”
“No, that will be all. Thank you.” Kaleb enjoyed watching Jasha get excited about the cookies. Hopefully, a little sugar might cure his sour disposition as the smell of freshly baked cookies filled the room, making it impossible to resist their allure.
“I really like Miss Nadia and all her cookies.”
“I knew you would. She has been with my family since day one. She has been like a mother to me.”
“Where were your parents?”
“Traveling without me. Did you sleep okay?” Kaleb refused to discuss his parents.
As Jasha sipped his drink, he clearly couldn’t resist the cookies, grabbing two to accompany it.
