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Bless him, he tries. Simon takes one step only to wobble and sit back down. If there’s one thing he inherited from me, it’s my resilience. He gets right back up again. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone more determined. He takes another step, falls, and tries again and again and again. He’s quickly making progress, unperturbed by his momentary failures.
“You can do it, sweetie,” Natalya coos, her eyes full of love and tenderness. “Go see Daddy.”
I can’t take my eyes off them. She looks so sweet and motherly, the golden glow of the sun pouring in through the curtains to illuminate her light hair. For a moment, my heart stops. I wish I could live in this moment forever. She looks good with my son, like she’s always been a part of his life. I’ve all but forgotten Tatiana—hell, even remembering that woman’s name was a struggle. Natalya fits the role so seamlessly I can’t see anyone else taking care of Simon, can’t picture another woman in my life. It’s undeniable: they belong together. They belong with me.
Simon takes a step forward.
And then another.
He doesn’t fall, instead keeping his balance with his arms held out to his sides for stability.
My heart sings. He’s doing it!
I laugh. “Come on, little man. Just a little more…”
Happy tears well in Natalya’s eyes as Simon slowly but surely waddles over. When he gets to me, I pick him up and hold him close, kissing his little cheeks as pride swells in my chest. “That’s my boy!”
Natalya rushes over, her one hand on my back as she leans in close to stroke Simon’s hair. “Oh, you did such a good job!”
“I got it all on video,” Dahlia announces with a laugh. “This will be a wonderful thing to show him when he’s older.”
“God, where does the time go?” I mumble, allowing Simon to grasp my collar.
“Just you wait,” Natalya teases. “He’ll be asking you to buy him his first car in no time.”
I grimace. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I still need to teach him how to say Dada.”
“Is that the next big milestone on your list?”
“Most definitely.”
Natalya laughs as she wipes her eyes. She combs her fingers through Simon’s soft baby hair. “Such a handsome boy. So smart and strong.”
I watch her with nothing short of adoration. She’s just so… perfect. Beautiful, kind, and generally just amazing. I can’t believe how lucky I am that our paths crossed. I’m pretty sure I could stare at her for hours and find something new to be fascinated with, from her sweet little dimples, the long curl of her pale lashes, or the way her nose crinkles when she laughs.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, dragging me from my thoughts. Spending time with Natalya and Simon is going to have to wait.
Meeting has been scheduled for tonight. Need you to meet me at our usual spot in half an hour.
A heavy sigh escapes me as I read Mikhail’s text. I don’twantto go downtown to meet with the other Bratva heads again. Can’t we just recount everything Konstantin told us via email?
Even as the thought leaves my head, I know it’s ridiculous. We never text or email if we can help it. That leaves a digital paper trail any number of police and international investigators can get their hands on and use against us. Phone calls are better, but this is Russia we’re talking about. There’s a very high chance our lines have been tapped. The safest option is to meet in person at a predetermined location, one we’ve swept thoroughly and where we can have all the privacy we need to discuss important business matters.
Mikhail is more than capable of relaying the information, but if what Konstantin said is true, I’m not going to let him walk into the meeting alone. He needs backup. As his second in command, I need to be there for him on the off chance that things go south.
“I have to go,” I tell Natalya softly.
“Work?”
I nod. “I shouldn’t be too long. I’ll hopefully be back before dinner, but don’t wait for me.”
Natalya nods, glancing over her shoulder at Dahlia, who’s preoccupied with watching the video she just recorded. I can tell by the way Natalya leans in that she really wants to give me a kiss, but she’s far too shy to do such a thing with someone else in the room. I hand Simon to her instead and kiss the top of his head.
“Be safe,” she murmurs.
“I always am.”
Chapter 21
