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At the Council meeting this week, Konstantin will officially announce his temporary departure from his role as co-head of the Reznikov family. He’s taking a year off—or at least mostly off—to be with Mara as she gives birth to their twin daughters. Bratva paternity leave, basically.
And along with that departure from our own organization, he’ll be passing on the vote and the chair at the Council table to me.
Like I said, it’s not a big deal, but it alsois.Because for the next year, the weight of the crown isjuston me.
No pressure, right?
But for now, I shrug that off, intent on savoring this moment. I don’t deserve any of this—this life, this family, these friends. And I willnotlet them down.
Even though trouble is already knocking. Hard.
Lizbet juggles a giggling Luna as she pouts at Mara. “You’resureI can’t convince you to stay in New York? I mean, c’mon. I’ll baby-proof the hell out of your placefor youif that seals the deal.”
Her—our—sister grins. “I know, I know. But Ilovemy OBGYN in London. And I kind of have this fantasy of bringing the girls to Regent’s Park, letting them see all the street musicians, and chalk artists, and—”
“Chimney sweeps in magical animated fantasy lands?”
Mara turns to arch a brow at Konstantin, as he grins at her.
“Mary Poppins. You’re literally describing Mary Poppins.”
“Oh, we’ve got jokes for the pregnant lady, have we?” She glares at him. “Keep it up, mister funnyman, and you’ll go so long without a spoonful of sugar you’ll be begging for it.”
“Are we talking about the same ‘sugar’ that helps a certain pregnant lady with her backaches and pelvic floor stretches?Thatsugar? Cause, I feel like she’s the one asking for that on a twice-daily basis—”
“Kon!”
Mara turns bright scarlet as Lizbet cracks up.
I make a face. “Dude, lest we forget, that’s mysister?”
“Sorry I knocked up your sister, man.”
I shake my head, chuckling as Mara jabs Konstantin in the ribs. “You aresogross.”
“Yeah, but you love me anyway.”
“Unfortunately, yes. Hopelessly.”
I can’t help but smile when he leans down to kiss her.
Yeah, I don’t deserve any of this. But I’ll fight to my dying breath to protect it.
* * *
After a delicious dinner,with the entertainment courtesy of our niece and her fantastic pitching arm when it comes to the food on her plate, Mara and Lizbet take Luna upstairs for a much-needed bath. Lukas, Konstantin and I clean up dinner and Luna’s mess before moving out to the outdoor patio with a round of whiskey.
Konstantin clears his throat after clinking his glass to mine.
“I wanted to ask you about something.”
“Shoot.”
He makes a face, glancing at Lukas. “You’re not gonna like it…”
Fuck.
I know what he’s going to ask me about. And he’s right, I fucking hate it.
