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Without another word, I entered the kitchen and began rifling through the cupboards and fridge. We needed comfort food. Something that would put a smile on Lottie's face when she woke up.
A light bulb flashed over my head as I thought of my favorite meal my mom always cooked when I had a rough day. Breakfast for dinner. Specifically waffles, eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns.
Just because I wanted to be even more “extra” and ensure that a grin appeared on our girl’s face, I'd make them chocolate chip waffles with a happy face.
As I prepared everything, my mind continued to whirl. I'd known of Andrei's past. It wasn't a pretty story, but something he'd confided in me many years ago. It was why he was so guarded.
I couldn't imagine living with a past as dark as his. My childhood hadn't been all sunshine and roses either, but I had amom who loved me and worked her ass off to make sure me and my sister didn't want for anything.
Wiping the sweat off my brow with the back of my arm, I forced my thoughts away from the past.
We were in the here and now. Dwelling back in memories did nothing but make my doubts and anxiety spin out of control. They were already on high alert today; I didn't need anything more added to it.
"Can I help with anything?" Kaleb asked as he handed me a glass of wine.
I took a long drink before answering. "If you want to fry up the hashbrowns, you can." He topped off my wine and nodded. "Thanks."
We worked next to each other in quiet harmony. Both of us were too hyped up to put our thoughts into full sentences.
Which was ironic as fuck for me, considering I'd written so many papers, journals and never lacked a clever comeback.
But there were moments like today where words just failed you.
We finished everything up and dished up four plates. I grabbed a tray and some glasses to fill with milk and orange juice.
“Grab the butter and syrup?” I asked Kaleb as he turned off the stove burner.
“Yep.” He placed them on the tray next to the milk and juice.
“Should we wake her up if she’s still sleeping?” I pondered as we finished gathering the last of the items.
“She needs to eat so she doesn’t crash completely.” Kaleb let out a deep sigh. “Even if she eats a few bites while we talk to Andrei, it's better than nothing."
I nodded, trying to figure out exactly how we would talk to him. He had to open up.
Lottie would probably be the only one who could get through to him now.
We grabbed the tray and plates and ascended the stairs. Usually, Kaleb would let food in his bedroom over his dead body, but I think we all knew it was an atypical evening. Rules had to be adjusted.
The fact that Kaleb's master bedroom had a full sitting room with a couch, coffee table, and TV was just a bonus.
Setting the tray down on the coffee table, I turned and looked at Andrei and Lottie. He had her in his arms, and her head pillowed on his chest as he slowly ran his fingers through her hair. His eyes were closed, and his breathing even, but he wasn't asleep. His jaw was clenched too tightly, and his free hand was curled into a tight fist.
Gods, this day had done a number on him.
"Drei?" I asked in a whisper.
His eyes snapped open, and he let out a sigh. "What if something had happened to her? If the scumbag soldiers had gone too far? Or my grandpa decided he wanted to send her back in pieces? He's done that so many times to so many families, he wouldn't lose a wink of sleep over it."
"I don't think he'd harm her." I moved closer and stood beside the bed. "You've said it yourself; he may have been cold to you, but he was never cruel. He didn't physically strike you or abuse you. Yes, he ordered you to do horrible things, but I don't think he'd kill Lottie to get to you. Not after all this time."
Andrei gazed up at the ceiling. "I don't like you defending his actions, Col."
I shook my head and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'm not defending him, Drei. I'm just pointing out the facts. He wants to talk to you. At the very least, you need to speak with yourbabushka. She's come all this way with Viktor, and you haven't seen her in almost twenty years."
"I'll think about it."
Lottie stirred, her eyes opening as she wiggled against Andrei's side. "Think about what?"
