Chapter 33

Laura

I TAKE a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

Fucking don’t panic, Laur.

Maybe it’s just food poisoning.

Yeah, that’s it.

I probably ate something funky earlier, and my stomach’s just revolting. It’s not like I’m definitely knocked up or anything.

I apologize profusely to everyone, explaining that I must have eaten something that upset my stomach. Meanwhile, a swarm of cleaners and maids descend upon the “crime scene” like a bunch of fucking robots, scrubbing away any evidence of my little puke-fest. I apologize to them, too, feeling like a complete ass.

Nadia just smiles, waving off my concerns. “Don’t worry, madam.”

Now that my stomach’s empty, I’m starving. We’re still waiting for someone, apparently, and I’m about ready to gnaw my own arm off.

Just as I sit back down, Dimitry strolls in, giving Andrey a look that’s chillier than a Russian winter before glancing away. “Sorry, I’m late. Work,” he announces, plopping down right next to me.

Andrey shoots him a cold glare before turning to me, his expression softening. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Sorry about that,” I mumble, wishing the ground would just open up and swallow me whole.

“I see everyone is here,” Andrey says, clearing his throat as he deftly moves a bishop across the chessboard. “Serve dinner now,” he commands without looking up from the game, signaling Nadia with a firm nod.

I swear, I could fucking weep with joy. My stomach grumbles in anticipation, and I silently tell it to chill the fuck out.

Food’s coming, you impatient little bastard.

While we wait, the awkward silence around the table is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Yuri’s eyes meet mine, and he gives a brief nod.

I take a deep breath and decide to break the ice by striking up a conversation with him. “So, Yuri, what do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies or interests?”

At first, he seems a bit shy, picking at his napkin. But after a moment, he looks up, a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes. “Well, I’m actually majoring in zoology at university. I’ve always been fascinated by animals, especially rare and endangered species.

“Really?” I lean forward, genuinely interested. “That’s so cool. What kind of animals are you most interested in?”

Yuri’s face lights up, and it’s like he’s a different person—animated, passionate. “I’m particularly interested in the Amur leopard. It’s the rarest big cat in the world, and it’s found primarily in the Russian Far East. I’ve been studying their habitat and behavior patterns, and I dream of one day going on an expedition to see them in the wild.”

I can’t help but smile at his excitement. It’s clear that this is something he truly cares about. “That sounds amazing, Yuri. I hope you get the chance to do that someday.”

He grins, nodding eagerly. “Me too. And not just the Amur leopard—I want to travel the world, see all kinds of different ecosystems and species. There’s so much out there to discover, you know?”

I nod, about to ask him more about his studies, but before he can even finish his thought, Dimitry cuts him off.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Yuri. You have responsibilities here.”

Yuri deflates like a punctured balloon, sinking back into his chair.

But Eli, God love her, isn’t about to let that slide. She sits up straight, her little chin jutting out defiantly. “Yuri’s a big boy, Papa! He should be able to do what he wants!”

For a second, I think Dimitry might actually acknowledge her. But nope—he just takes a swig of his wine, his eyes glued to his phone screen. It’s like his kids are nothing more than white noise to him, an annoying buzz in the background of his oh-so-important life.

Eli’s face falls, and I can see the hurt and confusion in her eyes. She doesn’t understand why her father is acting like this, and fuck, neither do I. What kind of parent just ignores their kids like that?

I catch Yuri’s eye across the table, trying to convey my sympathy. He gives me a small, sad smile like he’s used to this kind of treatment. And that just breaks my fucking heart.

I glance over at Dimitry, who’s still engrossed in his phone, and I feel a surge of anger.

I don’t know what the heck is wrong with me, but my mouth opens, and words fly out before I can stop them. “Well, I think Eli is right. You can do whatever you want to do, Yuri.”

I press my lips together, not daring to glance at Dimitry. But I can feel the weight of his gaze, the tension radiating from his direction. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him set his phone down on the table, his jaw clenched. He picks up his wineglass and drains it in one smooth motion, dismissing me as easily as he dismissed Eli.

I swallow hard, my heart pounding. Fuck, why did I have to open my big mouth? I should know better than to get involved in family drama.

I sneak a peek at my own phone, placing it carefully next to Dimitry’s. Just in case, you know, I need to make a quick getaway.

But before the awkwardness can reach critical levels, the food arrives, and suddenly, all other thoughts flee my mind. The spread is fucking insane—platters piled high with all kinds of delicious-looking shit. Roasted meats, savory pies, vegetables glistening with butter… it’s like something out of a goddamn fairytale.

My mouth waters, and I have to physically restrain myself from diving face-first into the nearest dish. I load up my plate, trying to be ladylike about it, but let’s be real—I’m fucking ravenous.

As I take my first bite, I can’t help but moan a little.

It’s so good, I could cry. For a moment, I forget all about the awkwardness, about Dimitry’s douchebaggery.

“Malyshka, why don’t you put the chess set away for now?” Andrey suggests gently. “It’s time to eat.”

Eli pouts, her little brow furrowed. “But dzye dooshka, we’re in the middle of a game!”

Andrey chuckles, his eyes twinkling. “I know, my darling. But the game will still be there after dinner. The food, on the other hand…”

Eli sighs dramatically but does as she’s told. “Fine. But I’m going to beat you this time; just you wait!”

Andrey grins, winking at me. “She’s a fierce one, isn’t she?”

I can’t help but smile back. “Definitely. Reminds me of someone else I know.”

Andrey’s gaze softens, and I know he’s thinking of Ksenia. “Yes, well. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as they say.”

As we dig in, I find myself relaxing a bit. The food is amazing, and the conversation flows a little more easily. I talk about my bookstore and how I’ve always dreamed of owning my own place.

“You guys should come visit sometime,” I offer, looking at Eli and Yuri. “I’ve got a great kids’ section, and I’m always looking for new recommendations.”

Eli’s eyes light up. “Really? Can we, Ded?”

Andrey nods, smiling indulgently. “I don’t see why not. As long as it’s okay with your mama and papa, of course.”

I don’t miss the way his gaze flicks to Dimitry or the way Dimitry studiously ignores him. But Eli seems oblivious, already chattering excitedly about all the books she wants to read.

Yuri catches my eye, mouthing a silent “thank you.” I grin back, feeling a warmth bloom in my chest. Maybe I can’t fix this family’s problems, but damn if I can’t try to make things a little better.

As the meal winds down, I find myself actually enjoying the company. Eli’s enthusiasm is infectious.

“Do you have any books about bugs?” she asks, bouncing in her seat.

I grin, nodding. “Of course! I’ve got all kinds of books about bugs. There’s one about a little ladybug who goes on adventures and another about a caterpillar who turns into a butterfly.”

Eli claps her hands, delighted. “I love butterflies! They’re so pretty and colorful.”

“Just like you, malyshka,” Andrey says, tapping her nose affectionately.

Eli giggles, then turns to me with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Do you have any books about bugs that eat people?”

I choke on my water, nearly spraying it across the table. “What?”

Yuri snorts, shaking his head. “Eli, bugs don’t eat people.”

“How do you know?” Eli challenges, crossing her arms. “Have you ever been eaten by a bug?”

“Have you?” Yuri counters, raising an eyebrow.

Eli thinks for a moment, then shrugs. “No. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.”

Andrey chuckles, ruffling Eli’s hair. “I think you’ve been reading too many scary stories, malyshka.”

Eli pouts, but I can see the wheels turning in her head. “Laura, if a bug did eat someone, would you put it in your bookstore?”

I bite back a laugh, trying to keep a straight face. “I don’t know, Eli. I think it would depend on how well-written the book was.”

Eli nods like this is a perfectly reasonable answer. “I bet I could write a good book about people-eating bugs.”

“I bet you could,” I agree, smiling at her enthusiasm. “And when you do, I promise I’ll put it on the front shelf of my store.”

Eli beams, sitting up straighter. “Really? You promise?”

“Cross my heart,” I say solemnly.

“Ded, did you hear that?” Eli turns to Andrey, practically vibrating with excitement. “Laura says she’ll put my book in her store!”

Andrey smiles indulgently, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “That’s wonderful, malyshka. But maybe we should start with a book about nice bugs first, hmm?”

Eli considers this, then nods. “Okay. But I still think people-eating bugs would be cooler.”

Yuri rolls his eyes, but I can see the fondness in his expression. “You would.”

As the conversation flows, I find myself unwinding, caught up in the warmth and humor of this little family.

I’ve never been part of anything like this before. Growing up, “family” was just a word, not this whole vibe of laughing together and sharing secrets. Who would’ve guessed I’d find something like this with a mafia family, of all things?

Andrey’s gentle teasing, Eli’s infectious enthusiasm, even Yuri’s wry commentary—it all feels so natural, so easy.

But Dimitry… Dimitry is a different story.

He’s been quiet throughout the meal, only speaking when directly addressed. And even then, his responses are short, clipped.

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something about him sets me on edge. It’s like he’s got this aura of barely contained anger simmering just beneath the surface.

And then there’s the way he keeps eyeing his phone like he’s waiting for something. Or someone.

I try to shake off the unease, telling myself I’m just being paranoid. But as I reach for my own phone to check the time, my hand brushes against Dimitry’s.

And that’s when I see it. A message flashing across his screen.

The ledger. Find it, or else.

I blink, my heart stuttering in my chest.

What the fuck?

But before I can react, Dimitry snatches his phone away, his eyes narrowing. He stands abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.

“I have to take this,” he mutters, not even bothering to excuse himself.

And then he’s gone, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

I sit there, my mind reeling.

What the hell was that about?What ledger?

And why does it feel like I just stumbled into something I really, really shouldn’t have seen?