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A little surprised at the question, I stuttered, “G-Good”

I wasn’t aware Ksenia had met them They didn’t spend as much time here as I did

“Sasha still hasn’t taken a wife?” she enquired politely

“No,” I told her, and that weird feeling hit ure out what her deal was

When she smiled, there was a darkness to it “I’ood and ready” Her straight nose tilted up slightly as she looked me over “And I’h”

I sraciously, but I did not like the way this wo, “He doesn’t have to be Russian” Vik’s head snapped up, and I stared him in the eye, eneration don’t match the men of my father’s time”

Vik’s grip tightened on his fork, turning his knuckles white

Shocked the shit out of ree, my child Be patient You’ll find one”

Vik spoke through gritted teeth “Sit down Eat”

I fought a sot under his skin as much as he did mine

“We can’t Sorry” I stepped back, revealing a sad-looking Anika I put , and we need a girls’ night”

Vik took one look at her face and stood, ready to break necks “Ani, what’s wrong?”

And s all at once

Naaaw Stupid, sexy, thoughtful Vik and his caring about his sister

“It’s all right” Ani sht at Nastasia’s, if that’s okay, Mama”

Doroteya and Yuri exchanged a look, and when Yuri nodded, Doroteya smiled widely “Of course, beba”

“Thank you for letting hter” With a wink, I teased, “I proht”

Ksenia s We are Russian woe of honor proudly”

“Where are you going?” inquired Vik, and his thin lips toldto stew on this

Good

“Out” was all I said as I took Anika’s hand, said oodbyes, and took my friend home with me

4

Nastasia

As we drove back to my house, I called Mina first