Page 62 of Mafia Prince's Secret Baby

Dominik’s glare flicks toward me at the mention of his name, his massive frame filling every inch of available space in thebackseat. Next to the kids, he looks like he’s been crammed into a dollhouse.

Aleks slides on his sunglasses and shifts gears with a sigh.

“Why the buzzcut?” I ask, breaking the silence. “Is it a military thing?”

He glances at me, then back at the rearview mirror. “Nah. Just didn’t feel like using three different shampoos and gels to make me look cool. I’ll leave that to Igor while I stick to being a badass.”

I arch an eyebrow, my lips curving into a smirk. “You and Igor fight over hair product?”

Aleks chuckles. “I’m joking. Can’t a man have fun?”

“Not if he’s Russian,” I shoot back.

“Touché,” Aleks says, grinning before turning his attention back to the road.

The drive is quiet after that, short and uneventful. Fifteen minutes later, we pull into the park, and the kids practically explode out of the car, cheering as they race across the grass toward the Heckscher Playground.

“Oh, look at this!” I squeal, my excitement bubbling over as I step out of the minivan. “Isn’t it amazing?”

Aleks gives the playground a dismissive glance. “It’s a kid’s playground.”

I roll my eyes.

As if on cue, the children erupt in laughter and cheers as they sprint toward the jungle gym. Lev helps Sofiya climb the ladder, while Damien shouts instructions from the top of the slide like a tiny dictator. Aleks’s men follow close behind, their sharp suits comically out of place against the backdrop of swings and slides.

“Would you like to sit down?” Aleks asks, gesturing toward a bench with a clear view of the playground.

“Sure,” I say, following him.

As I settle onto the bench, my gaze sweeps the playground, scanning for Sofiya. Lev is helping her climb again, his tiny hand gripping hers to steady her.

Aleks clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably beside me.

“I wanted to talk to you,” he begins, his tone unusually cautious.

“Alright,” I say slowly, already bracing myself for whatever he’s about to say.

He fidgets, trying to find a position that works for his long legs on the short bench. “I just want you to know… you can always count on me. I’ll be the best uncle for Sofiya. And if you need one, I can be your friend too.”

I narrow my eyes, already suspicious. “Yeah, okay. That’s nice. What’s the catch?”

Aleks hesitates, his gaze fixed on the kids. “I think you should be nicer to Igor,” he finally says.

Nice? As in…fucking his brains outnice?

My eyes nearly pop out of my head at the thought.

“Whatever’s going on between you two—stop,” Aleks says firmly. “Igor can’t afford distractions. Not now. He needs to keep his head in the game.”

I stare at him, equal parts annoyed and amused. “You’re unbelievable, Aleks.”

But deep down, I know he’s not entirely wrong.

My lips curl before I can stop them, and the words tumble out like water breaking through a dam. “Please tell me you’re not saying what I think you’re saying. Tell me you’re not acting as Igor’s messenger boy!” I shake my head, a bitter laugh bubbling out. “EvenIdidn’t think he was such a weasel.”

“Igor has no idea I’m talking to you,” Aleks says firmly, his expression unchanging. “I didn’t even tell him we went to the park.”

I close my eyes and breathe through the anger clawing its way to the surface.Too bad.If Igor had sent Aleks to speak on his behalf, it would’ve been all the excuse I needed to kick him square in the balls. That man doesn’t realize his time with Sofiya and me is running out. He might believe otherwise—Igor Sokolov always believes he’s the exception to the rules—but we’re not staying in New York. The second Sofiya’s treatment is done, we’ll be on the first flight back to Moscow. My little girl and I will go home. Back to our lives.