Page 66 of Blood & Snow

Xander does pay me well.

But the children don't need to know what I do to earn it.

The front door opens, and Irina's voice carries down the hallway along with the sound of jingling keys.

"I'm home."

She appears in the living room, still wearing her scrubs from the hospital.

Her eyes sweep over the decorations, landing on the gifts and her expression tightens.

"Oh babies," she says, greeting them with kisses on top of their heads, but her eyes track to mine.

"Go wash up fordinner now," she says and I know what's coming already.

I'm spending his money too quickly, so excited to offer my niece and nephew a memorable holiday for once that I've not used restraint where I should have.

They grumble but obey, leaving us alone.

Irina crosses her arms and nods toward the presents.

"That's a lot of gifts, Nadya."

I keep my voice steady but my head drops.

I focus on picking up the paper clippings from Anya's snowflake adventure.

"I've been saving."

"On a maid's salary?"

"Tips, Irina. I told you. Rich guests are generous during the holidays. And I'm management now too."

I keep moving to hide the small tremor in my hands, but my sister is persistent.

She may not push and figure it out now, but she will.

My heart aches for the moment she realizes what I've become and pulls away from me in fear, the way I should've pulled away from Xander in the beginning.

She studies my face.

I force myself to meet her eyes, even though my pulse quickens.

"What hotel did you say you worked at?"

"The Metropol."

"I have a friend who works there—in housekeeping. She's never mentioned you."

My mouth goes dry.

"It's a big place. We probably work different shifts."

Avoiding her now, I carry the paper clippings to the trash bin and toss them, then return for the scissors and to pick up boxes from the floor.

Irina doesn't look convinced, but Mikhail calls from the kitchen, asking about dinner.

She sighs and heads toward the sound of his voice.