Page 111 of Brutal Reign

“I’m good,” I manage, giving him a reassuring look.

The massive front door swings open before we reach it, revealing a petite blonde with her hair up in a twist and a megawatt smile. Kira Belov, I assume. She’s dressed casually in white linen pants and a flowing blue top, looking more like a lifestyle influencer than the wife of a feared bratva boss.

“Finally!” she exclaims, throwing her arms wide. “I was starting to think you were going to bail on us.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Pavel replies, returning her hug with surprising warmth.

I blink, caught off guard by her enthusiastic greeting. She kisses him on both cheeks before turning her sparkling blue eyes on me and Kin.

“And you must be Hope,” she says, reaching for my free hand with both of hers. “Welcome to the madhouse.”

I’d prepared for coldness, even suspicion, but there’s been none of that.

“Thank you,” I say. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

Kira’s gaze drops to Kin, who’s half-hiding behind my legs, suddenly shy. “And this handsome gentleman must be Kin,” she says, crouching down to his level. “My son, Alexei, has been so excited to meet you. He’s just about your age.”

Kin peeks out, assessing her carefully. “Hello,” he says quietly after I prod him.

“Whoa. You must like dinosaurs?” Kira remarks, noting his bow tie. “I bet we have some pretty cool dino toys somewhere in this house. Should we go look for them?”

Kin nods, still clinging to my side but visibly intrigued.

“Perfect. Come in, come in.” Kira straightens, ushering us inside. “Everyone’s out back. We’re having lunch on the terrace.”

Their home is stunning, with soaring ceilings in beiges, black, and white. It’s tasteful and understated luxury. As we follow Kira through the house, Pavel’s hand never leaves the small of my back.

“See, not so bad,” he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear.

The terrace doors open to reveal a scene straight out of a luxury travel magazine. A long wooden table sits beneath a pergola draped with flowering vines. It’s set for lunch, with simple white plates and fresh flowers scattered down the center. Beyond the gardens is the koi pond that Pavel told Kin about.

“Holy shit.” I can’t help the words as they fly out of my mouth.

Kira laughs. “Why, thank you. That was exactly the response I was looking for.”

Around the table stand the rest of the Syndicate’s inner circle. My step falters as all eyes land on us.

“Everyone,” Pavel says with easy confidence. “My wife, Hope, and her son, Kin.”

The possessive “my wife” feels like armor, a protective circle that no one can breach,

But when I look around at everyone, I don’t see hostility or hatred. Mostly just curious looks.

A tall, distinguished older man with salt-and-pepper hair detaches himself from the group. Even without a formal introduction, I know it’s Maxim Belov. His authority is unmistakable, softened only by the adorable blonde toddler perched on his hip.

Pavel steps forward and gently lifts the girl into his arms. “Anna,” he says, pressing a kiss to her chubby cheek while cooingat her in Russian. She giggles in response, and damn if that doesn’t hit me right in the ovaries.

Maxim turns those piercing blue eyes on me. “Hope. Welcome to our home.”

There’s a coolness in his tone, an assessment happening behind those eyes, though his manner is perfectly friendly. I get it. We’re both sizing each other up, trying to get a read on each other. It’s going to take time to build trust.

“Thank you for having us,” I say, the polite phrase automatic.

“Alexei!” Kira calls, and a small sandy-haired boy around Kin’s age comes running from where he’d been playing with what looks like a remote-controlled car. “This is Kin. Why don’t you show him your toys while the grown-ups talk?”

Alexei studies Kin with open curiosity. “Do you like robots?” he asks in perfect English.

“I like dinosaurs better.”