Page 25 of Dangerous Liaisons
“Want to hold hands, or am I allowed to walk myself out?”
“I would never pass the opportunity to hold your hand if that is what you wish, but it will cost you.”
“Please take your twisted flirtations somewhere else,” Isabella mumbled into the rim of her cup.
“Take care, Isabella.”
“You as well, Ava.” She continued to drink until there was nothing left in the cup, her attention returning to Mikhail. Her phone vibrated, and it was almost as if the universe was playing a cruel joke as Xavier’s name flashed across the screen. She picked up her cell and swiped the screen open.
Have you seen Ava?
She was just here. How did you know?
Dots signaling his response flashed for several minutes.
She got into it with Kira last night at the club, Isa. Fight broke out between them. Figured she might head that way to continue the discussion.
Isabella snorted at his phrasing.
She knows about us. I don’t think it’s a good idea you came over tonight.
Her phone started ringing, but she ignored it. She focused her attention on her son, smiling at him running up to the porch.
“Mamushka, I wish to go swimming now!”
“You need a swimsuit, little one. Come.” She rose from the sofa and extended her hand.
“Will you swim, too, Mamushka? We can play fishes together!”
She chuckled as they headed into the house. “Of course I can. That sounds like so much fun.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Fresh from his bath, Mikhail giggled at the cartoon playing on the television. Isabella watched him from the kitchen doorway with a soft smile on her face, a glass of vodka cradled against her chest. He had looked up at her with those large brown eyes pleading for more time before bed, and having missed him, she couldn’t say no.
“You are drinking too much.”
“Americans refer to that as the pot calling the kettle black.” She didn’t look away from Mikhail and took another sip of her drink. “Leaving again?”
Kira seemed uncomfortable as she contemplated her answer. “Eddie has… invited me to a movie.”
She coughed into the cup and cleared her throat. “You have a date?”
“It is a movie.”
“That’s a date. He’s taking you out to a movie theater. Have you ever been on a date?”
“I am leaving. I will be back.”
Isabella grabbed her arm before she could move away. “You’re in all black, as usual. That won’t do. Borrow something of mine.”
“I will not. That is improper! You cannot offer that to me.”
“Oh nonsense,” she snorted. “Mikhail, we will be right back! Kira needs to borrow a shirt from Mommy.”
“Okay, Mamushka!”
Despite her protests, she pulled Kira down the hallway to her room and into the closet full of clothing and shoes. “It is only a shirt. You can return it to me.”