Page 113 of Maxim

Leading Olena through the house, I’m surprised it’s so silent. Then I step outside and see them. Olena freezes, but I smile.

“Maxim.” One of the men bows his head slightly at me.

“Abram, good to see you. The children?” I ask.

“In the woods. The boy wouldn’t leave without Olena.”

I nod. “I figured. Thank you.”

“All threats have been neutralized. The boss is sending a convoy to come get you.”

“Come get me when it arrives. I need to get my girl to the kids.”

“We’ve got this. Go.”

Heading out into the woods, Olena stays by my side. That is until she hears the small voice call out.

“Olena?”

I smile as Olena runs for Daryna. They embrace as Alek moves toward them, standing guard. Olena is having none of it, though. She pulls him into her arms, hugging them both.

“We are safe now. He will never hurt us again,” she promises.

Alek looks over her shoulder at me. “Is he dead?”

Olena answers him. “You don’t need to worry about that anymore. We are safe.”

Alek doesn’t break eye contact, though, so I nod my head at him. It’s like the weight of the world is lifted off his shoulders as he melts into the hug.

As I watch them, I know I would do anything for them.

My family.

Ishouldn’t be nervous, but I am.

Ever since Maxim saved us all from my father, we have been in our own little bubble. He didn’t bring us back to the home I had come to know as his. Instead, he brought us to a small apartment. He promised it would only be temporary, but I would live here forever with him. I would live anywhere with him if I’m being completely honest.

It’s only been twenty-four hours, but it already feels like a lifetime. Especially since I feel free for the first time in my life.

“Are you sure the children will be welcome?” I whisper to Maxim.

He stops, cupping my face while Alek keeps Daryna distracted, and gives me his full attention.

“They will be more than welcome, Olena. They will be cherished. My family treats our young as a gift, not a burden. I know it will be a transition, but I need you to trust me.”

I take a deep breath and nod. “Will Thea be there?”

“I’m not sure. They usually work remotely. Let’s go find out.”

Taking my hand, he turns to Alek. “Keep an eye on your sister, okay?”

Alek nods, taking his job seriously. I hate that he’s lost his childhood innocence. It breaks my heart.

Maxim walks up to the mansion, walking in without knocking. My anxiety increases as he does. My father would have killed anyone for feeling they could do the same.

Will his Pakhan be like my father?

He assures me he is not, but it’s hard for me to trust anyone in power. Not after living with the devil for so long.