Page 120 of Maxim

Until then, he’s being the best uncle he can be. It makes me laugh watching the kids con him into things. If someone would have told me a year ago that the Pakhan for the Petrov Bratva would let a couple of kids boss him around, I would have laughed in their face. Seeing it now, though, it makes sense.

This is why we did what we did. Why I live with the haunting memories of what I had to do. To save them. Not just these children specifically, but all of the ones that could have been trafficked and the ones that did that we were able to save.

Logically, I know we cannot save them all, but damn it if I’m not going to try.

“You are thinking hard over here. Second guessing your choice?” Nikolai asks as he hands me a glass of vodka.

I look out over the yard at our family chatting and having a good time. Today is our housewarming. The girls helped Olena get the house together as soon as we closed on it. The guys helped me build the playset the kids are currently playing tag on.

That’s not the choice he is talking about, though.

“No. It is the right thing to do,” I tell him.

“Have you told Olena?”

“She knows,” I admit.

“The team is happy to have you. They take precedence.” He pats me on the shoulder.

After everything was said and done, Greer and Killian asked if any of us would be willing to remain on the task force we had put together to help stop other organizations. We all know another one will pop up in our area in due time, but she wanted us to take down others in the meantime.

I volunteered my team to assist theirs. It’s where I feel I can be of most use.

“The Bratva comes first,” I tell him, reassuring him of my position.

“You misunderstand. I am ordering you to put the mission first. We can handle things here when you are needed elsewhere. What we did was a good thing. I never want to see another human sold. That is unrealistic, but it’s the dream. I can spare you and your team to hunt down the evil in this world. Do us proud.”

“I will,” I promise him.

He nods. “Let’s go join everyone. I think as the host, you need to make a toast.”

I snort but follow him. Of course he would put me in the spotlight, knowing I hate it.

“Excuse me. If I could have everyone’s attention,” I call out.

I watch as one by one people turn toward me as word spreads that I am speaking. When it is quiet, I clear my throat.

“Thank you for being here. Olena, Daryna, Alek, and I appreciate all of the help you have provided to help make this house our home. I know I can speak for Olena when I say that without you, we would not be here. The love and support that you have provided is invaluable. We hope to make many memories in this home and have many more get-togethers in the years to come. To family. To love.?? ????????!”

Everyone echoes my last statement before holding their glass up and drinking.

I walk over to Olena and the kids, taking my seat between Alek and Olena.

“That was a nice speech,” Olena tells me, leaning against me.

“Thank you.”

“Can I make a speech too?” Daryna asks.

I chuckle, standing back up.

“Everyone,” I call out.

They all quiet down again.

“Daryna would like to make her own speech.”

Everyone laughs quietly as she stands in her place on the bench.