Page 128 of Sexting the Pakhan

“No,” Karina says at the same time I say, “Yes.”

Miss Elena’s expression does not improve.

Ruslan says, “This building is not secure.”

Karina laughs once, sharp and disbelieving. “Oh, is that your professional opinion?”

“Karina,” I warn.

“No,” Karina says, eyes still on Ruslan. “No, I think I’m allowed one second. Six years, Zoya. Six years, and he appears bleeding in a kindergarten during a shooting? Hello, do you not remember who he is?”

Nadia looks up at her. “Aunt Karina, you said shooting.”

Karina closes her eyes. “I know, baby. I’m sorry.”

I crouch as much as I can with Ruslan leaning on me and pull both girls close.

“Listen to me,” I say. “We are going to leave with Aunt Karina. You stay quiet, hold hands, and do exactly what I say.”

Mila looks at Ruslan. “Is he coming?”

I hesitate.

Ruslan answers before I can. “No.”

“Yes,” Mila says.

Ruslan blinks again.

Nadia studies him with cautious suspicion. “You are bleeding a lot.”

“I’ve noticed,” Ruslan says.

Mila takes my sleeve. “Mama, we can’t leave him.”

I look at Ruslan, furious all over again because somehow even injured and pale, he is still making my life harder by existing.

Then I look at my daughters. Their faces are scared, stubborn, and waiting for me to be the person I told them I was.

“Fine,” I say.

Ruslan’s eyes cut to me. “No.”

“Stop saying no.”

“You have children.” His gaze flicks to them when he says it. I hear the weight in his voice.

I ignore both of them. “Yes, I have children, and one of them is about to start a moral protest in a danger zone if we leave you here.”

Mila nods. “I am.”

Nadia whispers, “I will help if needed.”

Karina mutters, “God help us all.”

Miss Elena says, “There’s a staff exit through the kitchen. It leads to the side lot.”

Ruslan looks at her. “Is the side lot clear?”