Page 16 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

When she saw me awake, she flinched, then gathered her courage.

"Are you my daddy's girlfriend?"

Daddy? She meant Ivan?

I yanked the blanket over my bare shoulders, softening my voice.

"No, sweetie. I'm just your daddy's friend."

The words left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Friend. I wasn't even that. I was cargo Ivan had bought.

The little girl tilted her head, climbing onto the bed and reaching out her small hand. "I'm Nadia. What's your name?"

I took her hand. "Anna. Nice to meet you, Nadia."

Nadia grinned, showing two missing baby teeth.

"Anna, you're really pretty. I like you."

My chest tightened. The bitterness faded a little. I reached up, stroking her soft curls. "Thank you, Nadia."

She lit up, wiggling closer.

"Daddy's still in the kitchen. I never see Daddy cook. Do you think it'll be any good?"

She cupped her face, her voice full of doubt.

"I'm sure it's fine. Maybe your daddy's better at it than you think."

After all, this past week my only job had been staying in this bed. Ivan handled everything else—including every meal.

Nadia leaned in close, whispering. "If it's bad, you have to help me throw it away, okay?"

Before I could answer, someone knocked.

Ivan stood in the doorway, shirtsleeves rolled to his elbows, flour dusting his hands.

"What are you two ladies whispering about?"

Nadia jumped off the bed and ran to him, throwing her arms around his waist. "Daddy, your girlfriend is so pretty. I like her."

"I'm not—"

"She's my little cat. She's got claws."

He didn't correct her. Probably didn't want Nadia dealing with complicated truths yet.

Ivan picked Nadia up and left, giving me space.

I got dressed, washed up. By the time I came downstairs, Nadia had set the table. She grinned at me. "You were right. Daddy's steak smells amazing."

I smiled, sitting in my usual spot.

A basket of golden-brown rolls sat in the center of the table. Butter, black pepper, seared beef—the whole room smelled warm.

Looking at the easy smiles on Ivan and Nadia's faces, I felt happy. I didn't know how long this could last. But I felt happy.