Page 130 of Playing Her Game

Both men turn their heads.

“Keep your eyes on the road,” I tell Lenzin.

He faces forward, laughing. “You flew across the Atlantic to surprise him?”

“Just returning the gesture.”

“He flew to you?” Aleks asks.

“He did.” I smile. “Unannounced.”

“You didn’t tell us?” Lenzin asks.

“He met Oma.” I smile.

“She didn’t tell me?” Lenzin gasps.

“I suspect there’s plenty that woman doesn’t tell any of us.” I laugh.

Lenzin chuckles.

“He also met Matthias,” I state.

“Excuse me?” Lenzin sneers.

“My parents decided if you wouldn't marry me, then they’d find someone else and invite him to dinner.” I yawn.

“You are fucking kidding me.”

“Nope, and Oma showed up with a date.” I laugh.

“A what?” he asks.

“She invited Daniil to come, probably knowing what they were up to, and well, that’s the night they kicked me out of the house.”

“Anna! What the fuck?” Lenzin exclaims.

I laugh, “Don’t worry, I’m not unhoused; Daniil bought a house for me.”

“He did what?” Aleks laughs.

“The man bought a house and put it in my name.” Overtired, overwhelmed, over… them, my voice breaks. “He didn’t want me to ever feel like I didn’t have a home.”

“Damn it, Annaliese.” He covers his ears. “Stop it now, or I might feel bad next time I kick his ass on the ice.”

I laugh as I wipe away a tear. “You certainly would not.”

Lenzin chuckles, “She’s not wrong.”

The bed at the Faulker home might be the most comfortable thing I've ever slept in besides Daniil’s arms.

I barely remember getting upstairs. Lenzin carried my suitcase, Aleks said something about making sure I ate before I passed out, and I believe I managed to tell them both to fuck off before Hildy appeared at the top of the stairs and took one look at me.

She didn't ask questions. She just kissed my cheek, told me Lucy was downstairs unaware I was here, and sent me to bed.

I showered, changed into the softest clothes I could find, and crawled under the covers.

Now, somewhere between sleep and waking, I hear voices downstairs.