Lev (Shot Callers 1)

Nastasia’s stare became borderline painful. I needed to do something and quick.

Standing, I walked over and stopped a foot away from her. She looked up at me, and a single brow rose. I stuck my hand out. “Sorry, I had a mouthful of eggs. I wasn’t trying to be rude. I’m Mina.”

Her eyes narrowed at my hand and, eventually, she took it, shaking it slowly. “Call me Nas. Everyone does.”

She released my hand and I took my seat, picking up my fork. I glanced at Nas, who watched her brother and daughter with a tender look on her face. I couldn’t help but smile at the woman. “She’s beautiful.”

“I know.” Nas smiled softly. “So does she.”

Sasha stood, walking over to Lev. “Give me my girl.”

Lev handed her over, and Sasha kissed her cheek lovingly, speaking softly into her little ear as she snatched up his decorative handkerchief and shoved it into her mouth. I sat there, suddenly confused.

Whose child was this?

Ada brought out another plate of eggs and, spotting the plate in front of me, she smiled at Sasha, replacing the plate he’d given me. As she passed Nas, she leaned down and kissed her head before placing the oatmeal in front of Lev. She was walking out the door before she asked Nas, “You want something, honey?”

Nas suddenly looked tired. “No, I ate on the plane. Thanks anyway, Ada.”

Lev stated, “I’d like to ask why you’re home early, but I have a feeling I already know the answer to that question. How was the flight? Did Lidiya fuss much?”

It was then the little girl started babbling. “Eeya. Eeya. Eeeeeeeya.” She looked at Sasha and said, “Asha. Ma Deeya. Deeya.” She looked at Lev and stuck a hand into Sasha’s mouth. I was stunned that he offered no complaint and that he simply smiled around the tiny fingers. “Otet. Papa. Papa. Otet.” Nas came next. “Azeeya. Azeeya. Ma tetu. Tetu.” Then she glanced at me, blinking before turning to Sasha and uttering an unsure, “Zzzzhena.”

Sasha huffed out a soft laugh around the fingers, and little Lidiya smiled a toothy grin, her eyes smiling just as Lev’s had.

I turned to Lev and smiled. “She kind of looks like you.”

He turned to me, his eyes full of amusement. “That would make sense.” He paused a moment before adding, “After all, she is my daughter.”

Chapter Eight

Mina

Nastasia drove in silence, and I was thankful for the song on the radio for making a ridiculously awkward situation a little less awkward.

After Lev told me that Lidiya was his daughter, leaving me officially shocked, the conversation took a quick turn as Lev stood with the little girl, walked over to his sister, kissed her on the cheek, and thanked her for bringing Lidiya home. The next words out of Nas’ mouth were in another language. Although she spoke softly, the words sounded harsh. Sasha added to the conversation, and Lev responded easily. I couldn’t be sure, but I thought they might be talking about me. When the three of them turned to look at me, it became clear I was right.

Rude much, guys?

Lev kissed his daughter’s head but spoke to me. “You need something to wear tonight, and I’m afraid the clothes you have aren’t appropriate. Nastasia will take you shopping. Buy whatever you need.”

Buy clothes? With what? Love? “In case you hadn’t noticed, I don’t have any money.”

His brow rose. “I know you don’t. Nastasia has my credit card. You’ll buy whatever my sister thinks you need.”

The protest began before he even finished. “I can’t accept that. You’ve already done too much.”

Sasha eyed me closely, searching my face for a sign of deception, but I meant it. Nastasia’s hard eyes softened, but only slightly. Lev glowered at me. “I threw away your clothes with the intention of replacing them. At the very least, you’ll need a pair of jeans and a coat that fits.” He sighed, irritated. “You don’t even have any undergarments.”

Thanks for bringing that up in front of your whole family, asshole.

That was true though. He did throw out my clothes, leaving me with little to work with. My shoulders slumped. “Okay, well, how about we call it a loan? You can dock my pay until I’ve reimbursed you.”

All three of their faces took on a look of disbelief.

No one spoke until Lev let out a firm, “No.”

I stood taller, crossing my arms across my chest. “I’ll be paying you back, Lev, whether you like it or not.” After a short pause, I admitted quietly, “I don’t like owing people.”

Nastasia rolled her eyes and groaned, taking my wrist and dragging me toward the door. “Don’t bother, little girl. He won’t give in.”

Now, as we drove in silence, I slid down farther in my seat and sighed. “Any chance you’ll let me borrow some clothes and tell your brother we bought them?”