While Nadia was lost in her thoughts—dreaming of a future that suddenly seemed so hopeful, so bright—Mika glanced at the clock on the wall.
He had stayed longer than he intended and he needed to go.
Yelena and Fauna were waiting, and if he left them hanging too long, there would be consequences he really didn't want to deal with.
But before he left, there was one more thing he wanted to do.
He bent down toward Astrid, bringing his face close to hers. Nadia watched curiously as he paused for a moment, then, to Nadia's surprise, he pressed a gentle kiss right on Astrid's forehead.
"Goodnight, my little fox."
He whispered against her skin.
"Sweet dreams."
Astrid didn't wake.
But something happened.
Her sleeping face, which had been peaceful before, suddenly changed and a small smile curved her lips.
She let out a tiny, contented sigh and snuggled deeper into Nadia's lap, her body relaxing even further.
Nadia stared in slight irritation.
