Saved by the Devil: A Dark, Russian Mafia Romance (Sinful Mafia Daddies) by Natasha L. Black
Author:Natasha L. Black [Black, Natasha L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2026-02-16T00:00:00+00:00
18
MOLLY
Samuil and I havenât talked for a couple of days.
I tell myself weâre both just busy, but the truth is that nothing between us is settled. The air in the apartment feels anxious and disturbed, like a conversation paused at the wrong moment. I keep replaying the things I said, what he said back, the way I still caved the second he touched me. The way my body surrendered to him so quickly, even though my brain was screaming that it was the wrong thing to do.
I keep thinking weâll have a discussion, that weâll address it, that maybe weâll finally iron out this issue that keeps growing between us. So when Samuil finally speaks to me again, itâs not what I expect.
He appears in the doorway of the living room while Iâm straightening the throw blankets on the couch, his posture stiff, as if he canât decide how to approach me.
âIâve been talking to Davýd,â he says, his voice quieter than usual. âHe was impressed with how you handled Anya.â
My heart gives a small, involuntary pull at her name. Sheâs such a special little girl, and working with her has been the most fun Iâve had since I was brought here.
Samuil shifts his weight, which is about the closest he gets to fidgeting.
âI know this is a lot to ask, but he was wondering if youâd be willing to spend a little more time with her on the days the nanny canât manage everything.â He pauses, like heâs bracing for my rejection. âOnly if you want to, of course.â
The answer comes out of me instantly. âYes,â I say. âOf course. Iâd love to.â
The relief that crosses his face is subtle, but I donât miss it. It softens something sharp in me, and I can finally see heâs struggling with this tension just as much as I am.
âGood,â he says softly. âDavýd said she responded to you. More than she has with anyone else.â
I try not to be too pleased by that, but I canât help the joy I feel. Itâs all Iâve ever wanted. Itâs why I became a teacher. I want to make a difference in the lives of kids who are struggling, and Iâve somehow managed to do it even without being formally employed.
âWhen do you want me to start?â I ask.
âToday,â he says. âIf youâre up for it.â
âIâm up for it,â I tell him, already reaching for the notebook I left on the table. âLet me put something together.â
Something shifts in the air between us. Nothing is fully repaired or even remotely healed. Maybe, somehow, itâs a little less fractured, though. Maybe thereâs a way forward for us after all.
In the afternoon, Iâm sitting cross-legged on the living room rug with Anya across from me. Sheâs tiny and serious and watching me with those solemn eyes that seem to take in everything and give nothing back.
âDo you want to start with coloring?â I ask gently.
She doesnât respond out loud, but she reaches for the crayons, which I take as a yes.
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