Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Seven

Irina

I watched Alexei with Nikolai from the doorway. He was giving the baby a bottle. His movements were gentle and careful. So different from the man who had held me captive. Who had treated me like property. Who had kept me from my own son.

"You are good with him," I said.

Alexei looked up. "I am learning," he replied. "Thanks to you."

I walked into the room. Sat down in the chair across from him.

"Can I ask you something?" I said.

"Anything," Alexei replied.

"Why the change?" I asked. "What made you decide to be different?"

Alexei was quiet for a moment....