“Please. I know mine was shit. They were strict, and as punishment, I had to read from the bible in the basement without supper. It was why, when I got the scholarship, I got out of there. I got away from them. I knew my upbringing was a lot different to others, but I still like to hear about normal families.”

I snorted. “I would not call my family normal.”

“How?” he asked, and the more I was around him, the more I found it hard to say no.

“I said my family is mafia. I was brought up knowing this. When kids my age had sleepovers, I had defense lessons. Older, when kids were going out drinking, I was learning to kill a man with my bare hands. But I never went without. I always knew my parents would do anything for me, and they loved me.”

“Are you an only child?”

“Nyet. I have two older brothers, which was why it was easier for my father to let go. If I had been only child, I would have obligation to run business.” I knew I missed words to speak better English, but I was tired. “They want it more. I never did.”

“I’m glad you got to do what you want, Adrik.”

“Thank you, moya lyubov’.”

“Are you going to tell me what that means?”

“Nyet,” I teased with a small chuckle. “Are you ready to sleep again?”

He tensed.

“West?”

Shifting, I glanced down at his face. He had his eyes screwed shut, but I still caught the tears that escaped. Fear had taken hold. He worried about sleeping and the nightmares that came with it.

“My brothers are dickheads,” I announced. Before I pulled back and resumed my movements with my hand, I caught him relaxing somewhat.

He cleared his throat. “How?”

“Being the youngest, they always picked on me. But eventually, they stopped when I beat both of them in a fight. They still have moments, of course.”

His laugh was light, but it cut off with a wince. “Of course,” he said softly.

“My parents are in town at the moment.”

“Lucas said.”

“I am unsure how long they will stay.”

“It must be good to have them here.” He blinked tiredly.

“Da, it is.”

“Do you need to go and spend time with them?”

“Nyet, they know I will be here.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Hush, moya lyubov’. Maybe when you are feeling better, you could meet them.”

He swallowed thickly. “Maybe.”

He needs someone better. I’m not for him. I’m weak, dirty.

His words rushed through my mind again. He would not want to meet them until he realized he was my someone. Until he saw he was not weak or dirty.

“Um… what about work?”