Read Online The Jersey Vignettes by Bethany-Kris - Free Book Online

Ana promised.
    “Thanks.”
    “Shouldn’t Dad have been here?” Sofia asked. “I mean if there was trouble between families or whatever?”
    “No trouble,” Koldan said, killing that idea before someone else could overhear. “Which was why Demyan came tonight, so we could stop that shit before anyone got crazy ideas. As far as Dad goes, he wasn’t interested in showing face.”
    “He’s the boss,” Sofia said.
    Koldan’s expression didn’t change as he replied, “Is he?”
    What was that supposed to mean?

Chapter Sixteen
     
    Ana barely managed not to trip over her sons as they scrambled into the kitchen ahead of her. Koldan turned from his spot at the stove in just enough time to catch both of his sons. At four and two respectively, their sons were loud as hell and always on the go of some sort. Ana usually thought it was funny because their father was so laid back and calm.
    Tornadoes.
    That’s what her boys were. She loved them all the more for it.
    “Slow down,” Ana said, laughing.
    “PAPA!” the boys shouted, trying to climb up Koldan’s sides.
    Like the patient man he was, Koldan gave his boys all the attention they wanted until they calmed down.
    “Morning, krasivyy ,” Koldan said, kissing Ana’s cheek as she came up beside him.
    “Morning. Damn, you look good working at the stove.”
    Koldan grinned as he worked on his egg and bacon mess. “Wanted to do something for you this morning. Give you a break or whatever.”
    Giving the pan another look, Ana’s stomach suddenly turned inside out. The smell of the food wafted upwards, and she barely managed to hold the vomit back. Taking a step away from the stove, Ana wondered what in the hell was up with her.
    Koldan noticed instantly. “Hey, you okay?”
    Ana shook her head, confused. “Yeah, sure. I’m just … not all that hungry, maybe.”
    He didn’t look like he believed her for a second. “You love eggs, Ana.”
    She did.
    And bacon.
    But right then, she felt like she was two seconds away from vomiting all over the floor.
    Her two boys clamored up to the kitchen table, demanding food. Ana’s head spun.
    “Ana?” Koldan asked, stepping into her line of vision again.
    “Yeah?”
    “You’re turning white, krasivyy .”
    Was she?
    “I’m going to go lie down,” Ana said. “You okay with the boys?”
    Koldan frowned but nodded. “Sure, babe.”
    Thankful for the weekend and the fact her boys had nothing scheduled to do for that Saturday and Sunday, Ana made her way back upstairs and to her bed. The second her head hit the pillow and she was wrapped up in the sheets that smelled like her and Koldan, Ana felt better. The nauseous sensation passed, and Ana drifted off to sleep.
    Something warm and comforting woke Ana shortly after. She smiled at the sound of Koldan’s humming as he kissed a path over her forehead, across her closed lids, and down to her lips.
    “That’s a good way to wake up,” Ana said, her voice scratchy from sleep.
    “Hey,” Koldan murmured.
    Ana opened her eyes to stare at her husband who was smiling. There was still a worried glint in his eye, though. “Hey.”
    “Boys are napping.”
    “Is it noon already?” Ana asked, confused.
    “A little after one, actually. What happened this morning, krasivyy ? You worried me.”
    “I’m sorry. I just didn’t feel well.”
    Koldan sighed heavily, rolling his thumbs over her cheek bones. “All right. How’re you feeling now?”
    “Better,” Ana whispered. “Much, much better if you keep touching me.”
    His grin was wicked. “I will, but I’d feel better if you got up and moved around a little first.”
    “I’m fine, Koldan.”
    “Just indulge me, Ana, please.”
    Not wanting to argue with her husband, Ana got out of the bed like he asked. Standing up made her realize how badly she needed to pee. Waving so he could see she was fine on her own two feet, Ana disappeared into the master bathroom and shut the door to do her business.
    As she turned,