Lev: a Shot Callers novel - Belle Aurora Page 0,17

tried to be nice to everyone.

A tall, stunning brunette with long wavy hair, a wide mouth, and gleaming white teeth stepped inside the dining room pushing a stroller with an adorable little girl in it. She was dressed in jeans, heels, and a caramel-colored sweater. Her light brown eyes immediately lit on me. Her smile fell. “Sorry. I didn’t realize we’d be having company.”

Stepping forward, she leaned down to kiss Lev’s cheek and uttered, “Brother mine.” She turned and did the same to Sasha. They accepted her kisses graciously. She didn’t need to mention the fact that Lev and Sasha were her brothers. Anyone could see they were closely related.

She walked to the farthest seat, pulling the stroller up close to her, unbuckling the young girl, and lifting her out. “I’m Nastasia,” she uttered distractedly.

Lev responded for me as I chewed. “This is Mina, the new bargirl.” Then he did something unbelievable.

He smiled.

It was wide, and shining, and perfect. His teeth were white and perfectly straight. He had a single perfect dimple cut into his cheek, and his face was perfectly transformed with it.

My God.

My heart stuttered as I realized just how handsome Lev was. I mean, he was attractive before, but now he was incredible. Delicious.

The woman, spying Lev’s smile, handed the little girl to him, and again, I was surprised when he took her without complaint, sitting her onto his lap and hugging her gently before kissing the top of her head.

Nastasia looked back at me, her smile fading rapidly. She regarded me much as Sasha had. She was unsure of me. And I didn’t blame her one bit.

Her little girl was gorgeous though. She had the family’s light brown eyes and dark hair, but unlike the rest of the people sitting at the table, her hair curled into sweet, bouncy ringlets and was currently styled into high pigtails. It was hard to watch her and not smile. She was adorably chubby, and her lashes were so long that she looked like a porcelain doll.

Nastasia’s stare became borderline painful. I needed to do something and quick.

Standing, I walked over and stopped a foot away from her. She looked up at me, and a single brow rose. I stuck my hand out. “Sorry, I had a mouthful of eggs. I wasn’t trying to be rude. I’m Mina.”

Her eyes narrowed at my hand and, eventually, she took it, shaking it slowly. “Call me Nas. Everyone does.”

She released my hand and I took my seat, picking up my fork. I glanced at Nas, who watched her brother and daughter with a tender look on her face. I couldn’t help but smile at the woman. “She’s beautiful.”

“I know.” Nas smiled softly. “So does she.”

Sasha stood, walking over to Lev. “Give me my girl.”

Lev handed her over, and Sasha kissed her cheek lovingly, speaking softly into her little ear as she snatched up his decorative handkerchief and shoved it into her mouth. I sat there, suddenly confused.

Whose child was this?

Ada brought out another plate of eggs and, spotting the plate in front of me, she smiled at Sasha, replacing the plate he’d given me. As she passed Nas, she leaned down and kissed her head before placing the oatmeal in front of Lev. She was walking out the door before she asked Nas, “You want something, honey?”

Nas suddenly looked tired. “No, I ate on the plane. Thanks anyway, Ada.”

Lev stated, “I’d like to ask why you’re home early, but I have a feeling I already know the answer to that question. How was the flight? Did Lidiya fuss much?”

It was then the little girl started babbling. “Eeya. Eeya. Eeeeeeeya.” She looked at Sasha and said, “Asha. Ma Deeya. Deeya.” She looked at Lev and stuck a hand into Sasha’s mouth. I was stunned that he offered no complaint and that he simply smiled around the tiny fingers. “Otet. Papa. Papa. Otet.” Nas came next. “Azeeya. Azeeya. Ma tetu. Tetu.” Then she glanced at me, blinking before turning to Sasha and uttering an unsure, “Zzzzhena.”

Sasha huffed out a soft laugh around the fingers, and little Lidiya smiled a toothy grin, her eyes smiling just as Lev’s had.

I turned to Lev and smiled. “She kind of looks like you.”

He turned to me, his eyes full of amusement. “That would make sense.” He paused a moment before adding, “After all, she is my daughter.”

Chapter Eight

Mina

Nastasia drove in silence, and I was thankful for the song on the radio for making a ridiculously awkward situation a little