Chapter 22
Teddy
ONE MONTH LATER…
I step out of the studio and the bright afternoon sun hits me like a spotlight.
My heart is still racing, adrenaline buzzing through every vein…
I just smashed that audition out of the park! I don’t want to jinx things, but I just know from the bottom of my heart that the whole thing went as well as an audition possibly could.
The casting director had asked for a scene with heavy improv elements, and I went for it… full commitment, natural timing, and that bubbly, slightly chaotic energy that always seems to work for comedy.
I nailed the physical bits, delivered the lines with perfect punch, and even threw in a couple of spontaneous character choices that made the whole room laugh out loud.
When they called “thank you,” the smiles on their faces told me everything I needed to know.
I did it.
I really, really did it.
Nothing is guaranteed in tis business, and I know that more than most. But I’m going to enjoy this feeling. Whether I get the part or not, I know that I’ve done my best and had a blast doing it too.
I bound down the steps of the studio, practically floating, a huge grin stretching across my face. And there he is, waiting for me on the sidewalk like he always does when it matters.
Kirill.
My Forever Daddy.
He’s leaning against his sleek black sports car, arms crossed, looking every bit the powerful, commanding man I fell so hard for. The moment our eyes meet, his expression softens with that rare, private smile he saves just for me.
“How did it go, malysh?” Kirill asks, voice low and warm. “Did you kill it?”
“I super-killed it!” I squeal, launching myself into his arms. He catches me easily, lifting me off the ground for a moment before setting me back down and pressing a firm kiss to my forehead.
“I knew you would,” Kirill murmurs against my hair. “You always do when you let yourself shine. You’re just incredible, you know that?”
I giggle and blush as we start walking hand in hand toward the nearby park, the city buzzing around us but feeling strangely distant.
Kirill stops at a little sorbet stand and buys two cups, strawberry for me, lemon for him. We stroll slowly along the winding paths, spoons clinking against the cups, the sun warm on our skin.
Everything feels… perfect.
I have my dream Daddy: the man who makes me feel safe and small and wildly desired, even when his world is complicated and dangerous.
We’ve had our talks.
I’ve met and befriended his allies’ Littles.
I’ve seen the reality of what it means to love a man like him. And I’ve chosen it. Chosen him. And I’ve done it all with open eyes and an open heart.
For the first time, my dream life doesn’t feel like a distant dream. It feels possible.
I squeeze Kirill’s hand, smiling up at him as we walk. “I feel like I’m living in a movie right now. A really good one.”
My Daddy looks down at me, eyes soft but still carrying that quiet intensity I love. “You deserve it, Teddy. All of it.”
We’re halfway through the park when Bobby appears on the path ahead, walking toward us with that confident stride he’s developed over the past month. He’s grown so much—no longer just the reluctant nephew I started training. Bobby is focused, disciplined, and clearly worthy of the family name.
Bobby reaches us and gives me a quick hug before turning to Kirill.
“Mission from last night went exactly to plan,” Bobby says, voice low enough that only we can hear. “Everything is secure. Locked down. Threat eliminated.”
I don’t ask for details.
I’ve learned not to.
Some things are better left in the shadows of their world. But I admire Bobby—the way he’s stepped into his role with quiet strength and purpose.
Bobby turns to me with a genuine smile. “Thank you, Teddy. For all the training sessions. You instilled real discipline in me. I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”
I feel a warm glow in my chest. “I’m happy I played a part, eve just a small one. You’ve worked so hard. It’s all you really.”
Kirill watches the exchange with quiet pride. He places a hand on each of our shoulders.
“I am proud of you both,” Daddy says, voice deep and sincere. “Having you in my life makes being pakhan a little easier. You remind me there is still light worth protecting.”
Bobby smiles, then glances at his phone. “I need to head across the city to handle something. I’ll see you both later.”
He gives me another quick hug and walks off with purpose.
Now it’s just Kirill and me again.
We continue our slow walk, hands still linked, sorbet cups nearly empty. I lean my head against his arm, feeling completely content.
“I’m looking forward to meeting up with my Little friends later,” I say softly. “Eddie and Landon always make me laugh so much. And Skeet is coming too. It’s going to be a wicked cool blast!”
Kirill’s thumb strokes the back of my hand. “I’m glad to hear it. You need that balance. That joy. I’m just glad I get to be the man who witnesses it.”
We stop under a shady tree.
Kirill turns me gently to face him. His hands settle on my waist, pulling me close.
I rise onto my toes and we kiss—slow, deep, full of everything we’ve been through and everything still ahead. His lips are warm and sure, his arms strong around me.
In this moment, wrapped in his embrace with the sun filtering through the leaves, I feel complete.
My own little world.
My Daddy.
My future.
Whatever dangers still lurk in the shadows of his life, whatever challenges my acting career will bring… I know I can face them.
Because I’m not facing them alone.
I pull back just enough to look up into his eyes, smiling softly.
“I love you, Daddy.”
Kirill’s gaze darkens with that possessive warmth I’ve come to crave.
“And I love you, my special Little one,” he murmurs. “Forever.”
We kiss again, slower this time, sealing the promise.
And for the first time in my life, everything feels exactly right—like I’m perfect just the way I am.
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