“I’m here.” She stared at the table, not meeting his eyes.
“Hadlee, this is Liev Orlov, your father. Liev, this is Hadlee Marie Rose, your daughter.” She gave a careless wave between them hating how much her heart was breaking at the very real possibility he could simply take the child and walk out. There wasn’t an army on the planet which could stop him if he wanted to go into hiding with her. He was likely in possession of far more resources than she could fathom to hide away for the rest of eternity.
Hadlee’s snort made her look sideways at her child.
“What?”
“He’s uncomfortable in our kitchen.”
“This is a new situation for him too.”
“It’s not my fault,” Hadlee snarked back.
“Hadlee, get the scowl off,” Briar cast her a sideways glance. “He’s not the enemy. I told you I kept you
