“Why would it be?” I said. “You paid me eight million dollars.”
Laughing at the idea came so naturally that I had to cover my mouth with one hand. Alexander looked at me again with those dignified, serious eyes, and suddenly I felt just like at the beginning—seeing the majestic muzzle of his animal form and feeling intimidated by his colossal, furry height. He could subdue anyone easily with his size alone, and I could feel it in every fiber of my body. I sobered up at once and cleared my throat.
“Really, it’s not a problem, Alexander. We’ve… we’ve already established that this will be temporary, and the children—well, you said that anything I did would be for the children, not for you. I chose to help you. Sasha will need care you won’t be able to give her in a hotel, and… well, yes, I
