Page 122 of Beautiful Sinner

And it’s then that I see Connor peeking out of a different room. Viktor hasn’t seemed to notice him.

Instinct takes over and I run down the hallway, pushing Viktor out of the way as Connor fires. The bullet hits my arm and knocks me to the ground. Both Viktor and Connor look stunned.

And that’s when I act. I lift my gun and fire at Connor. The bullet hits him in the chest, sending him sprawling to the floor. I said I would protect Julia and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

With a grunt, I stand up and walk over to him.

Connor is gasping for air. I must have hit a lung.

Viktor joins me at my side. “I’ll give you the honors.”

I place my gun to Connor’s head and his eyes widen right before I shoot him. He’s finally fucking dead.

Julia throws her arms around me the second me and Viktor leave the apartment. “You’re alive.” She lets me go and turns to her brother. “Both of you.”

Viktor holds out his arms and Julia sinks into them. “I’m sorry, Julia. I won’t get in the way of you and Matteo any longer.I see that now.” After they break apart, Viktor turns to me. “You just saved my life.”

“I guess I did.”

He gives me his hand. “Truce?”

I don’t hesitate to shake it. “Truce.”

“Does this mean we all finally get to be happy?” Julia asks.

Viktor nods. “We’ll have peace. For you, Julia. I will do this for you.”

Julia

Matteo sits back in his seat with a groan, patting his stomach. “That was the most delicious meal I’ve ever had.”

Inessa smiles. “You can thank our housekeeper for making it. Mrs. Green is an excellent cook.”

I look around the table at my husband, my sister-in-law and my brother. It’s Christmas Eve. Matteo and I have been together for months now and things have been running smoothly.

Viktor has been working with Erik and Dante. Things were tense at first but I know they’re easier now. They’re finally giving my brother the respect he deserves.

Matteo healed from all of his injuries. We’ve been having sex a lot and I know it wont take long before I’m pregnant. We saw no point in waiting. We knew we were in love when we first saw each other. It’s only natural we’d want a family as soon as possible.

Viktor and I spent a lot of time talking through everything that had happened. He knows I never meant to betray him. He knows I just fell in love and doesn’t blame me for it anymore.

And he hasn’t been as controlling. Viktor has stepped back and let me just be happy with Matteo. Things might change after I have a baby but for now, Viktor is giving me space. We do meet up for dinner once a week, though. Just the two of us to talk. It’s been nice getting to know my brother more as an equal.

I lean my head on Matteo’s arm. “It was a wonderful meal. I think this is the happiest Christmas I’ve ever had. Here with the people I love most in the world.”

We had to go through a lot of hard times to get here but we’re finally here.

My eyes meet Viktor’s across the table and he nods, silently telling me that everything will be ok. That he has my back forever. And that includes Matteo now too.

We’re at peace.

Matteo takes my hand under the table and I hold on tight. I’m not letting go for anything in this world.

The End