Page 73 of Arranged Plus-Size Curves of the Bratva

My gaze falls on the photo on my desk. A family photo. Me, Niko, and our two-year-old son, Maxim. He’s practically a mini replica of Niko, and he has my whole heart.

I take off my coat, wash my hands, and just as I’m about to sit down, my phone buzzes on the desk. It’s Niko.

“You ready? We’re outside.”

I can’t help but smile. I’m always ready for them.

I leave my office, waving as my staff bid me goodbye, already imagining the warm embrace waiting for me outside.

The elevator doors open, and there they are. Niko, tall and unyielding as ever, arms crossed with that faint smirk that makes my heart leap. Maxim is perched on his hip, giggling and kicking his tiny feet, his little hands reaching for me.

“Mommy!” he squeals, and I rush into his arms.

Niko pulls me close, his cheek brushing mine, and whispers, “There she is.” His voice has that low, possessive warmth that makes me feel safe, even after everything we’ve been through.

Maxim wriggles happily, and I take him from Niko’s arms, holding him close as he buries his face in my shoulder. Niko wraps an arm around both of us, and for a long moment, we just stand there.

We walk to the car, chatting and laughing over Maxim’s silly antics. He babbles something about dinosaurs, and Niko imitates a low, guttural roar that makes Maxim squeal with delight. I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head at the sight of my husband acting ridiculous just to entertain our son.

As we drive home, I tell Niko about dinner plans with Violet and Sasha—how we’ll catch up, gossip, and probably eat far too much dessert. I glance at him from the corner of my eye, expecting his usual teasing comment. Instead, he pouts and lets out a dramatic sigh.

“I don’t like staying for so long without you.”

I roll my eyes. Niko lets me go out on private dates, alone or with friends, but his reaction is always the same. It’s fun to see him unravel.

“So…I’m supposed to stay home with Maxim while you go have dinner with Violet and Sasha?”

I laugh. “That’s right. Someone has to keep the little tyrant in line, while I escape for a few hours and leave you to babysit.”

His lips twitch. “Escape, huh? Don’t get too comfortable, Noelle.”

“Oh? And why not?” I tease, wiggling my eyebrows.

He leans closer, voice low and possessive. “Because when you come home, I’ll show you why I’m your husband and deserve all your time.”

I laugh, covering my face with my hands. “Niko!”

He smirks, leaning back confidently. “I warned you. Consider it…a preview of what’s waiting for you.”

I roll my eyes, smile, and shake my head. “I’m counting the minutes.”

And as the city lights blur past the window, I feel it—the life I’ve fought for, the family I’ve earned, the love I’ve never questioned. Safe, whole, and exactly where I belong.

The past is behind me. The future is ours.

And for the first time in a long time, everything feels right.

*****

THE END