Page 193 of Blood & Snow

Nadya stays close to my side throughout, and translates family jokes I don't understand and fills in background on traditions I've never experienced.

For someone raised in the Bratva, where family means blood oaths and criminal loyalty, the domesticity feels alien and yet wonderful.

Eventually, we make our excuses to leave, promising to return the following evening with supplies for the celebration.

Irina hugs Nadya again at the door, then surprises me by embracing me as well.

"Take care of my sister," she whispers against my shoulder.

"If you hurt her, a nurse's knowledge of anatomy means I know exactly where to stab for maximum pain."

"Understood," I reply with a chuckle, respecting her protectiveness.

I will never in my life let someone threaten me for real, but the sentiment is heartwarming.

We walk down the hallway toward the elevator, Nadya's hand warm in mine.

She's quiet until we're alone in the descending car, then she pulls me toward her with desperate urgency.

Her kiss is hungry and grateful, her body pressing against mine as if she can communicate through touch what words cannot express.

When we finally break apart, her eyes shine with unshed tears.

"Thank you," she whispers.

"For the story, for convincing her, for wanting to marry me."

"I meant every word about marriage," I say, pinching her chin between thumb and forefinger.

"When this is over, when we've built the life we want, I'm going to put a ring on your finger and make it official."

"I'll hold you to that promise."

"Good."

I cup her face in my hands, careful of the bruises hidden beneath makeup.

"And you can make it up to me tonight, back at my apartment, where I can properly demonstrate my appreciation for your family's acceptance."

Her laugh is pure joy, untainted by the darkness that has consumed us both.

"I have plans for you,Khishchnik. Very detailed plans that involve significantly less clothing than you're currently wearing."

The elevator doors open onto the lobby, releasing us into the late afternoon cold.

Tomorrow, we'll celebrateNovy Godwith her family, playing the role of a normal couple building a normal future.

But tonight belongs to us alone.

Some lies are worth telling.

Some truths are too dangerous to speak aloud.

And some loves are strong enough to bridge the distance between the world we inhabit and the world we want to build.

EPILOGUE