Page 108 of Dark Desires

A few moments later, I’m sitting at my dad’s old desk, staring at the laptop screen like it might jump out and bite me. Alexei reaches over and types in a web address. When he’s done and hitsenter, a video appears on the screen.

It’s of Steph and Omar. My heart skips a beat.

The video is ready to play, the little triangle begging me to hit it. Alexei stands behind me, quiet but impossible to ignore.

“Go on,” he says. “It’s good news.”

I finally click, and the screen lights up with Stephania’s face. She’s grinning, and behind her is… Venice? Of course. The Grand Canal stretches out like a freaking postcard, gondolas gliding by as if life’s one big Italian rom-com.

“Isa!” Stephania’s voice bursts through the speakers, and I’m hit with a wave of emotions I can’t even name. “I hope you’re not too mad at me for disappearing. But Alexei arranged for me to meet Omar somewhere his father couldn’t find us. It was too dangerous to reach out until we knew Christian was in custody and we were safe.”

Next to her, Omar stands there smiling, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses, his hand raised in a small wave. “We’re safe, and we’re happy. Europe’s been a great start for us. We’ve been traveling around, seeing the sights.”

“Next stop is Sicily,” Steph says. “We’re going to stay there for a while, at least until it’s safe to come back.”

Stephania’s voice softens, and I know the emotional part is coming. “I know it’s not fair, leaving you with everything. But you’re strong, Isa. Stronger than me. I know you’ll keep thingstogether. And when you do, I’ll be there to celebrate. I love you, Isa. You’re the best cousin, the best friend I could’ve asked for.”

Omar pops onto the screen. “And we can’t wait to meet the baby.”

With that, they wave at the camera and say their goodbyes, and that’s it.

The video ends, leaving me staring at the screen like an idiot. I should feel relieved. Instead, I’m crying like a mess. I try to wipe away the tears before Alexei notices.

“She’s happy,” he says. “And safe.”

I nod, exhaling hard. “Yeah, she is. And I’m happy for her. But seriously, leaving me with all this? She’s lucky I love her.”

Alexei crouches down next to me, taking my hands. “You’re doing an amazing job, Isabella. Everyone sees it.”

I snort. “Sure, Alexei. Everyone except me.”

“You’re winging it like a pro,” he says, that damn smirk playing on his lips. “But maybe it’s time to make things easier.”

My brow arches. “What are you talking about?”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small black box. Oh, no. Oh, hell no. Then he opens it, and yep, it’s exactly what I think it is. A glittering diamond ring.

“Isabella Mancini,” he says. “I love you. You’re brilliant, strong, fearless—and let’s be honest, running this family like you were born to do it, which makes perfect sense—you were. Marry me. Let’s do this together.”

I blink, my jaw practically hitting the desk. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious. You and me, together. Ivanovs and Mancinis, a real alliance. No fake engagements, no bullshit. Just us. That is… unless you, much like your father, have an issue with marrying an Ivanov half-breed like me.”

I laugh, even as my eyes well up again. “You’re unbelievable, Alexei.”

“And you’re stalling,” he says. “Yes or no, Isa?”

“Fine. Yes, you ridiculous man.”

He slides the ring onto my finger, and then his arms are around me, pulling me into him.

“Now,” he says, “let’s celebrate properly.”

I laugh, trying to ignore the heat rising to my cheeks. “Properly? You mean cake and champagne, right?”

His smirk deepens, and there’s no mistaking the mischievous glint in his eyes. “Not exactly what I had in mind, but we can pencil that in for later.”

Before I can even respond, he sweeps me off my feet, literally.