Page 167 of Konstantin

“I know.” She laughs, and the sound fills the space between us, something pure and good.

Sliding down beside her on the bed, I pull her against my chest, her head resting over my heart. And for the first time in what feels like years…it beats in peace.

EMILIA

The following day, I’m home, tucked under Konstantin’s watchful eye like I’m made of glass. He’s everywhere, hovering, making sure I don’t lift a finger, not even to walk to the bathroom without his help, and it would be quite adorable if it wasn’t also a tad annoying. But I love him for wanting to take care of me.

I’m doing my best to cope with the aftermath of Nate’s death, the betrayal that feels like it will take forever to heal, and the fact that Gerardo is out there, escaping the payback he deserves. But it will come. Konstantin will not let him live. He’s going to make them all pay, and I will enjoy every painful second.

“Come, I have a surprise for you,” he says, his voice laced with that excitement that hints at a secret he’s eager to reveal.

I raise an eyebrow. “What kind of surprise?”

“You’ll see.”

He takes my hand, guiding me down the steps. “Careful, Emilia.”

His grip tightens as he steadies me, and the concern in his eyes only makes me love him more. I let out a breathless laugh, even when that’s the last thing I want to do.

“Really forgot who you married, huh?” I tease, pushing theheaviness away for a moment.

“Never.” His eyes darken, his intensity growing as we stand beside his Royce, already waiting for us.

In one swift motion, he grabs the back of my neck, pulling me in. The kiss is hot, demanding, burning with passion. It consumes me, pulling every bit of air from my lungs, leaving me breathless and raw. When he pulls away, his gaze fastens to mine with such force, it makes my chest tighten and my pulse race.

“I haven’t forgotten who you are, Emilia,” he says softly. “But I also know you’re not okay. And that’s alright with me. Trust me enough not to be okay around me.”

His words hit deep. My throat tightens, a sharp throb in my chest, and I feel the sting of tears prick at my eyes. I quickly swipe them away, trying to hold it together.

“Jesus, stop making me cry. I never cry.”

Konstantin cups my cheek, his thumb gently wiping away the remnants of my tears. “Maybe you should. You don’t have to be strong all the time.”

I shake my head. “What good would that do? I cried enough yesterday. I don’t have anything left in me.”

His expression softens, but there’s a quiet anger behind it, anger I understand. “I’m sorry, malyshka. I wish I could take your pain away.”

With a sigh, I wrap my arms around him and groan in satisfaction as my cheek hits his chest. “That’s okay. This is enough.”

My arm still throbs from the bullet graze, but it’s nothing compared to the gaping hole in my chest where I once held space for my brother.

We stay like that for a while, comfortable in the silence, in the arms of one another, even when things are still unfinished. But in this moment, it feels like it’s just him and me. And that’s all that matters.

Gradually, he pulls away, still holding me close. He laces his fingers with mine and looks down at me.

“Come, let’s go for a drive.” He leads me into the back of the car with him as one of his men takes the wheel.

Konstantin’s hand is warm around mine, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin as we drive up toward the farm, and something instantly catches my eye in the distance.

A slow-growing fire looms closer, something roasting over it. My heart skips a beat at the sweet gesture.

I turn to him, a small grin tugging at my lips. “Did you cook for us again?”

His smirk deepens, eyes lighting up with mischief. “Yeah, something like that.”

Curiosity bubbles inside me, but I don’t push it further as the car smoothly comes to a stop. Konstantin kisses my knuckles before stepping out and opening the door for me. He doesn’t release my hand as he guides me toward the fire, his driver trailing behind us.

And when I see what he’s actually making, the shock of it causes me to bounce back a step.