Page 45

I move slowly and carefully, rocking my daughter in my arms as I sing softly. The nursery is bathed in the gentle glow of the nightlight, casting warm shadows across the soft pastel walls. Viktor stands beside me, his broad form silhouetted in the dim light, gently lowering our son into his crib. The lines of his face, usually marked by dominance and power, are softened as he strokes his son's tiny hand. Our children, the two halves of our hearts, sleep peacefully, their soft breaths in perfect harmony with one another.

A lump rises in my throat at the sheer beauty of the moment. These tiny, perfect lives came from us—from chaos, from war, from fate—and now, in this moment, there is only peace.

Viktor glances up, meeting my eyes. His electric blue gaze holds something I don’t always see—unfiltered vulnerability. Not the ruthless mafia king, not the protector, but the man who has given me everything. He reaches for my free hand and squeezes it. No words are necessary.

With quiet, practiced steps, I place our daughter down beside her brother. She stirs briefly, her tiny fingers curling in the air before settling into sleep. My heart tightens in my chest, overwhelmed by how much I love them.

Viktor drapes an arm over my waist and pulls me into him, his lips pressing a kiss to my temple.

"Let’s go," he whispers against my skin.

I nod, casting one last glance at our sleeping children before we slip out of the nursery. He closes the door with a quiet click, and we walk down the hallway to our suite. His fingers thread through mine, grounding me in his presence. The warmth of his touch is a silent reminder—no matter what we’ve been through, we have this. We have each other.

The estate, which was buzzing with activities earlier, is now quiet, and its grand halls feel almost like a sanctuary rather than a fortress. The faint scent of wood and expensive leather fills the air, and I allow myself to breathe in the scent of the place I now call home.

When we get to our suite, I sit on the edge of our bed, absently running my fingers over the silk sheets. Viktor watches me carefully, his sharp instincts picking up on my mood before I even speak.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, sitting beside me.

I hesitate, gathering my thoughts. “It’s Yelena,” I finally admit. “Her upcoming marriage has been weighing on me.”

Viktor exhales slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I had a feeling this was coming.”

“How can you be so calm?” I ask, turning to face him. “She’s your sister, Viktor. Your flesh and blood. She’s being handed off like a pawn, and you act like it’s just business as usual.”

His expression softens with understanding. He leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “Scarlett, I know my sister. Yelena isn’t the type to be controlled, not by me, not by a marriage, and certainly not by some Greek bastard who thinks he can tame her.”

I shake my head, still unconvinced. “But what if she hates it? What if—”

“She’ll burn that entire kingdom down before she lets anyone dictate her life,” he interrupts, his voice laced with amusement. “Honestly, if I were them, I’d be more worried about Yelena than she should be about them.”

Despite my worry, I let out a laugh, my lips curling into a smile because what he’s saying is true. “You’re right. Yelena is no one's doormat.”

Viktor smirks, the tension in the room dissipating slightly. “I’m always right.”

I exhale, shaking my head. Maybe he is right. Maybe Yelena is strong enough to handle whatever is thrown her way. “But you will let her know this door is always open if this arranged marriage fails.”

Viktor shifts closer, his hand sliding up my back. “You always worry about everyone else,” he murmurs. “It’s one of the things I love about you.”

His fingers graze my jaw, and I tilt my head up until my eyes meet his. “But right now,” he continues, his voice dipping into something darker, hungrier. I need you to think about yourself. About us.”

The moment his lips touch mine, the world outside ceases to exist. Viktor kisses me slowly and deeply, savoring every second as if he’s memorizing the feel of my lips. His hands roam my body, possessive yet reverent, like he’s claiming me all over again.

I melt into his touch, my body responding to his every move. My hands find their way to his broad shoulders, feeling the hard muscles beneath his shirt. I pull him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him against me. Viktor's kiss become more demanding, his tongue dancing with mine, his breath coming in quick pants.

Breaking the kiss, he trailed soft kisses along my jawline, down my neck, making me arch my back and tilt my head to the side, granting him better access. His lips find the sensitive spot below my ear, and he sucks gently on it, sending a wave of pleasure through my body. I let out a soft moan, my hands gripping his shoulders tighter.

"You're so beautiful, Scarlett," he whispers, his warm breath tickling my skin. "So strong and yet so delicate." His hands travel down my body, tracing the curves of my waist before resting on my thighs.

I shiver at his touch, my skin sensitive to his every caress. "Viktor, please..." I whisper, my voice hoarse with desire. I want him and need him in ways I can't fully explain.

He smiles against my skin, his eyes dark with desire. "I want you too, my love. But I want to take my time and savor every moment." With that, he stands up, his tall frame towering over me. He held out his hand, inviting me to join him.

I take his hand, feeling a surge of anticipation as I rise to my feet. Viktor's eyes roam over my body, taking in my slender form clad in a simple silk gown. I feel exposed under his intense gaze, but it only fuels my desire.

"You're incredible, do you know that?" he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "I've never met anyone like you, Scarlett. You're strong, independent, and yet so full of love and passion."

My heart swells at his words, and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "You see me for who I am, Viktor. That means everything to me."

He leans in, capturing my lips in another searing kiss. This time, there is no holding back. Our tongues duel, our mouths hungry for more. I can taste him and feel his desire, and it only intensifies my own.

Viktor's hands roam freely, exploring my body with a gentle urgency. He unties the straps of my gown, letting it slide off my shoulders, baring my breasts. I feel a rush of vulnerability from having carried our children, but his appreciative gaze makes me feel beautiful and desired.

"You're stunning, Scarlett," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "Absolutely breathtaking."

His fingers trace the curves of my breasts, his thumbs brushing over my nipples, causing them to harden. I arch into his touch, craving more. Viktor's mouth left mine, trailing kisses down my neck, across my collarbone, until he gets to my breasts.

He takes one nipple into his warm mouth, sucking gently at first, then with increasing pressure. I moan, my head falling back as pleasure course through me. His hand cups my other breast, his thumb, and forefinger gently pinching the nipple, sending sparks of delight through my body.

"You like that, don't you, my love?" he whispered, his breath hot against my sensitive skin. I can only nod, my body trembling with desire.

Viktor's hands move lower. His touch is like fire, igniting a trail of desire wherever he went. He kisses and nips at my neck, his hands exploring my waist, hips, and thighs, making me squirm with anticipation.

"You're so responsive," his lips brush my ear. "I love how you feel and react to my touch."

His words send a rush of heat to my core, and I feel my body respond, my skin flushing, my breath coming in short gasps. Viktor's eyes darkens further as he took in my naked form, his desire evident.

With his eyes never leaving mine, he begins to undress slowly. I watch, captivated, as he reveals his chiseled body, every muscle defined and sculpted. His movements are deliberate, as he does a slow striptease just for me.

When he’s completely naked, I can't help but reach out, my fingers tracing the lines of his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin. Viktor's breath hitch as I explore his body. My touch is tentative yet eager.

"You're incredible, too, sculpted to perfection," I say in a soft, trembling voice. "I want to touch you, feel every part of you."

He takes my hand and guides it to his throbbing erection, letting me feel the hard length of him. I wrap my fingers around him, marveling at the heat and hardness. Viktor groans, his eyes closing momentarily as he savors the sensation.

"You're so beautiful, so perfect," he says, his voice strained. "I want to make you feel as good as you make me feel."

He lifts me onto the bed, his strong arms cradling me. I lay back, my body tingling with anticipation, as he positions himself between my thighs. Viktor's eyes hold mine, a silent question in their depths.

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, Viktor. Please..."

He smiles, a mix of tenderness and raw desire, and slowly enters me, filling me with his warmth. I gasp with pleasure as he begins to move, his thrusts slow and deliberate, each one sending waves of pleasure through my body.

Viktor's eyes never leave mine as he fucks me senseless, his expression full of adoration. He moves with deliberate purpose, his body a perfect complement to mine, each thrust hitting the sweet spot within me. I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him.

"You feel so good, Scarlett," he groans, his voice thick with passion. "So tight, so wet..."

I moan in response, my body moving in rhythm with his, our pleasure building with each stroke. Viktor's hands grip my hips, guiding our movements, his body slick with sweat as he works to bring me to the edge.

"Come for me, my love," he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. "Let go and feel it all."

His words are like a trigger, and I feel my body tense, pleasure coiling within me. Viktor's thrusts become more urgent, and his own desire is evident in his harsh breaths and clenched jaw.

I cry out as the climax hits, my body shaking with the force of it. Viktor follows soon after, his body tensing as he fills me with his release, his deep groan filling the room.

We lay entangled, our hearts racing, our bodies glistening with sweat. Viktor's weight is comforting. His arms wrap tightly around me, holding me close.

"That was..." I began, searching for words to describe the intensity of what we'd just shared.

"Incredible," he finished for me, his voice soft. "You're incredible, Scarlett. And I'm so lucky to have you."

I smile with a heart full of love and nestle closer, content to simply be in his arms, our bodies still intertwined, as we bask in the aftermath of our passionate lovemaking. I shudder as he brushes my hair away from my face, his gaze roaming over me like a predator admiring his most treasured possession.

“You’re mine, Scarlett,” he whispers against my lips. “And I will spend every damn day making sure you never forget it.”

My body melts into him as his hands map every inch of me, reminding me in ways only he can of the depth of his love, of his need. The connection between us is raw, unbreakable, forged in both fire and tenderness.

Later, as we lay entangled in each other’s warmth, I trace idle patterns over Viktor’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. My own heart swells with gratitude.

“I love this life we’ve built,” I murmur against his skin.

Viktor’s arm tightens around me. “We built it together,” he reminds me. “It wasn’t given to us. We fought for this.”

I nod, understanding the weight of his words. We have fought—through pain, kidnap, betrayal, and loss—but we made it.

And we’re still here.

Viktor tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You’ve given me something I never thought I’d have, Scarlett.” His fingers brush over my ring finger, his wedding band a solid reminder of the promises we made. “A family. A reason to want more.”

Tears sting my eyes. “You gave me the same.”

He kisses me softly, his lips a silent vow of everything we have yet to share.