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I pace the length of my study, fingers drumming against my thigh as I contemplate the perfect surprise for Natalia's birthday. It’s just around the corner and I want to make it special.

My eyes flick to the safe behind my desk. Inside lies a deed that I hope brings the brightest smile to her face.

Yet, it doesn’t feel enough. It can never be enough.

I want to wrap her in silk and diamonds, to whisk her away to Istanbul, to buy her a boat and a ranch and a horse if she wants a goddamn horse. I want to keep her safe, strong, and alive. Most of all, the urge to keep her close, to protect her from anyone who might harm her, thrums through my veins like a constant undercurrent.

A knock at the door interrupts my musings. Before I can respond, it bursts open, and Natalia bounces in, all golden curls and mischievous energy.

"Denis!" she exclaims, her chocolate eyes sparkling. "I hope you're not busy because I'm kidnapping you for the day."

I raise an eyebrow, amused despite myself. "Oh? And what makes you think I'll go along with this plan when it’s your special day and I’m the one intent on spoiling you today?"

She grins, undeterred. "Because it's my birthday, and you’ve already done so much for me. I got the flowers and the necklace,” she gives me a soft smile. “Thank you. Oh,” and she claps her hands. “This dress!” She twirls, her curvy figure accentuated by the sundress she's wearing.

“It looks lovely on you,” I concede.

"You’ve got good taste. Now, let’s go. It's my turn to surprise you for once."

I can't help the chuckle that escapes me. "Is that so?"

Natalia nods emphatically. "Absolutely. You're always doing things for me. Let me do something for you today."

Her stubbornness is endearing, and I find myself torn between my carefully laid plans and the infectious excitement radiating from her. A larger part of me bristles at the idea of relinquishing control, but the sight of her hopeful expression weakens my resolve.

"Come on," she wheedles, taking my hand. "Don't you trust me? It’ll be fun, I swear."

I gaze down at her, drinking in the warmth of her touch and the light in her eyes. "Of course I trust you," I murmur, meaning it more than she could ever know.

Her answering smile is brighter than the sun, and I know I'm powerless to resist. Whatever she has planned, I'll go along with it just to see her happy. My surprise can wait—for now.

"Alright, Firecracker," I concede with my hands raised in the air. "Lead the way. But if this turns out to be a knitting circle or a book club, I'm staging a mutiny."

Natalia's laughter fills the air, a sound that never fails to warm my heart. "Oh, please. Give me some credit, Denis. I’m reserving that for when we’re old and retired."

That image, of us old together, suddenly makes me feel like my entire life was leading up to this very moment.

***

An hour later, our convoy is pulling into a parking lot, and the thunderous roar of engines fills the air. My eyes widen in surprise as we exit the car and walk forward a little, giving me a spot to take in the scene before us. A racetrack stretches out, sleek cars lined up at the starting line, their engines revving impatiently.

"A car race?" I can't keep the excitement from my voice.

“I know you enjoy these,” she says with a simple shrug, leading us forward through the crowd, right toward the VIP section.

"How did you know?" I ask, still in mild shock.

Natalia's eyes sparkle with mischief as she throws her head over her shoulder to look at me. "You’re not the only one who does a little digging. Now come on, we don't want to miss the start!"

I get lost in my head for a second, a slow warmth spreading through my chest. All this while, I was the one trying to see what she likes, hoping to do all that gives her joy. Never did I expect she’d do the same for me. To know she’s meeting me on the same level is the greatest gift she’s given me. Little does she know.

As we make our way to our prime seats with her small hand clasped in mine, the energy is electric. The air vibrates with sheer adrenaline, the scent of gasoline and rubber mingling with the collective excitement of the spectators.

"I never took you for being up for such a scene," I tease, pulling her close as we settle in to watch.

She shrugs, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Denis Zolotov. I'm full of surprises."

As the cars roar to life and shoot off the starting line, I find myself captivated not by the race, but by the woman beside me.

Natalia's eyes widen as she takes in the sleek machines zipping around the track. Her excitement is bloody infectious.

"Tell me about these cars, Denis," she says, leaning in close to be heard over the roar of engines. "What makes them so special?"

I grin, unable to contain my enthusiasm. "It's all about the engineering. These aren't just cars; they're finely tuned machines built for speed and precision." I point to a red blur streaking past. "See that one? It's got a V8 engine that can generate over 700 horsepower. The aerodynamics are designed to keep it glued to the track at insane speeds."

Natalia listens intently, her brow furrowed in concentration. "It's like a whole different world," she muses, her eyes following the cars. "I knew you liked cars, but had no idea you knew so much about them."

I chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "There's a lot you don't know about me, too, Sweetheart."

As we watch, an idea forms in my mind. "Want to make this more interesting?" I ask, a mischievous glint in my eye.

Natalia cocks her head, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"How about a little wager?" I suggest, nodding toward the track. "Pick a car, any car. If it wins, I'll grant you any wish your heart desires."

“Anything?” she tilts her head.

“Anything,” I nod. “But,” I pretend to look worried. “Don’t go asking for the moon now.”

She laughs and pats by arm playfully. “I was thinking more along the lines of a vacation to Italy.”

“You’re on,” I laugh. “And if you lose?”

“Then you pick a vacation spot,” she says rapidly, without skipping a beat.

“Hawaii,” I say, without skipping a beat.

A slow grin spreads across her face, and I see that familiar spark of mischief in her eyes. "Alright, you're on," she says, scanning the track. "I choose… that one. The blue one with the silver stripes."

I can't help but smile at her choice. "Good eye," I murmur, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I’m going with the red. Now, let's see if lady luck is on your side today."

The engines roar to life for the last round, vibrating through my chest. Natalia's eyes widen, her body tensing against mine. The flag drops. They're off.

"Go, go, go!" Natalia shouts, bouncing on her toes. Her excitement is contagious.

The blue car surges forward, weaving through the pack. Third place. Second.

"Come on, blue!" She's gripping my arm now, nails digging in.

A sharp turn. The lead car skids and my red loses two ranks. Blue seizes the moment, darting past.

"Yes!" Natalia's shriek pierces the air. "Did you see that, Denis?"

I nod, mesmerized by her joy. "I see it, Sweetheart."

The final lap. Blue's in front, but barely. Natalia's practically vibrating.

"Please, please, please," she chants, eyes locked on her chosen champion.

The checkered flag waves. Blue crosses first.

Natalia explodes into motion, jumping and spinning. "We won! Denis, we won!"

Her laughter rings out, pure and uninhibited. I can't help but join in, her happiness filling me with a warmth I haven't felt in years.

"You're a natural," I tell her, pulling her close. "Maybe I should bring you to all my races for luck."

She grins up at me, eyes sparkling. "Does this mean I get my wish?"

I cup her face, thumb tracing her cheek. "Anything you want. The world is yours."

***

As the crowd's roar begins to subside, I lead Natalia away from the track, finding a quieter spot near the paddocks. Her cheeks are still flushed with excitement, her curvy frame practically vibrating with leftover adrenaline.

"Well, well," I tease, pulling her close. "Who knew my innocent little wife had such a taste for gambling?"

Natalia's chocolate brown eyes sparkle with mischief. "Are you calling me a bad girl, Mr. Zolotov?"

I can't help but chuckle, my fingers tracing the curve of her waist. "Maybe. What would you do if I was?"

She leans in, her warmth intoxicating. "I'd say you're a terrible influence."

"Oh?" I raise an eyebrow, enjoying our banter. "And here I thought I was being a perfect gentleman, indulging your wild side."

Natalia laughs, the sound sending a thrill through me. "Wild side? It was one bet!"

"Ah, but it starts with one," I warn playfully. "Next thing you know, you'll be running your own underground casino."

She swats my chest but doesn't pull away. "You're ridiculous."

I gaze down at her, marveling at how natural this feels. The easy intimacy, the shared laughter. It's a far cry from our tense beginnings.

As the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the track, I feel a flutter of nervousness in my stomach. It's an unfamiliar sensation, one I'm not entirely comfortable with. But as I look at Natalia, her face glowing in the fading light, I know it's time.

"I have something for you," I say, my voice softer than usual. "A surprise."

Natalia's eyes widen with curiosity. "Another one? Denis, you didn't have to—"

I press a finger to her lips, silencing her protest. "I wanted to. It's… important to me that you have this."

Taking her hand, I lead her toward the car my heart racing in a way that has nothing to do with the day's excitement.

***

The car drops us off 5th Avenue and I guide Natalia through the commercial streets, her small hand warm in mine. The anticipation builds with each step, and I find myself stealing glances at her, drinking in her excitement. We turn a corner, and there it is—a sleek storefront with elegant window displays.

“Surprise,” I whisper in her ear, placing my hands on her shoulders until she’s standing right in front of the store.

"Denis, what is this?" Natalia asks, her brow furrowing in confusion.

I take a deep breath, suddenly feeling exposed. "It's yours," I say softly. "Happy birthday, Natalia."

Her eyes widen, darting between me and the shop. "Mine? But… I don't understand."

"It's a space for a clothing store," I explain, watching her face carefully. "The footfall here is the highest in all of New York. Just think of all the clients you could get from them simply walking in, Nat. And I’ve set up a whole account for you with enough to keep this place running for a year—supplies, salaries, electricity included.”

Natalia's lips part in shock, and I see tears forming in her eyes. "You… you did this for me?"

I nod, reaching out to brush a stray hair from her face. "You deserve it. A talent like yours is meant to be shared"

She takes a tentative step toward the door, then looks back at me. "Can we…?"

"Of course," I say, fishing the keys from my pocket. As I unlock the door, I feel a surge of protectiveness. I'd move mountains for this woman, create empires just to see her smile.

Natalia steps inside, and I watch as wonder spreads across her features as she takes in the size of the place, the ceilings, and the fixtures.

"Denis, this is… it's incredible," she breathes, turning to face me. The look in her eyes makes my chest tighten. "I've never had anyone do something this grand for me before."

I cross the room to her, cupping her face in my hands. "It’s the least I could do," I murmur.

She leans into my touch, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thank you," she whispers. "For seeing me. Really seeing me."

In that moment, as I hold her gaze, I know I've finally found happiness.