Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Charlotte pulls the door shut with a wink while Andrea brings me a needle and thread.
Taking the button from Rodian, I smile from ear to ear, loving the surprise.
As I begin to sew it back on, he says, “In this room, you stole my heart, and for the past thirty years you’ve cherished it. Being loved by you is the most extraordinary experience of my life. Because you chose me, I got to create three masterpieces with you. Half of me and half of you.”
“Dammit,” I sob as the tears begin to roll down my cheeks, and I’m unable to get the button on. In the midst of menopause, the tears come way too easily.
Rodian steps closer, his expression tender as he looks at me. “You were my first love, and you will be my last.”
Passing the button and needle back to Andrea, I throw my arms around Rodian’s neck and lift myself onto my tiptoes so I can kiss that poetic mouth of his.
Like always, he lifts my feet off the floor as he holds me tightly, his mouth claiming mine with the passion that’s never lessened but instead grown throughout our lives.
Ruslan clears his throat.
“Not what I wanted to see today, guys,” Andrea mutters, while Isobel whisper-hisses, “Shush. It’s romantic.”
Chuckling, I pull back, and staring deep into the ice-blue eyes that have only melted for me, I say, “After all these years, you are still my white knight, even if you’re the villain to others. You’ve given me a beautiful life filled with so much love it sometimes feels like a dream.” My chin quivers as I whisper, “Yes, that’s what you are. My dream come true.”
“Aww…” Isobel sniffles. “I swear, if I don’t get someone who makes me feel the way Pap makes Mam feel, I won’t get married.”
“We have a surprise for you,” Ruslan says as he goes to open the door.
“Ooooh, you know I love surprises,” I reply, but before I can follow my son, Rodian hooks an arm around me, tips me backward, and proceeds to kiss the living daylights out of me.
By the time he lifts his head, I’m breathless and swooning hard for my man, wishing we were alone.
With a hungry expression, he grumbles, “Now you can get your surprise.”
We link our fingers, and I lean into his side as we leave the workshop. My cheeks begin to hurt from all the smiling, and when we step out of the theater, I gasp for a second time as I lay eyes on a white van. The side door is open, and I can see colorful fabrics and boxes of Lindt chocolate inside it.
“I can’t believe you remembered after all this time!”
“I remember every single thing, moya krasavitsa,” Rodian says, pressing a kiss to the side of my head before leading me to the van. “I’m kidnapping you for the honeymoon we never got to go on.”
My gaze flies to his. “But what about work?”
“Ruslan will manage everything in my stead.”
I look at our son, wondering if he’s ready to lead the Bratva.
“Andrei and Sergei will be there to help. No worrying.” Rodian bends, and placing his arms beneath my back and knees, he lifts me into the air and carries me bridal-style to the van. “You’re all mine for the next three months.”
“Dear Lord. Three months?!” Laughter bubbles from me as my husband kidnaps me while our children clap and cheer.
“Have fun, you guys!” Andrea calls out.
“Bye!” Isobel says, “Bring me lots of souvenirs.”
“Check in with me at least every three days,” Ruslan orders, his voice carrying the no-nonsense tone he inherited from his father.
Instead of getting into the front, Rodian sets me down on a bench between the fabrics and chocolates.
“Who’s driving?” I ask when he gets in and pulls the door shut.
“Kasey and Andrian. I’d love for it to be just the two of us, but we still need guards, and while Sergei and Andrei watch over our kids and the business, their sons will be our protection so I can give all my attention to you.”
Rodian sits down beside me and instantly pulls me closer.
“Where are we going?” I ask as I place my hand on his chest.
“A road trip to Ireland, and from there we’re flying to Norway, then Venice, then Singapore. I call it the Anastasia’s-favorites-tour.”
“You are amazing. I love you so much.”
“Show me how much,” he demands before I’m hauled onto his lap, and he crushes his mouth to mine.