Page 74 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

He sucked in a deep breath and continued, “I love you, Grace. If you let me, I will protect you for as long as I physically can. No matter what happens, I want you to be safe and happy. I want you to know that I’m always doing everything I can to ensure you are taken care of. I was willing to search every place from here to New York for you, and now that you’re here with me, I won’t let anything else happen to you.”

Sniffling through the sheer tenderness I felt consumed by at that moment, I stepped closer and put a gentle hand against his jaw.

I took in his pure beauty, beyond appreciative for the chance to be with him again. To start over and spend my life with him.

“I love you too, Yaro,” I managed, feeling a shiver run through me at the feeling of his arm snaking around my waist to pull me in. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”

His kind smile warmed me all over as Yaro pulled me into him and pressed his lips to mine.

Everything that had been wrong was corrected, and at last, I felt at ease. With the chance to breathe again, I soaked in how perfectly his lips melded with mine.

We both sighed into that touch, full of undeniable relief.

When he pulled away and caressed my cheek as he looked down at me lovingly, that resolve filled his features.

“Let’s go home.”

Chapter 27 - Grace

My skin was practically glowing from being under the warm sun all day, soaking in the crystal-clear water and reading on the beach as I pleased.

Showering by the end of the day in the luxurious suite and getting ready for dinner was the bow on top of it all as I looked at myself in the mirror, noticing how relaxed I looked. With my hair down and curled loosely, paired with subtle makeup and a black dress that Yaro loved, I left the bathroom feeling confident.

Dressed eloquently in his silk shirt, loosely tucked into his trousers, he perked up the moment I stepped out. He did a once-over of me, letting an appeased smile settle on his lips.

“Ready?”

Smiling at his positive reaction, I nodded and took his arm.

We left the private suite and took the boardwalk hand-in-hand over to the extravagant restaurant bordering the ocean, beautifully lit up by candles and soft lights that danced across the water’s surface.

We had been there for a few days already after finally deciding to go on a real honeymoon once everything was said and done. Since New York was cold with winter approaching, we opted for a warm, sunny location with the most beautiful water I had ever seen.

It was the most luxurious trip I had ever been on, and I was beyond grateful for the opportunity to spend it with Yaro.

We were seated in the perfect spot that overlooked the ocean and immediately served local delicacies and whatever beverage we desired. While it wasn’t the most exciting, I went for water after being outside all day.

“How does it feel to have your first online term done with?” Yaro asked, throwing back the last of his whiskey.

“Relieving,” I answered, feeling that pure tranquility blanketing me from the vacation. “I can’t wait to start the next one, but the break is appreciated.”

“Of course, you’ve been working hard the last few months. You deserve it.”

Smiling at him, I couldn’t help but think he was the most handsome man. I didn’t know how I got so lucky.

“After everything that happened this year, I think we both deserve it.”

“I won’t deny that,” he murmured with a chuckle.

The dinner was exactly what we needed, and when it came time for dessert, Yaro asked if I wanted anything to drink before we left. I felt myself nearly slip there.

“No, that’s okay. I’m feeling pretty tired,” I managed to say, keeping my expression neutral with the hope of not giving my secret away.

While he looked at me a moment longer, seemingly surprised, he didn’t push. Instead, he nodded and folded the menu back up. “We can go back soon if you’d rather watch a movie before bed.”

“I’d love that.”

Once we wrapped everything up and went back to our suite, I was brimming with excitement and anxiety, hoping for only the best outcome. Looking down at the small box I had stashed away in the wardrobe, I let go of a deep breath.

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