Page 51 of Between Power and Passion

“I love you,” I say to Dmitri.

He tightens his hold on us both and presses another kiss to my lips. “I love you so much more,” he replies softly.

The world outside may be dangerous and uncertain, but here in this room—with Daniil in my arms and Dmitri by my side—I feel nothing but peace and joy.

For now, that's all that matters.

Epilogue – Dmitri

I sit in my office, the dim light casting long shadows on the walls. My fingers trace the edge of a small velvet box on my desk. Inside, a ring glistens—a symbol of everything I’ve fought for, everything I’ve bled for. My heart feels full, an unfamiliar but welcome sensation. Valentina, with her strength and beauty, has brought light into my otherwise dark world, and now, our son, Daniil—our future.

Alexei strolls in, his usual swagger in every step. He notices the box immediately and raises an eyebrow.

"What’s that? You finally getting into jewelry?" he quips, a smirk playing on his lips.

I open the box and show him the ring. "For Valentina," I say simply.

Alexei whistles low and appreciative. "Nice rock," he says, leaning closer to inspect it. "So when’s the big day? Or are you planning to keep this in your desk drawer forever?"

I sigh and lean back in my chair. "I'm not sure," I admit. "Every time I think about it, something else comes up."

Alexei shakes his head, still grinning. "Man, you’ve been saying that since Daniil was born! Kid's gonna be walking soon, and you’re still dragging your feet."

I chuckle despite myself. "Yeah, maybe you're right."

"Of course I’m right," Alexei says, crossing his arms and leaning against my desk. "Look, I get it. Life’s been a whirlwind—revenge missions, baby drama, Sergei running like a coward—but don’t let it stop you from living."

I glance at the ring again. It’s perfect for her—a simple band with a solitaire diamond that catches the light just right. Valentina deserves this; she deserves everything.

Alexei claps me on the shoulder. "Don’t overthink it," he says more softly now. "You love her, she loves you—hell, you’ve already got a kid together! Just do it."

His words hit home, and I feel the weight of all my excuses crumble away. "Yeah," I say slowly. "You’re right."

Alexei grins again, broader this time. "Damn straight I am! Now go out there and make it official before Daniil starts asking why mommy doesn’t have a shiny ring like all the other mommies."

We share a laugh, but his words stay with me. This is more than just a piece of jewelry; it's a promise to Valentina and Daniil that we are family—that we’ll stand together no matter what comes our way.

"Thanks," I say quietly.

Alexei shrugs it off with a playful punch to my arm. "Just make sure I'm your best man," he jokes.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," I reply.

I sit back in my chair, still holding the ring box, when my phone buzzes. The screen lights up with a name that sends a jolt through me: Yuri, my informant. I swipe to answer, bringing the phone to my ear.

"Talk to me," I say, my voice low and controlled.

"Dmitri," Yuri's voice crackles through the line, "I've found him. Sergei's holed up in Montenegro. He's staying at a private villa near the coast. Tight security, but nothing we can't handle."

My heart pounds in my chest, but I keep my tone even. "Details?" I grab a notepad and pen from my desk drawer, flipping to a clean page. "Go ahead, Yuri."

"Address is 12 Coastal Drive, just outside of Kotor," Yuri begins. "The villa's got two main entrances: one at the front, heavily guarded, and a side entrance used mostly by staff. There are twelve guards in total—six during the day, six at night. Day shift starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m."

I scribble furiously, making sure not to miss a single piece of information. "Got it," I reply. "What about their patrol patterns?"

"Day shift has three guards on constant patrol around the perimeter," Yuri continues. "The other three are stationed inside—one in the control room monitoring cameras, one near Sergei’s quarters, and the last one roams between the common areas."

I note it all down, my mind already working through possible infiltration points. "And the night shift?"

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