Page 22 of Alpha’s Fake Marriage

But afterwards as Carolyn took up Irina’s time and Ratty pulled me aside, a serious expression settled over her features, and I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of concern. The tension hung heavy in the air, and I braced myself for whatever she was about to say.

“Octavio,” she began, her voice low and urgent. “Irina is perfect for you, there’s no denying that. But there’s also a risk. I can’t forget that, however much I enjoy having her around. We all like seeing you this happy, but we have to always be aware that she will always be an issue.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I felt a surge of anxiety knotting in the pit of my stomach. I knew that Ratty wouldn’t say something like that lightly, and her concern only heightened my own apprehension.

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ratty’s gaze softened, a mixture of sympathy and determination shining in her eyes.

“Irina may be everything you’ve ever wanted,” she explained, her tone gentle but firm. “But she’s also Russian royalty. That isn’t going away. Even if the Bratva don’t come for us now, they still might. All the Russians will see her as the perfect mate. One theyallwant to get their hands on.”

“Yeah… you’re right. But I can’t help it. I can’t help that I’ve fallen for the one person I shouldn’t have.”

“I guess that’s how love works. But you do need to be careful.”

A chill ran down my spine at her words, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on my mind. I knew that Ratty was right—Irina’s past was a cause for concern, and the thought of the dangers it could bring sent a shiver of fear coursing through me. I wouldn’t be able to relax with her. Not at all.

But even as my mind raced with uncertainty, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Irina was worth the risk. Her presence had brought a lightness to my life that I hadn’t known before, and the thought of losing her was more terrifying than any threat we might face.

I needed her in my life far more than any Russian did.

“I know,” I replied, my voice tinged with resignation. “But she’s worth it, Ratty. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I’ll face them head on. I won’t let anything happen to her.”

Ratty nodded, her expression softening with understanding.

“I know you will, Octavio,” she said, her voice filled with conviction. “Just be careful, okay? We’re all counting on you.”

As the evening wore on and the chatter around us slowly faded into the background, Irina and I found ourselves lost in a conversation that felt like it held the weight of the world. The warmth of the fire bathed us in its gentle glow, casting flickering shadows across Irina’s face as she spoke.

“Octavio,” she began, her voice soft and tentative. “I never thought I’d say this, but... I’ve actually been thinking about our future.”

Her words hung in the air, and I could sense the vulnerability behind them, the hesitance in her voice betraying the depth of her emotions. It was a rare glimpse into the inner workings of her heart, and I felt a surge of tenderness wash over me as I listened.

“Irina,” I replied, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. “What do you mean?”

She took a deep breath, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of fear and hope.

“I mean... I never thought I’d find someone like you,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “Someone who makes me feel safe, who makes me believe that happiness is possible. I didn’t come here thinking that I would find someone I would come to like as much as I do you. It was supposed to just be a fresh start, with me and Mom keeping everyone at arm’s length. But instead, I’ve found a family here, and a man that I actually want a future with.”

Her words hit me like a revelation, and I felt a lump form in my throat as I realized the significance of what she was saying. Irina had never allowed herself to dream of a future filled with love and happiness, and the fact that she was considering it now spoke volumes about the depth of her feelings for me.

“Irina,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I feel the same way. I’ve never met anyone like you, someone who makes me want to be a better man, who fills my heart with hope and joy. I want us to have a future too.”

As our eyes met, a silent understanding passed between us, a shared recognition of the love that bound us together. In that moment, I knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, we wouldface them together, united in our commitment to build a future filled with love and happiness.

And as we sat there, lost in each other’s embrace, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the woman beside me, for the love that had blossomed between us against all odds. For in the end, it was our shared dreams and aspirations that would guide us forward, leading us toward a future filled with endless possibilities.

As the night grew late and the fire crackled softly beside us, I found myself unable to resist the magnetic pull drawing me toward Irina. With a tender smile, I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers, savoring the sweetness of her kiss as it sent a surge of warmth coursing through me.

Irina’s response was immediate and eager, her arms wrapping around me as she melted into the embrace. It was as if the world around us had faded into the background, leaving only the two of us intertwined in a moment of pure bliss.

With a gentle touch, I guided Irina toward my cabin, the soft glow of the fire light illuminating our path as we crossed the threshold. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation, a silent promise of the passion that awaited us behind closed doors.

As we stepped inside, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through me. This was more than just a physical connection—it was a culmination of the love and longing that had been building between us since the moment we met.

With each step, the distance between us narrowed until we were mere inches apart, our breath mingling in the space between us. And as I gazed into Irina’s eyes, I knew that this was where I was meant to be—here, with her, in this moment of perfect intimacy.

With a gentle caress, I cupped Irina’s face in my hands, savoring the warmth of her skin beneath my touch. And asour lips met in a passionate embrace, I felt a surge of emotion wash over me, the sheer intensity of our connection leaving me breathless with desire.

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