“It’s a surprise. Just wear something nice.”

As she hurries to get ready, I make a few quick phone calls. Within minutes, everything is arranged. I change into a crisp suit and wait for Felicity in the living room.

She emerges wearing a stunning red dress that perfectly hugs her curves. Her hair is styled in soft waves around her face, and her makeup is subtle but enhancing. She takes my breath away.

“You look beautiful,” I say in a choked tone, offering her my arm.

We take the elevator down to the garage, where the sleek black car awaits us. Viktor is at the door, nodding as we slide into the back seat. He closes the door before getting behind the wheel.

“Where are we going?” asks Felicity again as we drive through the city.

I smirk. “Patience, my love.You’ll see soon enough.”

We pull up to a private airfield, where my jet is waiting. Felicity’s eyes widen. “Kiril, what’s going on?”

I lead her onto the plane, where the interior has been transformed. Rose petals are scattered across the floor, and candles flicker on every surface. A table for two is set up, complete with champagne on ice.

“I wanted to do something special,” I say as we sit down. “To celebrate our love.”

She blinks back tears. “This is amazing, but isn’t it a bit much for just dinner?”

I chuckle. “Who said anything about just dinner?”

The plane takes off smoothly, and we enjoy a gourmet meal as we fly over the city. Felicity gasps as she looks out the window, taking in the twinkling lights below.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you,” I say, raising my glass in a toast.

After dinner, I take her hand and lead her to the back of the plane, where a door separates us from the main cabin. I open it to reveal a luxurious bedroom, complete with a king-sized bed covered in rose petals.

She gasps with surprise. “Kiril, is this...”

I nod. “Our mile-high honeymoon suite.”

She laughs, the sound music to my ears. “You’re incorrigible.”

I pull her close, my hands resting on her hips. “Only for you.”

Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, and I savor the taste of her, and the feel of her body against mine. As we undress each other, I take my time, worshiping every inch of her skin with my lips and hands.

We make love slowly, savoring each touch and kiss. It’s different from our usual encounters, being more tender and emotional. When we finally reach our peak together, I hold her close, never wanting to let go.

Afterward, we lie tangled in the sheets, and her head rests on my chest. I stroke her hair absently, marveling at how much my life has changed since she entered it.

“Kiril?” Felicity’s voice is soft, almost hesitant.

“Yes, darling?”

She props herself up on an elbow to look at me. “I know our marriage started as an arrangement, but I’m glad it becamemore. I never expected to fall in love with you, but I have. Completely and utterly.”

I pull her down for a kiss, pouring all my emotions into it. When we part, I say, “I never expected this either, but you’ve changed me, Felicity. You’ve made me want to be a better man.”

She smiles, tracing patterns on my chest. “You’re already a good man, Kiril. You just needed someone to see beneath your toughpakhanexterior.”

“Nyet. I’m not good, but I’ll be good to you and everyone we care about.”

Her eyes shine. “That’s all I ask.”