Page 75 of Vows in Violence

Suddenly, I can breathe again. Waylon’s hands fall away from my throat, his grip slackening. I watch as the light fades from his eyes, and he goes limp beneath me.

I collapse onto the floor beside him, gasping for air. Vivi kneels beside me, wrapping her arms around me in a fierce hug. Her breath shudders out, a gasping sob that she tries to contain. I put a hand against her hair, holding her close, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.

“It’s okay,” I mutter. “You’re okay.”

We sit there, the world outside the door a chaotic symphony of gunfire and shouts, but in this moment, in this room, we are alone. I can feel her trembling, but she’s safe. For now, we’re safe.

Chapter 29

Vivi

It’s been six weeks,and life is slowly settling into a semblance of normal.

The rest of the battle was hard-won, but win, we did. Azrael did not immediately stand down after Ivan killed Waylon Vigneault. Most of his men fought until the end, which came quickly for some and slowly for others.

By some miracle, all of us survived. Luca and Carina, Evie and Cassidy, Enzo and Rowan, Lulu and Damon…they’re all still here, a little bruised, a little bloody…but breathing. Giorgia, sleeping in her nursery up the stairs, was never touched.

I can’t ask for more.

According to Ivan, though, our numbers have been greatly diminished. In order to bring down Azrael and free ourselvesfrom the threat of the Commission, the Five Families lost some of their power.

A temporary situation. We just need to rebuild. Find new soldiers, new loyalties.

All of these thoughts pass through my mind in a matter of moments as I stand in the bedroom of our repaired Romanov mansion, a stack of paint samples in hand. Well, repair-in-progress. I would never tell Ivan, but I kind of like the fact that I get to re-do everything. I added more color to his previously dark and somber master bedroom.

Some little accents of pink and flowers—a pile of throw pillows for the bed and the set of reading chairs by the window.

Ivan didn’t say anything when he saw it, but his lips quirked in that sexy blend of humor and irritation before he began shoving the pillows onto the floor.

Since all the fires were started on the main floor, a lot more work needed to be done there than upstairs. It’s all expected to be finished in a few months.

Right on time. I run my hand over the slight curve of my stomach. I flip through the paint samples, trying to choose one for the nursery. I’m going to be plump for Cassidy and Evie’s wedding.

A step sounds on the floor, and I glance up to see Ivan entering the room, looking worn. Wordlessly, he goes into theen suitebathroom. The sound of the shower starts, and I listen to the water falling for several minutes before I can’t keep myself away anymore.

I want him. Always, with a hunger that surprises me.

Ivan looks up from where his head is bent beneath the spray of water when I open the glass door of the shower; his arms braced on the wall before him. His gaze roves over me, hungry and assessing.

“You’ve just taken a shower, pet. Your hair is still wet.”

I allow mischief to peek through in my smile as I pick up the bottle of soap and pump some into my palm. “I’m not here to get clean, husband. I’m here to get dirty.”

Ivan laughs and turns to face me, and I let my soapy palms slick over his skin. He returns the favor, his touch ravenous and slightly bruising, as always.

“You must have had a long night.” My breath hitches as his hand dives between my legs.

“No longer than usual,” he responds, dipping his head to kiss me.

There’s no more talk after that. Just the heat of the water and our bodies, Ivan’s strength as he lifts me and braces me against the cool tile, Ivan’s body as he thrusts into mine…

Ivan. Ivan. Ivan.

My eyes close, and I surrender myself to this man.

“I love you.” The words are a gasp as he slams into me, more powerfully than before, more intently.

“And I you, pet.”

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