Page 137 of Sinful Lies

I textDanil asking for an update on Zara and the babies as I head back to the penthouse to change.

I don’t want Zara to see the blood on my hands, not after all she’s been through in the last twenty-four hours.

He sends me a picture back of him and Zara sharing a plate of pancakes.

My shoulders shake with silent laughter as I take in the goofy grin on Danil’s face compared to the scowl on Zara’s as she tries to steal his fork.

I’ve never felt more grateful for my brothers than I have in the last few hours.

They were willing to help me save the woman I love without a second thought to the consequences. Knowing that they have Zara’s back means everything.

I race back to the hospital after showering and changing into a clean shirt and pants, no longer smelling of blood or sweat.

“Thanks,brat.” I slap my hand against Danil’s as he meets me at the door to Zara’s room.

“She’s a good one.” Danil flashes me a grin. “Don’t fuck it up.”

I huff a laugh, but as I glance over his shoulder and lock eyes with Zara, my heart swells in my chest.

“She’s the best.”

Danil slaps me on the shoulder before leaving me alone with my wife.

I take a moment to stare at her in the bed, relief washing over me at the color that stains her cheeks.

She’s alive.

“You missed out on some good pancakes.” A smile tugs at her lips.

“I’m sure I can bribe a nurse to bring us some more.” I chuckle as I cross the room and climb onto the bed beside her.

She immediately snuggles into my side and lets out a contented sigh.

“He’s gone, isn’t he?” Zara mumbles into my chest.

“You never have to worry about Giovanni ever again. You’re safe, Zara.”

“Really?” She glances up at me with wide eyes.

“Really. He’s gone for good.”

She covers her mouth with her hand to try and muffle the sob that escapes her.

I wrap my arms around her and pull her against me as her body is overcome with emotion, rubbing my hand up and down her back. “We’re going to be okay.”

“I thought I was going to lose you and the babies. I was so scared…” Her voice cracks.

“Shh. I’m not going anywhere. Here, I’ll prove it to you.”

I climb off the bed, reaching for her left hand, the diamond engagement ring sparkling under the fluorescent lights.

“What are you doing?” Her eyes go wide as I slide the ring off her finger.

I try to hide my smile as I sink down onto one knee beside her bed and hold the ring out in front of me.

“Zara Koslov. You are the love of my life. Every single vow I made on our wedding day was from the bottom of my heart, and even though it was supposed to be fake, I meant every word I said. I wouldn’t change a thing from that day. Except maybe not waking up with you in my arms.” I wink at her to let her know I am not mad or sad at her. “So,sladkaya zhizn’, my sweet life, will you stay married to me, but for all the right reasons this time? Or will you marry me again, if you hated our first wedding? As long as I can call you wife and I’m yours, I’m good either way.”

Zara laughs, shaking her head as she looks at me with her eyes shiny and wide. “Dimitri, I love being your wife, so my answer is yes!”

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