Page 191 of Sinful Games

When he finally returned, pushing the room service cart, he set up a small feast on a nearby table, arranging the dishes with meticulous care. With everything in place, he brought over a bottle of champagne, skipping the glasses entirely.

He uncorked it with a satisfying pop and, with a mischievous grin, sat down next to me.

“To us,” he said, his eyes sparkling.

I smiled, “To us.”

He leaned in for a kiss, his lips brushing mine before he took a gulp of champagne. Then he grabbed my chin, and as I opened my mouth instinctively, he kissed me again, letting the champagne mingle with our kiss.

I swallowed, my hands gripping his face tightly, savoring the closeness and the sweet, effervescent taste of our shared toast.

This moment felt like the culmination of a journey I could hardly have anticipated years ago.

I thought back to the first time I met Alexsei.

Back then, I could never have imagined that the man I had been compelled to seduce would one day become my husband, the father of my child, and my anchor in life.

In the quiet of the night, with my lover by my side and our future ahead, I was grateful that life’s unexpected twists often bring the deepest joys.

Epilogue

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth.”

?William W. Purkey

Caia

I adjusted the flowers and took a step back, trying to hold myself together.

In all these years, I’ve only visited my son’s grave two times. Each time, I’d bring flowers, sit on the cold ground, and spill my heart out to him for hours. I’d stay the whole day, telling him everything—every thought, every memory, every fear and doubt, every smile and tear. And when there was nothing left to say, I’d kiss his stone, get up,and walk away.

Some people say visiting helps with grief, like it somehow makes things easier. But for me, it used to be the opposite. I didn’t need to stand in front of a cold, hard stone with his name on it to feel close to him. He’s with me. Every moment. Every single second. I carry him with me, always.

But as my husband often says, everything is different now.

His hands found their way around my waist, pulling me closer until I was pressed against him. "Hello, Lukyan," he whispered.

I reached up, covering his hands with mine, tracing the familiar lines of his fingers.

"Your mama told me what you said to her, and I just wanted you to know something, buddy. I love you too. So,somuch."

A soft smile spread across my lips, even as the ache in my chest deepened.

Alexsei exhaled against my neck, kissing me gently. "We wanted to thank you, Lukyan."

A tear slipped from the corner of my eye, trailing down my cheek. "Yes," I whispered. "Thank you for being the best thing that ever happened to us."

"And thank you," Alexsei continued, his voice a rough whisper, "for sending us this second miracle." His hand moved slowly, reverently, over my swollen belly.

I nodded, biting my lip, struggling to hold back the tears. "Who knew miracles could still exist... after everything we went through?"

A year ago, Alexsei and I renewed our vows. But this time, it wasn’t for show—it was real. We made promises from our hearts, not out of duty or obligation.

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