Page 24 of The Virgin and the Mob Boss

“What did you tell him?” I hear my husband respond.

“Hold on, Daddy. Are you sure the bow is straight?”

“Do you want me to redo it?” he asks while I stand outside his office, listening to them.

“It just needs to be straight.”

“It’s straight,” he reassures her.

“Okay, Daddy. I trust you.”

I fight not to laugh because I don’t want them to know I’m out here yet. I bet no one would have thought that Vitaly, one of the most feared men in the city, would be tying bows into anyone's hair. Not only that, but then questioned if he’s done it correctly.

“Now what did you tell him?” Vitaly asks our daughter, and I don’t miss the edge in my husband’s tone.

“That it didn’t matter if I was a girl or not. I was born first, and I’m a Parlov.”

“That you are, baby girl.”

“And if I want to take over one day, I. Will.” She punctuates the last two words. “Unless I decide to become a veterinarian.”

“Of course,” her father agrees. “You can do anything you want.”

“I know, Daddy."

Gah, I love her confidence. And I love how my husband is a huge part of that. My father spent his life tearing me down so that I knew my place. Vitaly has worked hard to change that pattern, and I see it every day.

“You wouldn't be upset if I wanted to be an animal doctor, would you?”

“Never. I’m sure your brothers would be able to handle things.”

“Maybe.” She huffs a breath. “I’m sure over time we could get them where they need to be.”

“I’m sure we could.” Vitaly tries to hide his chuckle.

“What are you two up to?” I ask, making myself known.

“Oh, Mommy.” Serena jumps down from Vitaly's desk. “You look so pretty.”

She runs over to me, and I kneel down so that I can give her a kiss. “Thank you. I love your bow.” She’s made it clear to all of us that she has to wear one every day, and they must match her outfit.

“Daddy put it on for me.” She looks me up and down again. “Are you going out?”

"Yes, I’ve got a date night with Daddy. He’s taking me out." On this day every year, we return to the restaurant where I'd asked Vitaly to marry me.

I don't know how I lived a life without him before. Since the day we met, he’s been an integral part of every aspect of my life. I can't fathom a world without him.

"I'll hold the fort down," she tells us, and I laugh.

"I'm sure you will."

Francis will be here to help watch over everything. It took me a bit to warm up to him. He did drug me, after all, but it was under the guidance of loyalty to Vitaly. Francis would do anything Vitaly asked him, and I know that loyalty now extends to me and our little family. Well, it’s not so little anymore. We have three kids, but more are on the way.

"How are you feeling?" Vitaly helps me stand up before he rests his hand on my baby bump.

"I'm good." I tilt my head back so he can drop a kiss on my mouth.

"You sure?" Vitaly wants to be sure, but he’s been known to worry too much over me when I’m pregnant. Which feels like most of the time.

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