Page 98 of Bratva King's Secret Twins

“Marry me, Kotik,” he murmurs again, his lips brushing against mine. “I’m not letting you go. Not now, not ever.”

I should feel suffocated, I should push him away, tell him we need to talk, to slow down. But all I feel is the deep pull in my chest, the part of me that’s always been his, whether I wanted to admit it or not. I’ve fought him for so long, but standing here, in the middle of this secluded clearing where he buries his grief, I realize that fighting him is fighting myself.

I bite my lip, my heart pounding in my chest. “Okay,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the soft rustle of leaves. “Yes.”

His smile is pure satisfaction, his wicked gleam returning as his lips crash into mine again, claiming me in a way that sends heat surging through my entire body. He grips me tighter, pressing me closer until it feels like we’re one person. My back hits the rough bark of a nearby tree, and I gasp, but the sensation only fuels the fire building between us.

“Say it again,” he demands, his lips brushing against my neck. “Tell me you’re mine.”

I tilt my head back, giving him more access as his teeth graze my skin. “I’m yours, Nik,” I breathe, the words slipping out like a confession. “Always yours.”

His hands slide under my shirt, his touch searing against my skin, and I arch into him, craving more. There’s a frantic urgency between us, as if we’re making up for every second we’ve been apart. His mouth finds mine again, and I moan against his lips, the sound swallowed by the kiss.

“Nik,” I manage between kisses, my voice trembling, “I love you.”

He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, his expression softening for a moment. “I love you too, Kotik. There isn’t a single atom in me that is not obsessed with you.”

My lips are back on his in a heartbeat, and for the first time in my life, I feel like even if I could run, I wouldn’t want to because this is the man I love. The man I’ve always loved.

And now, he’s mine.

EPILOGUE

NIKOLAI

One Year Later

“One more time.” Mia smiles as I close theLittle Red Riding Hoodbook.

“No,” Gio snaps from across the room, flashlight in hand as he reads a six grade level mystery book series he is obsessed with. “Dad has read that bad book three times.”

Mia sticks out her tongue. “Fourth time’s the charm!”

“No, it's the third time's the charm,” Gio grumbles.

I place the book down on her nightstand and hold both of my hands out to stop the bickering. “Okay, grumpy pants, flashlight out. Princess, you and Daddy have to go to sleep so how about I check extra long for monsters?”

“Monsters?” Mia whispers, pulling her blanket closer to her chest. “You think there are monsters tonight?”

I chuckle softly, ruffling her messy curls. “There are never anymonsters when Daddy’s around, sweetheart. But I’ll check anyway, just to be sure.”

Mia nods, her little face serious as she watches me get down on one knee beside her bed. I make a show of peeking under the bed, shining a small flashlight into the corners, lingering extra long just to ease her worries.

“Nope, no monsters here,” I announce, sitting back up and giving her a reassuring smile. “Just dust bunnies.”

Mia giggles, her fears melting away as she reaches out to hug me. I kiss the top of her head, inhaling the familiar scent of her strawberry shampoo, and tuck her back in. “Alright, princess, time for sleep.”

“Love you, Daddy,” she whispers, closing her eyes as she snuggles into her pillow.

“Love you more, Mia,” I say softly, brushing a stray curl from her face before standing.

I turn to Gio, who’s still hunched over his mystery book, the flashlight casting shadows across his face. “Alright, kid, flashlight out. You need to get some sleep too.”

“But Dad,” Gio protests, not even looking up from his book, “I’m right in the middle of a big clue! It’s the most important part!”

I shake my head, amused. “The clue will still be there tomorrow, Gio. And besides, you’ll need your rest for our trip to Thailand.”

That gets his attention. His head snaps up, eyes wide with excitement. “Thailand? For real?”

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