Page 25 of Till Death Saves Me

Ivan's eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a flicker of something beyond his usual cold demeanor. Concern? Relief? Before I can process it, he scoops me up into his arms.

I let out a small gasp of surprise. Despite everything, I can't help but notice how solid and warm he feels. My body seems to melt against his chest, seeking comfort I didn't know I needed.

He carries me to his car, setting me gently in the passenger seat. As he buckles me in, his face is inches from mine. I catch a whiff of his cologne. I let the sandalwood scent envelop me, easing me.

"You're safe now," Ivan says, his voice low and intense.

My brain is still scrambling with the details "How did you get here so fast?"

He buckles me in, running his hands over me again like he just has to make sure I'm fine. "I was on my way home when one of my men tipped me off. There were three of us watching you. He never would have hurt you." But then his voice dips down. "He never should have even fucking touched you, but I will make sure you are always safe. No one will get to you, Virginia. I won't allow it."

The use of my full name, usually an irritation, now feels oddly comforting. I nod, unable to form words. As the adrenaline fades, exhaustion sets in, along with a flood of emotions I can't quite sort out.

I'm grateful, of course. Terrified still, but also... something else. The image of Ivan taking down my attacker with such effortless skill keeps replaying in my mind. It should frighten me, this glimpse of his dangerous world. Instead, I find myself oddly fascinated.

As Ivan starts the car, I steal a glance at him. His jaw is clenched tight, eyes focused on the road. But one of his handsreaches over, resting on my knee. It's meant to be reassuring, I'm sure, but the warmth of his touch sends a jolt through me.

I'm glad it was Ivan who saved me. The thought surprises me as soon as it forms. But it's true. In that moment of terror, seeing his face was like a lifeline. For all our differences, all our fights, I felt safe the instant he appeared.

I can't stop sneaking glances at Ivan as we drive home. His jaw is clenched tight, hands gripping the steering wheel like he wants to strangle it. The tension radiating off him is almost palpable.

My heart's still racing from the attack, but there's something else making it pound now. I can't shake the image of Ivan taking down that guy. It was terrifying, sure, but also... impressive. The way he moved, so quick and precise. Like a predator.

I should be scared of him. He's dangerous, deadly even. I've always known that, intellectually. But seeing it firsthand? It's different. And the craziest part is, I don't feel afraid. Not of him, anyway.

When he showed up, it was like the whole world righted itself. I felt safe the moment I saw him. How messed up is that? The man I've been resenting, arguing with, trying to keep at arm's length... he's the one I wanted most when I was in danger.

I sneak another look at his profile. God, he's handsome when he's all brooding and intense like this. The thought catches me off guard, and I have to stifle a hysterical little laugh. Here I am, ogling my forced husband right after nearly being kidnapped or worse.

But I can't help it. There's something about knowing what he's capable of, seeing that raw power... and knowing it will never be turned against me. He might be cold sometimes, frustrating often, but I realize now that I've never truly feared him. And after today, I don't think I ever will.

I'm supposed to hate this life, this world of violence and danger. But there's a part of me, a part I'm only just discovering, that's drawn to it. Drawn to him.

Oh fuck. I think I'm starting to like my husband.

13

IVAN

Istorm into Nikolai's office, my jaw clenched so tight I can feel a vein pulsing in my temple. Lev's already there, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, his eyes following me as I stride in.

"Someone tried to take Virginia," I spit out, not bothering with pleasantries. "In our territory. In broad fucking daylight."

Nikolai's eyes narrow, his fingers steepling under his chin. "Tell me everything."

I launch into a detailed account, my words clipped and precise. "She was shopping on Fifth Avenue. One of our guys spotted a tail. By the time I got there, the fucker was making his move." My fists clench at the memory. "I neutralized the threat, but it was too close."

"Who?" Nikolai's voice is deceptively calm, but I can see the storm brewing behind his eyes.

"Dmitry took the guy to one of our warehouses," I growl. "I plan to have a long chat with him."

Lev pushes off the wall, his posture tense. "I'll help."

Nikolai nods slowly, his expression darkening with each passing second. The silence in the room is thick, charged with unspoken violence.

"This can't go unanswered," I say, my voice low and dangerous. "They need to understand what happens when they touch what's ours."

Nikolai's eyes meet mine, cold and calculating. After a moment, he gives a single, sharp nod. "Send a message, Ivan. Make it loud."

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