Page 63 of Till Death Saves Me

As the jet begins to taxi, I think back to that fateful day three months ago. The day Ivan came home wounded, the day Ifinally admitted I loved him. Since then, it's been a whirlwind of passion, laughter, and yes, even a few arguments. But through it all, our love has only grown stronger.

The jet takes off, and I watch out the window as New York City shrinks beneath us. I remember how trapped I felt in that mansion when I first arrived, how I longed for escape. Now, as we soar above the clouds, I realize that true freedom isn't about where you are, but who you're with.

Ivan's hand finds mine, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my skin. "What are you thinking about?" he asks, his voice tinged with curiosity.

I turn to him, a smile playing on my lips. "Just how much has changed. How much we've changed."

His eyes darken with intensity. "For the better, I hope?"

"Definitely for the better," I assure him, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips.

As we break apart, I catch sight of Nikolai's parting gift on the table in front of us - a bottle of expensive champagne with a note wishing us well. It's nice to know that in Bratva, we have the blessing of the Pakhan.

Even if he was the one that forced us into this marriage in the first place.

I wake to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore, a warm breeze caressing my skin. As I stretch languidly, I feel Ivan's strong arm tighten around my waist, pulling me closer.

"Good morning," he murmurs, his voice husky with sleep.

I turn in his embrace, marveling at how relaxed he looks. The ever-present tension in his jaw has softened, and his blue-gray eyes sparkle with contentment. It's a far cry from the cold, calculating man I first met.

"Morning," I reply, unable to keep the smile from my face. "What's the plan for today?"

Ivan grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. "How about we start with this?" He leans in, capturing my lips in a deep, passionate kiss that leaves me breathless.

When we finally make it out of our overwater bungalow, Ivan surprises me by suggesting we try snorkeling. I've never seen him so excited — well, excited for Ivan. He's almost smiling — about something so... normal. As we wade into the crystal-clear water, he keeps a protective hand on my lower back, guiding me gently.

Underwater, Ivan transforms. His usual stoic expression gives way to something akin to wonder as we explore the vibrant coral reefs. He points out colorful fish, and when a sea turtle glides past us, he tracks it with a small smile that is nearly obscured by his snorkel but unmistakable.

Back on the beach, Ivan pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me from behind as we watch the sunset. "Thank you," he says softly, his lips brushing my ear.

"For what?" I ask, leaning back into his chest.

"For showing me there's more to life than the Bratva," he replies, his voice thick with emotion. "For giving me a reason to want something different."

I turn in his arms, struck by the vulnerability in his eyes. This is a side of Ivan I've never seen before - open, unguarded, almost vulnerable. It's beautiful and terrifying all at once.

I can't help but giggle as I catch Ivan staring at me for the hundredth time today. His eyes follow me hungrily as I adjust my tiny bikini top, the fabric barely covering what it needs to. I swear, if his gaze got any hotter, I'd burst into flames.

"See something you like?" I tease, sauntering over to where he's lounging on our private deck.

Ivan growls low in his throat, reaching out to pull me onto his lap. "You're going to be the death of me, malyshka," he murmurs, his hands skimming my bare sides.

I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck. "And here I thought you were the dangerous one."

His lips quirk up in that half-smile I've come to adore. "I've created a monster," he jokes, nipping playfully at my collarbone.

We've barely left our bungalow all week, spending most of our time tangled in the sheets or lounging on our private deck. It's been absolute bliss, just the two of us in our own little bubble.

"We should probably explore the island at some point," I muse, not making any move to get up.

Ivan raises an eyebrow. "Why? Everything I want is right here."

His words send a thrill through me. Who would have thought that the cold, ruthless Ivan Kozlov could be so... sweet?

"Besides," he continues, his hands sliding down to cup my ass, "I'm quite enjoying the view right where I am."

I roll my eyes playfully. "You're insatiable."

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