Page 72 of Paid for By the Bratva

“All my life,” I say. “I was taught to be obedient. Quiet. See where that got me? You changed my life, Dima. You taught me to be brave, even in the face of failure. You stood up against my brothers simply to defend me, and that gave me the courage to stand up to Marv so that I could defend innocent women from him. Your kindness has changed me for the better, changed my brothers and, as a consequence, my life…”

Here, my voice breaks as tears spring to my eyes. My breath hitches in my throat, and Dima pulls back, worriedly staring into my eyes as he rests one hand on my shoulder and another on my chin.

I look up at his warm, gray eyes and know that, in this moment, anything but the truth would be a dishonor to this man I love.

Looking into his eyes, I whisper, "I love you." The words carry all the weight of what we've been through.

Dima freezes, his eyes widening like he can’t believe what I heard. I reach up and trace the outline of his ear. “I said,” I whisper again, coyly, loving how much those three words meant—mean—to him. “I love you.”

Dima breaks out into a smile as bright as the sun, cupping my cheek with a tender hand as he brings his lips to mine. "I love you too," he murmurs.

And then he kisses me, soft and passionate. I melt into Dima's kiss, all the emotions I've been holding back flooding through me. His strong arms wrap around me, enveloping me in his warmth and strength.

And I finally know what it means to trulybelongto someone and for someone to belong to me.

Chapter 26 - Dima

I stand in the corner of the crowded room, sipping whiskey and letting the chatter and laughter wash over me in a moment of solitude. After an entire summer of traveling to various destinations, our families have gathered for a reunion, and I feel utter joy at the sight of us all together.

But, it’sherI keep my sight on the most. My wife, Lara.

Lara confidently makes her way through the room toward me. But, before she can reach me, a hand gently reaches for her upper back, vying for her attention.

"Ah, there she is, the queen of the party," my brother Artyom remarks, nudging me with his elbow. I chuckle softly, knowing he's right. Rumor has it that her solar power plan has been implemented and is showing tremendous results.

“You know,” Sergei comes up from the other side. “Ivan has asked for a private meeting with Lara soon.”

“Really?” Artyom’s mouth hangs open. I also turn to Sergei, surprise etched across my face. A meeting with Ivan, the Pakhan, is no small achievement.

“It’s true,” Sergei says. “She’s blown him away.”

“Or maybe,” Artyom chimes in. “Ivan’s a smart man and is going to try to convince her to be rid of you soon enough.”

"Watch your mouth, Brother. That's my wife you're talking about," I tease him with a smirk, unable to hide my pride.

As I watch Lara from across the room, I see her engaging in playful banter with some of my uncles and cousins. She holds her own with ease, her mischievous nature shining through as she shows them a magic trick she recently learned, keeping thementhralled. It's no wonder they've all grown fond of her—she has a unique ability to make everyone feel at ease around her.

"Hey, don't look so smug! We all know you're lucky to have her," Artyom says, interrupting my thoughts. I can't argue with him, though—luck definitely played a part in bringing Lara into my life.

"Trust me, I know how fortunate I am," I reply earnestly, my eyes never leaving Lara. “Excuse me,” I say, stepping forward. “There’s somewhere I need to be.”

I begin walking toward her.

“Oi,” Mikhail and Artyom try to get my attention back, but I ignore them.

It’s torture, watching my wife from afar. I need to be by her side.

She’s deep in conversation with Vanya, Anoushka, and Robin now. I reach the cluster of women and slide my arms around her waist from behind.

“Oh!” Lara asks, surprised. She turns her neck to me, giving me her cheek, which I gently kiss. I let her go, and stand by her side, saying my hellos to the girls.

“Your husband loves you way too much,” Vanya observes sharply, peering at me through her sunglasses. A large, silver pair—I figure it’s more of a fashion statement than anything else.

Lara’s eyes twinkle with mischief as she wraps her arm around mine, and I can't help but grin.

"Can I just pull you away for a brief second, my love?" I ask, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"Of course. But any longer, and I’ll charge you by the second," she replies with a wink, and I know I wouldn't have it any other way.

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