Page 58 of Deadly Vows

He nodded, a small, secretive smile playing on his lips. “But you need to get a good night’s rest. I don’t want to ruin the surprise.”

“A surprise?” I pressed, trying to hide the excitement bubbling up inside me. “What kind of surprise?”

Aleksandr’s smile widened, but he shook his head. “You’ll find out tomorrow.”

I huffed, crossing my arms. “I don’t want to wait that long.”

“I know,” he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Which is exactly why I’m not telling you. I want the excitement to build up while you sleep.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, but I couldn’t hide my grin. Whatever Aleksandr had planned, it was bound to be something I’d never forget.

“Fine,” I said, throwing my arms around his neck.

“I’ll give you the moon,” he said, his voice softer and more serious. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Anything you desire, as long as you’re happy.”

His words hung in the air between us, heavy with meaning. I searched his face to find the right words to say in return, but nothing seemed adequate. So instead, I just nodded, leaning into his touch.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you, too,” he whispered back.

Chapter 33

Aleksandr

My steps were brisk and purposeful. Talia was still asleep in our bed, her long, dark hair spilling over the pillow. I watched her for a few minutes before leaving, her chest’s steady rise and fall calming me. She looked so peaceful, unaware of the flurry of activity outside her window.

Today was the day. The day I would make her mine in the most permanent, irrevocable way. A surprise wedding - something she would never expect. But I wanted to give her this. No, Ineededto give her this. Talia deserved to be surrounded by beauty, love, and the kind of life I wasn’t sure I could provide when we first met. Now, with her, Sasha, and Maxim, I could finally see our happiness.

The cold early morning breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass as I stepped out onto the grounds. My staff had worked tirelessly since before dawn, ensuring everything was in place. I wanted perfection - nothing less would do. Talia’s life had been chaotic enough before she came into mine. Today needed to be different. Today was the first day of her new life, and it had to be perfect.

“Pakhan,“ Nikolai greeted with a short nod. “The flowers just arrived. They’re setting up in the greenhouse now.”

I gave him a tight smile. “Good. Make sure they follow the plan exactly.”

The greenhouse was the crown jewel of the estate, a lavish indulgence. Now, it would be the place I take my bride. The sun would gleam through the glass ceiling as we stood beneath it, surrounded by blooms of every imaginable color - orchids, white roses, and peonies, all of Talia’s favorites. I imagined her face when she saw it. I wanted to see her smile without anything clouding it.

Walking toward the greenhouse, I noticed the florists arranging the massive bouquets, the delicate white flowers like snowflakes against the lush greenery surrounding them. The entire space was transforming into Talia’s dream, and I hoped I could bring it to life.

I stepped inside, breathing in the floral scent as I surveyed their work. The archway was nearly complete, draped in cascading vines of wisteria and roses. Beneath it, where Talia and I would stand, the floor was layered with soft white petals.

“Perfect,” I murmured under my breath.

Nikolai was at my side again. “The reception area is almost finished as well. We’ve moved the furniture from the east wing and set up tables near the pool. The library has been arranged for brunch, and the staff are working on the bar.”

I nodded, satisfied but restless. Everything had to be just right - not just for her but for us - for our future. I needed this moment to be flawless, a symbol of the life I wanted with Talia, where she was my equal, partner, and wife.

As we approached the east wing, I saw the transformation taking shape. The long banquet tables, covered in elegant ivory linens, were positioned near the pool. Silver candelabras gleamed in the morning sun, and crystal glasses, already polished to perfection, stood ready for the celebration. The water’s reflection shimmered against the white draping, adding an ethereal quality to the setup.

But it was the library that gave me pause. It was the heart of the estate, my sanctuary. Books lined the walls, and the rich mahogany shelves seemed to absorb the morning light. I had chosen this space carefully. It was where Talia first saw me as more than just a criminal, where we talked about life, Sasha and Maxim, and our fractured dreams. Now, it would be filled with those closest to us, witnesses to the moment we would become a family in truth, not just in name.

“Make sure the children’s area is set up by the library fireplace,” I instructed.

Maxim. The thought of him and his immediate acceptance of me as his father, made my chest tighten. He will take over the family one day aspakhan, but in the meantime, I will give him love and stability. And Sasha, my beautiful Sasha, will grow to be a strong Avilov woman.

I walked through the mansion once more, checking and rechecking every detail. The wedding dress had arrived an hour ago, a vision of lace and satin. I’d had it explicitly designed for Talia, and its form-fitting elegance was something I knew would highlight her grace and beauty. It now hung in her dressing room, waiting for her to wake up.

My hands itched with the need to be near her, to see her reaction when she realized what today was. But I had to be patient. I wanted this moment to be a complete surprise.

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