Page 59 of Deadly Vows

A strange sense of calm washed over me as I stood by the window overlooking the grounds. The past few years have been a whirlwind - taking in Sasha and Maxim, protecting Talia from the threats that followed her, and securing our future. I had been fighting for so long for my family and carving out my empire. But this was different. This was the first time I felt like I wasn’t fighting for survival or power but for something more - for love. For her.

I thought back to the night before, how her body fit perfectly against mine as we lay in bed, the quiet words we’d shared in the dark. I told her I had a surprise planned, and she had smiled, teasing me, thinking it would be something small but typical of the life she lived now. But this was my way of showing her how much I love her and wanted this life with her, Sasha, and Maxim.

For years, I had shut myself off from this possibility. I hadn’t believed I could have a family, not after everything I’d done, the blood on my hands. But Talia changed that. She changed me. She had shown me that I was capable of more than just violence, more than just control. With her, I could be a man, not just a leader…not just Aleksandr Avilov, the man feared by many, but a husband and a father.

As the morning wore on, I could hear the soft hum of the staff moving through the house, setting up the final details. Everything was in place. I could practically feel the energy building, the excitement of the moment approaching.

I checked my watch. Talia would wake up soon, and the last thing I wanted was for her to wander into the greenhouse before it was ready. I needed a distraction to keep her occupied until it was time.

“Abram,” I called. “Have something brought to Talia. Breakfast, fruit, croissants, coffee. Tell her I’m handling some business and I’ll be back soon.”

As he hurried to carry out my instructions, I stood in the library doorway, watching as the finishing touches were made. I couldn’t wait to see her walk through the greenhouse doors, her eyes wide with surprise, her lips curving into that soft smile that always undid me. Today, I would give her something she had never had - a wedding and a family that wasn’t tainted by fear or uncertainty but filled with joy and love.

As the clock ticked closer to the moment, I glanced one last time at the greenhouse archway, the soft white petals blanketing the floor beneath it. Soon, she would be walking toward me, and with her, the future I had never dared to dream of.

Today, I would become more than Aleksandr Avilov. Today, I would become hers.

Chapter 34

Talia

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and something sweet pulled me from the warmth of sleep. I blinked against the soft sunlight and lay still for a moment, letting myself enjoy the quiet. Aleksandr’s side of the bed was empty - typical of him, always up before me, always busy. But this morning felt different. There was something in the air, a calmness that felt deliberate.

I stretched lazily, rolling onto my back. My eyes landed on the tray beside me, a full breakfast laid out with meticulous care. Fresh fruit of ripe berries, delicate slices of melon, and a peach that looked perfectly sweet rested beside a warm, flaky croissant. A small dish of bacon accompanied it, and the smell of coffee filled the room.

I smiled to myself. Aleksandr had said there would be a surprise today, but I hadn’t expected something as simple and thoughtful as breakfast in bed. Maybe that’s why it made me laugh softly. He always kept me guessing.

Just as I reached for the coffee, the door creaked open. I saw Sandy step inside, her strawberry-blonde hair catching the light as she smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. My sister had been with me through so much - the chaos of our childhood and the dangers that had followed us into adulthood. After everything that happened, she was here with me in Aleksandr’s home…myhome.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Sandy said, her tone light and teasing. “I hope you’re hungry.”

I raised an eyebrow, suspicious but intrigued. “What’s all this?”

“Oh, just a little treat. You’ve got a big day ahead, sis.”

Her words sparked my curiosity even more. “Big day? What’s going on?”

Sandy just grinned, clearly enjoying herself far too much. “I’m under strict orders not to spoil the surprise. You’ll find out soon enough.”

I stared at her, trying to decipher what she was hiding. She gave nothing away, her smile only widening as she came closer, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Eat,” she urged. “You’ll need your energy.”

The whole situation had me on edge in the best way possible. I couldn’t help but laugh softly at how absurd it all felt. Aleksandr and Sandy working together? It was like I’d slippedinto some dream where everyone conspired to keep me in the dark. But knowing Aleksandr, whatever was planned would be worth the wait.

I took a few bites of fruit, savoring the sweetness of the berries and the flakiness of the croissant, but my mind was focused on the surprise. The more Sandy smiled at me with that secretive glint in her eyes, the more I wanted to know.

When I set the coffee cup down, Sandy stood, her energy contagious. “Ready for the next part?”

“The next part?” I laughed, pushing the blankets aside and sitting up. “What are you talking about?”

Without another word, Sandy moved to the closet, throwing open the doors dramatically. The sight that greeted me made my breath catch. A white wedding dress was hanging there, illuminated by the soft morning light.

I was frozen in place, my heart hammering against my ribs as I stared at it. The dress was stunning - white lace and satin, fitted bodice, flowing skirt - like something out of a dream.

“Sandy,” I whispered, my voice catching. “What is this?”

She turned to face me, her eyes soft now, filled with love. “It’s your wedding dress. You’re getting married today.”

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