Page 113 of All The Pretty Little Lies

Talon has moved to a plush armchair in the corner of the room, his legs draped casually over one arm. His eyes, usually dancing with mischief, are now sharp and alert, watching me intently as I enter.

As the door clicks shut behind me, three pairs of eyes turn to me, filled with questions and expectations. The air in the room shifts, charged with anticipation.

“We’re meeting with Mario Rossi tomorrow.”

Vesper gasps, her body tensing in Zaire's arms. Zaire's grip on her tightens instinctively, his eyes narrowing as he processes the information. Talon leans forward in his chair, all traces of casualness gone from his posture.

"You've set the wheels in motion," Zaire says, his voice a mix of admiration and concern. “Thanks for including us in the decision.”

I nod, feeling the weight of my decision settle on my shoulders like a mantle. "I have," I confirm, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "There's no point in waiting any longer. Not after everything that's happened."

Vesper's eyes, those mesmerizing pools of green that have haunted my dreams for years, lock onto mine. In them, I see a whirlwind of emotions; fear, hope, determination, and something else, something that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Oscar," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the hum of the old air conditioning unit. "What are you planning to do?"

I move closer, kneeling beside the bed so that we're at eye level. Her vanilla scent envelops me, grounding me in this moment. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to say.

"What you asked me to do, solnishko," I reply, using the Russian endearment that feels so natural on my tongue when addressing her. "Your uncle is just the start."

The room falls silent, the air thick with tension and unspoken promises. Zaire's arm tightens around Vesper's waist, a protective gesture that I can't help but appreciate. Talon leans forward, his usually carefree demeanor replaced by an intensity that reminds me why he's such a valuable member of our team.

"Every person who had a hand in taking your son, every individual who profited from your pain, every single one of them will face justice. We'll dismantle their empires brick by brick, expose their secrets, and leave them with nothing but the ashes of their former glory."

Vesper's breath hitches, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. I reach out, gently cupping her face in my hands. "We won't stop until you have your revenge, Vesper. Until your son is in your arms where he belongs."

The room seems to pulse with energy, the air crackling with the intensity of our shared determination. Zaire's eyes meet mine over Vesper's head, a silent agreement passing between us. Talon rises from his chair, moving to stand beside the bed, his presence a solid pillar of support.

"It won't be easy," Talon says, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "We'll be making enemies of some of the most powerful families in the world."

I nod, acknowledging the truth in his words. "I know. But we have something they don't. We have a cause worth fighting for, a purpose that goes beyond power and greed."

Vesper's hand finds mine, her grip tight and desperate. "I’m not sure you should do this. You’re risking everything."

I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a gentle kiss to them. “For you, solnishko. I would watch the world burn just to spare you a single second of pain.”

“So would I,” Zaire adds, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “You have fought against your nightmares and stitched your soul back together again. I won’t let anyone take that away from you.”

“Fuck the families,” Talon adds in.

“Fuck the families,” Zaire repeats. “I promised you, moya koroleva, not another single fucking tear.”

Vesper's eyes widen, a mix of emotions swirling in their emerald depths. Her gaze flicks between me, Zaire, and Talon, her breath quickening. Slowly, she shifts in Zaire's arms, her movements deliberate and graceful. The soft rustle of fabric against skin fills the room as she leans towards me, her golden hair cascading over her shoulder like a waterfall of sunlight.

Her hand, warm and soft, cups my cheek. I can feel the slight tremor in her fingers, betraying the intensity of her emotions. Her lips part slightly, her breath warm against my skin as she draws closer. Time seems to slow, the world narrowing to just this moment, just us.

When her lips meet mine, it's like a supernova exploding in my chest. The kiss is soft at first, tentative, but quickly deepens with a hunger that takes my breath away. Her lips are velvetagainst mine. My hands find their way to her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss intensifies.

The room around us fades away, the only reality that matters is the feel of Vesper in my arms, the taste of her on my lips. It's everything I've dreamed of and more, a perfect moment crystallized in time.

As we part, both breathless, Vesper's eyes are dark with desire. She turns back to Zaire, who's watching us with a mixture of heat and admiration in his gaze. Without hesitation, she leans in, capturing his lips in a kiss that's just as passionate, just as all-consuming.

Zaire's hands tangle in her hair, holding her close as they lose themselves in each other. The sight of them together, so beautiful and passionate, sends a jolt of electricity through me. It's not jealousy I feel, but a deep, primal satisfaction. This is right. This is how it should be.

From the corner of my eye, I see Talon shift uncomfortably, moving towards the door. But before he can leave, Vesper breaks away from Zaire, her voice husky as she calls out, "Talon, stay. Please."

Talon freezes, his hand on the doorknob. He turns slowly, his eyes seeking mine and Zaire's, a question clear in his gaze. Zaire and I exchange a look, a silent conversation passing between us in a heartbeat.

"She asked you nicely," Zaire says, his voice rough with desire but firm with conviction. "Stay."

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