“Look at me.”

Reluctantly, I obeyed, and he barely gave me time to brace for impact before ambushing me with his lips. I moaned like a greedy little animal, reacting instantly by sliding my fingers over his head. Short hair brushed my palm before I found the base of his neck, pulling him closer.

It felt like a lifetime since I’d tasted his lips on mine.

His mouth was as desperate as mine, hungrier than mine. He shut his eyes and grabbed my throat, deepening our kiss. Hewas so beautiful to look at that it hurt. I shut my eyes, allowing myself to drown in this surprise attack’s thrilling feeling.

As swiftly as he’d claimed me, he pulled back, dazed and not as guarded as he always was.

“You…” he breathed against my lips and pecked me, “are going to be the fucking death of me, Serena Yezhov.”

My heart swelled just by looking at him and admiring the wide smile on his lips that seemed brighter than the sun ever shone. “Timur, I—”

“Shut up, woman. Don’t steal the spotlight. I let you have your chance.” He kissed my forehead and put some more distance between us, which was probably the wisest thing to do because I wasn’t sure I wanted to stop kissing him.

“You revived in me something I thought had died a long time ago: the ability to love. I mean, it’s always been there. I know this because Rafa can be a thorn in the fucking side, but I’d easily kill anyone that wants to kill him before I do.”

He kissed the corner of my lips, murmuring, “What I feel for him is nothing like the love I have ever known before. It is not partial, or silent, or simple. Just…consuming.And that’s the same for me. What I feel for you drives me crazy, my little bee. I love you.”

Smiling, another teardrop spilled down my cheek, and he kissed it away.

“I love you, too, Timur.”

I didn’t have to ask; he gave me what I wanted from the beginning: another big kiss on the lips. And another, until the soft coos of Vladimir made him grudgingly spring apart and lift our son into my arms.

My heart threatened to burst from intense satisfaction and happiness as I held my world in my arms and leaned into his side.

This was our family, our future. And despite everything I’d faced at the hands of this man of midnight and ice, I felt certain that I had everything I’d ever need right here in this room.

Chapter 26 – Timur

Epilogue

“She got six cakes?”

“Shebakedsix cakes, and they tasted fucking delicious.”

Rafayel rolled his eyes, lifting the tray with the chicken from the kitchen island. He looked sharp with a clean trim, a black polo shirt over denim jeans, and suede Timberlands. “The birthday man hasn’t even cut the fucking cake, and you already had a taste. Jayden, get the wine bottles. Tonight, I have a feeling I’m about to be fucking wasted in this party.”

Arlo snorted, stuck a cigar into his mouth, and grabbed a beer before following Rafa out of the house to the backyard. “The birthday man’s wife is generous. Should I have said no?”

“Yes.”

“Fuck no. Take this advice; you’ll worship me for it: Never pass up an opportunity to taste Serena’s cake.”

Bickering, they ignored me and went on their way to the grill, but Jayden stopped beside me before heading upstairs to get the wine crate. Eyes hard and jaw set, I prepared for the worst thing to come flying out of his mouth. I could sense the weight of his gaze, the unspoken questions and accusations lingering beneath the surface. But then, something shifted. His expression softened ever so slightly, and he spoke in a low, measured tone.

“Thank you for making my sister happy.”

I raised my brow, surprised by the sincerity in his voice, and, for a moment, we just stood there. It was a small concession, perhaps, but it was a start. I nodded, my expression neutral, but I reciprocated the respect.

“No need to thank me. I’ll do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy.”

His gaze lingered on mine, as if searching for any sign of deception, and when he saw that I meant every word. Slowly, he nodded, a small, begrudging smile creeping onto his face.

“I’ll get the wine.”

Nodding, he excused himself, and I moved closer to where the party was happening.