Page 61 of Mafia Christmas Vows

My mom sighs, then gestures wildly to the house. “This is not the type of house that a man has when he’s under any kind of threat.”

“It’s been in his family for like… hundreds of years.”

She makes an exaggerated face. “No. You don’t say.”

I shove her lightly on the shoulder. “Also, he’s kind of a prince.”

“Your dad told me that. I also mentioned that you’ve been a princess for as long as I’ve known you, so it’s kind of fitting.”

I laugh, glad that the tears feel like they’re behind me.

“Maggie?”

I look up, smiling at my mom.

She takes my face in her hands. I lean in, relishing the feeling of her soft palms on my cheeks. I close my eyes, just sitting and enjoying the fact that she’s here. She’s safe.

And she’s with me.

“I think it’s time that you ditch the whole princess thing.”

My eyes pop open. “What? Why?”

My mom’s mouth curls into a smile.

“Because I think Alexei is ready to treat you like a queen.”

Mom and I wander back to the main living room, where Alexei and my dad are softly conversing in Russian. When we walk into the room, my dad’s whole body changes. His eyes light up when he looks at my mom, and when he looks at me?

There’s something like hope there.

“This house is freaking incredible,” my mom says. “Don’t you want a tour, love?”

My dad looks somewhat stern, his eyes bouncing between Alexei and me. “I…”

“Come with me. Now. I think I can even find our room,” my mom mutters.

Finally taking the hint, my dad allows himself to be dragged from the room.

Leaving Alexei and I, standing in front of the Christmas tree.

For some reason, this feels…

Awkward.

I glance up at Alexei, who is studying me.

Where do I start? Do I say that I’m sorry for doubting him? Sorry for cutting him off? Do I thank him for getting my parents? Do I…

“I’m sorry I left without telling you,” he says.

I tilt my head.

“There was some issue with customs. Anatoly texted me, and I needed to leave to solve the problem.”

“Is everything okay?” I whisper.

He nods. “Your father’s visa was old. However, it was nothing that I couldn’t fix.”

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