Page 64 of Mafia Christmas Vows

Alexei Orlov isn’t a monster. He’s a miracle.

And he’s all mine.

EPILOGUE: ONE YEAR LATER

Maggie

“Alexei. If you put any more tinsel on that tree, it’s going to fall over.”

I laugh as Alexei turns. It’s night, and the house is finally asleep. We’re hosting a lot more people this year. My mom and dad, of course, because they live with us full time now. Not in Orlov House, but in one of the minor houses down in the village. Alexei has relatives coming in this year too, because we decided that this year, we’re going to bring back one of the traditions from his mom’s time.

We’re having a huge Christmas party.

“Well. I suppose I am a little… enthusiastic,” he mutters.

Alexei steps back, dusting his hands off on his soft pants. “Come, Milaya,” he murmurs.

I step into his arms, sighing as he tucks me under his arm.

We survey the tree…

Together.

It’s beautiful. We’ve made some changes from last year, including putting his mother’s portrait over the fire, so she can join the party.

I swear she smiles in the sparkling light.

“Milaya, are you ready for this?” Alexei murmurs.

Most of the guests will finish arriving tomorrow, which is going to be amazing.

“I’m ready,” I say.

I turn to look at Alexei. “Are you?”

He wrinkles his nose. “And share you with so many people? No.”

I laugh. “You don’t have to share me. I’m all yours, my love,” I murmur.

He pulls my hand to his lips and kisses it.

I love this. I love him.

Alexei is perfect for me.

His blue eyes flash a little. “I have something for you.”

“You do?”

“Come with me,” he murmurs.

I laugh. Alexei really does love to give gifts. I’m definitely not going to complain, so I follow him down the many hallways of Orlov House to our room.

Inside, the bed is neatly made…

But there’s a black box on it.

I look at him, curiosity in my eyes. “We said we weren’t going to do gifts this year!”

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