Page 122 of Claim

“Thank you, iskorka,” I whisper into the top of her head.

Her warm tears roll down my neck and I pull her face up to mine.

“This is the start of our new life, baby.” I settle my hand on her stomach and she smiles.

“You think I’ll be a good mom?” Her bottom lip quivers and I press my lips against hers.

“Not just good. The fucking best, baby. That heart of yours, that strength you have, the way you spark up a room when you enter it. You will be incredible and I cannot wait to watch you.”

She truly is something special. I knew it from the second I laid eyes on her.

“I’m so fucking happy, pretty girl. Happiest man on the planet right now.” I wipe away her tears and her white teeth appear as she smiles.

“I’m really happy, Miki. Just a bit scared.”

“I will be by your side every step of the way.”

I press my lips to hers, a silent declaration of my love. This is my chance to do some good for once. Ana has proven to me that I do, in fact, have a heart.

And it’s now dedicated to her and our child.

I will burn down the world to keep them safe.

CHAPTER 53

ANASTASIA

My thoughts are jumbledand chaotic as Mikhail guides me toward the car, the sounds of the city swirling around me.

“Ana?”

I blink a few times, the blurry vision clearing to reveal we have stopped, and he was already opening the passenger door with a soft click.

“Sorry, world of my own.” I shake my head and swerve past him.

His hand wraps around my waist, pulling me close against his side. I tilt my head back, getting lost in the dark depths of his eyes.

“You’ve given me the best possible gift. You’ve given me a future, us a family. Thank you.”

I’m excited. I can’t wait.

It’s just all coming sooner than I imagined and it’s almost hard to breathe.

How am I already over four months pregnant?

Will I end up like Zoya? Trapped away to be safe?

So many questions. Yet when I look at Mikhail, his face softens, a subtle easing of the lines around his eyes, and the worry etched there melts away, calming me.

He’s got us.

Me and our little baby boy.

“I love you, big man.” I rub my stomach and his gaze follows my hands. “And I love you, little guy,” I whisper.

“I love you both so much.”

He lifts his mask, the scent of woodsmoke and something else, something definably him, fills my senses before his lips claim mine.

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