Page 120 of Savage Reign

CHAPTER

FIFTY

SOFIYA

I’m starfishedon our bed, staring at the ceiling, exhaustion tugging at my eyelids. I’m clean, warm, and fed, yet the events of the last twelve hours cling to me like a shadow. Nikolai hasn’t left my side since we returned to the estate. I finally convinced him I could manage five minutes alone while he showers.

Earlier, I had a good cry, releasing some of the pent-up emotion. Now, lying here in the quiet, the weight of it all creeps back in. The only solace is that it’s over, and I’m back with Niko. Somehow, this harrowing ordeal brought Nikolai and Roman together—the start of a fragile peace.

The bathroom door opens, and Niko steps into the room wearing only a robe. He looks exhausted, his face roughened with stubble. His eyes soften when they find me.

“Why don’t you get into some cozy pajamas and join me,” I suggest, patting the spot beside me in bed.

“I don’t have cozy pajamas. I sleep naked, remember?”

“Oh, I remember,” I say, smirking. “But don’t knock it until you try it. And for the record, I fully intend to buy us matching flannel Christmas PJs.”

He gives me a faint smile. “For you, I’ll make an exception to my no-clothes in bed rule. But only on special occasions.”

When I stifle a yawn, he crosses the room, turns off the lamp, and pulls me into his arms. His warmth surrounds me, and I breathe him in, letting the steady rhythm of his heart calm me.

“Sofiya…” he says, with a note of hesitation. “Do you want to talk about what happened tonight?”

Dr. Safin asked me the same question, but the truth is, I’m not ready. “I need to forget about it for a while and process it on my own. Dr. Safin said she’d recommend a professional I can reach out to when I’m ready to talk.”

“I understand, but I’m here for you. Anytime it gets to be too much.”

“Are you okay?” I murmur, tilting my head to look at him in the low light. It must have been just as traumatic for him.

He lets out a soft breath, his fingers tangling in my hair. “That was terrifying. I didn’t know fear like this until you. If I ever lost you…” He shakes his head and presses his lips to my temple. “Life wouldn’t be worth living.”

Tears prick my eyes. “I feel the same way. I love you.”

“I love you too,” he breathes. “More than I’ve ever loved anyone. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I promise you’ll never be in danger again.”

He blames himself for what happened, and I wish he didn’t. I don’t blame him. It was something out of his control, but no matter what I say, my abduction still weighs heavily on him.

I prop myself up on my elbows so I can look into his eyes. “I know you’ll do your best, but that’s an impossible promise. No matter what, living life by your side will always be worth it.”

He holds my face and kisses me softly. It’s the best feeling in the world.

“I wish it didn’t have to be that way. If walking away from this world is what I need to do to keep you safe, you know I’ll do it.”

I shake my head. “We’re married—that means accepting everything you are. I’m not looking for you to change.”

He huffs a laugh. “You didn’t choose to marry me the first time, but I’m going to give you a choice now.” His hand coasts over my hair, stroking me gently. “Will you marry me, moya sladost? I’ll give you the world, even your freedom.”

“Yes, Niko. A thousand times yes. There’s no one else for me.” I cup his face, my smile breaking through the tears.

He clears his throat. “If you still want to move to Berlin and dance, I’ll come with you.”

“I’ve thought about it, and it feels like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, with the person I’m supposed to be with. But I’d like to open another school in Berlin.”

“Another school?”

“I hope to make the school self-sufficient, separate from your funding. I can fundraise and bring in donors, maybe even host events. Eventually, I’d like to expand and open other schools.”

“Why?” he grumbles. “I’ll give you all the money you need to expand.”

---