Page 125 of Savage Reign

I laugh quietly. “Thanks, sis.”

“I’m serious.” She turns to face me, her expression tight. “When Roman called last night and told me what happened—what could’ve happened—I thought I was going to lose my mind.”

My heart contracts, and I grab her hand. “I know; I’d feel the same way if it was you. I’m sorry I’ve caused you so much stress these past few weeks.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s that man of yours.” She stares at me intently. “But fuck, the way he looks at you… I might have to forgive him, eventually.” I know she’s joking. Mostly. “Did you honestly think Eva was his girlfriend?”

“Yup. Well, more of a fuck buddy situation. She’s gorgeous, was always around, and they’re super close. It was a fair assumption. I also didn’t know women could be that high up in the bratva.”

Liza shrugs. “Maybe Niko is a feminist pioneer.”

I burst out laughing. “Yeah, maybe.”

“So tell me about this dance school he bought you?”

A grin spreads over my face. “It’s for underprivileged kids who wouldn’t get a chance to dance otherwise. I’ve already seen the space, and it needs work but we’ll make it happen. Soon I can hire staff and start figuring out all the logistics. It’s mine to do what I want with, even though Niko offered to fund it completely, I want it to stand on its own without relying on his money.”

Liza frowns. Not quite the reaction I expected. “What about Berlin and your dreams of performing onstage? Is that something you’re going to give up?”

I look down at my hands, clutching the blanket in my lap. “Not entirely, but dreams change. Maybe I’ll get a chance to perform with the school. The school feels way more meaningful. And who knows, the next school I open could be in Berlin.” We’re both quiet for a moment. “I'd really like your help,” I say to her. “If you’re willing to, that is. I could use your business brain.”

Liza smiles, brushing her hair behind her ear. “You know I’d love to help. Whatever you need.” Her smile turns mischievous. “Better pick my brain now because I might be a little busy in nine months.”

I blink, caught off guard. “Wait. Are you—Liza, are you pregnant?”

Her cheeks flush. “I think so. I’m late, and the home test was positive, but I want to confirm with the doctor before saying anything to Roman.”

“That’s amazing!” I hug her tightly, tears pricking my eyes.

“Don’t get sappy on me. I’m still processing.”

“Roman is going to freak out. In a good way, I mean.” My eyebrows pull together. “How did this happen?”

“Well, Sofi, when two people love each other?—”

I carefully elbow her in the ribs. “I meant, I thought you’d be too stressed to do the deed.”

“Uh, I mean, I was stressed. It just turns out that my favorite method of stress relief is with my husband inside of me.”

“Okay, TMI.” I hold up a hand. “But this is the best fucking news in the world.”

Her smile turns wistful. “It’s still early, and I don’t want to get my hopes up,” she admits. “We still have a long road ahead of us.”

She’s not just talking about her pregnancy. There’s also the Black Company threat to contend with. I haven’t asked too many questions about them, and Niko hasn’t volunteered any information, but I know it’s what everyone is discussing now. Maybe the one silver lining is that the Syndicate and the Zhukov Bratva are allies again.

I wrap her in my arms because there’s nothing more to say. The idea that there could be a mini-Liza or Roman in the next year makes my heart feel so damn full.

“Think you and Nikolai will have kids someday?”

“Someday, sure. Right now, I just want to enjoy being an auntie and being with Niko. It feels like my whole life has been this race—trying to prove myself worthy of love. Even though you tried so hard to make up for our crappy parents, I guess it was easy to feel like I wasn’t good enough for them.” She’s silent, but I know she feels the same. “But with Niko… he makes me feel like I’m enough, just as I am. It’s the most incredible feeling, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

She squeezes my hand, her voice gentle. “In the weirdest of ways, I’m glad you found him. You deserve every bit of happiness.”

I smile, a riot of emotion playing in my chest.

I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be—with the man who sees me, loves me, and makes me whole.

EPILOGUE