Page 101 of Bound to a Monster

We finish dinner and walk out into the night together. Valentin’s men are waiting nearby in a black town car. Both are big and clearly hiding weapons under their dark leather jackets.

“Here’s what I’ve decided.” Valentin watches Lev carefully. “You will stay in Canada for a few more months. You will make sure the pipeline is functioning properly, and you’ll be on hand to solve any issues that may arise. Back home, I’ll tell everyone you’re cleaning up your father’s mess with my blessing and that you’re no longer dead in my eyes. Do you understand?”

I can tell Lev doesn’t like it. We were joking about staying in Canada forever—but this is his one chance. He opens his mouth to reply, but looks at me first.

“What do you think?” he asks softly.

I slip my hand into his. “I’m with you no matter what.” I’m too aware of Valentin studying us, but screw him. This is a big decision.

“You’ll miss fencing.”

“I’ll find a new teacher.”

“And the baby?—”

“We’ll get healthcare, and it’s not like we’re far from home. We’ll make Toronto our home for a few months. It’ll be fun.”

He turns to Valentin. “You heard my wife. It sounds like we’re staying in Canada.”

“Good choice.” He looks at me with a sharp smile. “I’m glad you two decided this match works.”

“He forced the issue,” I say, which makes Valentin laugh again.

“We’ll need time to wrap things up back home,” Lev says.

“Take a couple of weeks, but I want you here for the foreseeable future.” Valentin’s smile is warm as he turns away. “Good luck, you two.”

When he’s gone, we’re alone on the sidewalk. I lean into Lev and he wraps his arms around me. “Looks like we’re Canadians now.”

Lev groans. “Don’t joke.” He leans down to kiss me. “And don’t feel like this is something you have to do.”

“Lev—”

He pulls back so he can look into my eyes. “I know it’s asking a lot, making you stay here with me. If you decide you don’t want to, I’ll understand.”

“I’m your wife. My place is by your side. And anyway, the poutine, right?”

He leans down and kisses me softly. “I love you,” he says, resting his forehead against mine.

My heart skips and my stomach twists. I press myself tighter into him. “Did you really just say that?”

He kisses me again. “I did. Should I take it back?”

“What? No, absolutely not.”

“You’re right. I take it back.”

“Lev, you’re not funny.”

“What? You want me to love you?” He kisses me again and again. “You like that I fell for you?”

“I love you too,” I say, brushing his cheek with my fingers. The way his face lights up confirms everything I’ve been thinking.

This is right.

It’s absolutely right.

“I love you so much that while you’re gone, I’m going to practice my fencing,” he said as we begin to walk back to the hotel.

---