Page 77 of Innocent Bratva Hostage

When we finally pulled apart, she rested her forehead against mine. “I was afraid you’d never admit it.”

I ran my thumb over her lower lip. “I’ve never been afraid of anything in my entire life,solnishko. But right now, losing you is the only thing that truly terrifies me.”

She smiled, the kind of smile that made my world tilt. “Then hold on tight and don’t ever lose me. In return, I’ll be by your side until the end of the world.”

“I don’t plan on losing you, not now or ever.” I kissed her again, sealing the promise between us. And for the first time in my entire life, I knew I’d found home.

I knew without a single doubt she would be mine forever.

Epilogue – Giselle

Seven Months Later

“It’s your birthday in less than an hour,” Mom said over the phone.

For the first time since Dad died, she sounded happier, as if she’d finally gotten to that final stage of grief.

Acceptance.

The stage where even though the pain was still there, it just became easier to live with.

I believed I’d also gotten to that stage.

There were days when I missed Dad so much and wished he was still here, but those days were fleeting, and I found myself cherishing the memories we had when he was here.

I’d shifted my focus to finding my own path in life and living in the moment. Andrei was the moment; because of him, I could live happily and smile freely again, something I never thought I would experience after Dad died.

I stared blankly at the wall above me and sighed. “Yes, Mom. It’s my twenty-third birthday in an hour, and the only company I have is an empty house.”

It was the first time I’d ever been home alone for a while now. Andrei made it a duty to always come home every evening so we could spend quality time together, and at times when he wasn’t home, I usually had some of the staff with me.

Tonight was different, though; he’d called earlier to let me know he had a business meeting and wouldn’t be able to make it home until tomorrow morning. And surprisingly, the staff had their day off today, and I hadn’t wanted to make them stay just so I didn’t get lonely.

“Where’s Andrei?”

I spun on my side. “Not home. He won’t be home tonight, so it’s just me.”

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry,” she cooed. “It’s your big day tomorrow. Maybe you two can go out on a fancy dinner and then—”

“Mom,” I cut her off before she could finish. “Don’t even start.”

She’d been going on and on about us making a baby so she could come over to see her grandchild.

Andrei and I had talked about having kids someday, but he’d told me he was only ready when I was ready, and I could take my time to explore and see if I had anything I wanted to do first since I was still very young.

“I’m just saying. I miss you so much, baby,” she said, her voice laced with a bit of sadness. “I wish I was there with you.”

“Me, too, Mom. I miss you so much.” It had been a year since the last time I saw her, and I couldn’t wait to eat her breakfast and feel her hugs again.

“I’ve gotta run now, sweetie. Happy birthday,” she said, and she blew me a kiss over the phone.

I giggled. “Thank you, Mom. I love you.”

“Love you, too, baby.” She hung up.

Dropping the phone, I sighed and glanced at the clock. It would be midnight an hour from now, and I’d officially be twenty-three.

It was my first birthday with Andrei, and I’d really thought we would be able to spend every second of it together.

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