Page 84 of Vendetta Vows

"Couldn't let it go to waste," I murmur.

The rest of our appointment flies by in a blur of flower arrangements, reception layouts, and discussions about color schemes. I settle on midnight blue and silver. The venue discussion takes longer as Julia and Ruslan opt to change the venue from the original locations she suggested to the gardens of his family mansion.

By the time we're wrapping up, I'm emotionally exhausted but strangely peaceful. Julia hands us a folder of preliminary plans, promising to email a detailed timeline later today.

"Thank you for everything," I tell her, genuinely impressed with how efficiently she's orchestrating this shotgun wedding.

"Wait in the car for me?" Ruslan asks as we step outside, handing me his keys. "I just need a quick word with Julia before we leave."

Curiosity piqued, I slide into the back seat of the car, watching through the tinted windows as he disappears back into the office.

Five minutes later, he emerges carrying a white box tied with a blue ribbon.

"For you," he says when he settles behind the wheel, passing me the box.

The ribbon slides away easily, and when I lift the lid, the rich aroma of espresso and caramel hits me instantly. Inside are at least two dozen miniature cupcakes.

Exact replicas of the one that transported me home.

"How did you...?" My voice trails off as my fingertips hover over the perfect little swirls of salted caramel frosting.

"I bought their entire stock," he admits, watching my reaction carefully. "I can't change what happened to your family,zarechka. I can't bring them back. But I can give you something to remember them."

My throat tightens with emotion.

"Because you deserve to have good memories," he says softly.

I look up at him, this dangerous, gentle man who's becoming something I never expected.

"Thank you," I whisper, leaning across the console.

When our lips meet, it's different from any kiss we've shared before. Not driven by lust or necessity but by something deeper. A genuine connection I never thought I'd feel again. His hand cradles my face, thumb stroking my cheek with such tenderness it makes my heart ache.

I pull back slightly, studying the golden flecks in his eyes, and wonder.

What if this arrangement, this marriage of convenience, becomes something real? What if, somehow, we both find what we never thought we'd have again?

The thought is terrifying.

But for the first time in seven years, terrifying doesn't mean I want or need to run.

22

RUSLAN

Artyom'sblack SUV rolls up the driveway. My heart races in my chest. Not from nerves, but from the anticipation of seeing my nieces.

Three figures emerge from the vehicle, and despite everything weighing on me, I feel a genuine smile cracking across my face.

"Uncle Ruslan!" Sofia squeals, her gap-toothed grin visible even from a distance as she barrels toward me.

I drop to one knee, bracing myself for impact as she launches into my arms. Her small body collides with mine, and I lift her high, spinning her around once.

"There's my little warrior," I murmur against her hair. "Did you bring your sword today?"

Sofia giggles. "I made a new one in art class!"

Stella approaches more cautiously, her eyes darting around the mansion grounds where armed men patrol.

---