Page 104 of Scarred (Russian Sinners 2)

I felt like I was floating on a cloud. I was so happy, I could burst. As he slid the ring onto my finger, my heart actually ached from happiness. Words stuck in my throat; I watched the sapphires shimmer with diamonds surrounding it. The sapphires reminded me of his eyes when desire reflected in them.

“We can get a different one if you-”

I cut him off. “No, I love this one.” I pressed my lips against his. “It is perfect, just like you.”

“Sapphires remind me of your eyes,” he whispered against my mouth, and my lips curved into a smile against his.

“Funny, because I just thought they remind me of yours.” Surprise flashed in his eyes. “Maybe our kids will have blue eyes like their daddy,” I teased.

“Or their mommy,” he rasped. “I want to marry you today.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Mr. Smirnov.” This feeling was amazing, the future with him bright no matter what life dished our way. “But let’s have people we love there. So we can have witnesses. What do you think?” I would love to marry him today but knew it was once in a lifetime event. While it used to be my dread, it will be my happiness now.

“Okay,” he agreed begrudgingly. “But I’m giving them a month to get their shit together and get ready for our wedding. Then nothing will stop me.”

I chuckled. “Agreed, one month. Should we do it in Russia or in the States?”

“Wherever you want to. Both places. I don’t care. It will be a long fucking month.”

Yeah, my future husband was by no means patient.

“Should I-” I stopped myself, unsure if I was rushing things.

“Should you what?” he urged me to continue. The first day came to my mind when he told me never to worry about asking my questions.

“Should I skip my birth control shot? It is due in a few weeks.” I knew it might be rushing it. We have only known each other for two weeks and we had Tasha. There were a lot of changes.

“You’d do that?”

“Only if you want it,” I uttered. “Till recently, I was sure I’d die young and having children wasn’t in my cards. But if you want to wait, I’m fine with it too.”

“I can’t wait to have you pregnant,” he growled. “We should have many kids.”

A laugh escaped my lips. “Well, let’s start with Tasha and a baby. Then go from there.” Pressing my palm against his cheek, my whole world felt right with him. I couldn’t get enough of this man.

I wondered how my mother would feel about Nikolai. I hadn’t talked to my mother in almost two weeks. Oliver went to visit her almost every day and she had Hilda with her.

“Nikolai,” I started hesitantly and his eyes immediately came to me. “Is it safe to call my mom? I don’t have her number but Oliver said she has a landline in your place.”

He took my face between his hands, his touch so gentle. “Yes, call from my phone.”

“I want to be the one to tell her,” I explained. “She’ll love you. Don’t be alarmed if she is put off in the beginning,” I warned him.

“You don’t have to explain, malysh.”

“Thank you.” Nikolai understood me without explanation. He knew what my mother endured and I knew she’d love him. It might just take her a little bit of time to warm up to him. He handed me his phone and kissed me on the forehead.

“Her number is under Maryland landline,” he said. “I’ll be in the office if you need me.”

I scrolled through his phone book down to Maryland landline and pressed the call button. The phone rang and rang, making me wonder if mom even answered the phone. She never answered the phone at our house.

Just as I was ready to hang up, someone picked up.

“Hello,” I spoke first.

“Olivia?” It was my mother. Shit, my heart clenched again.

“Yes, Mom. It’s me.”

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