Page 117 of Unforgiving Saint (Starukhin Bratva)

I nod solemnly. “Thank you, Radomil Ivanovich. I will do everything in my power to ensure a plentiful future for all our families and the Bratva.” The pressure in the gloomy room dissipates like fog under the morning sun when Sorokin shakes my hand.

Paige Barinov whispers in Andrei’s ear, and he stands, addressing us with a warm smile. “I hear that your wedding was interrupted,” he says. “I would be honored to host the ceremony at my estate.”

Eden presses her hand to her chest, barely concealing her smile. “We don’t want to impose,” she replies graciously.

Andrei replies with a wave of his hand. “Nonsense. It’s about time we had a happy reason to celebrate.” He kisses Paige’s hand and then looks at me. “Happy wife, happy life is the best advice you’ll ever receive, Nikolai Gennadyevich.”

“Thank you, Andrei Vasilyevich,” I reply. “We would be honored to have our wedding here.”

“Then it’s settled,” Andrei announces, clapping his hands together. “It’s time to remember what we are fighting for and celebrate life.”

Suddenly, Eden gasps, her face twisting in pain as she falls to her knees.

“Eden!” I rush over. “What’s wrong?”

She gasps out again, and when she finally gathers her breath, she turns to me—emotion welling in her gold hazel eyes. “I think my water just broke.”

55

EDEN

The delivery room is a battleground,and I’m the one fighting for a life. Sweat beads on my forehead as another contraction rips through me. My fingers grip Nikolai’s hand tightly, seeking comfort in the strength of his grip. I feel his concern like an electric current crackling between us as he says words of encouragement, urging me on.

“Push, Eden. You’re almost there,” he says. His voice is strong and steady, even though worry is etched into his handsome features. Those intense eyes have seen so much violence and bloodshed, and now they’re fixed on me. Nikolai has been by my side every step of the way, our relationship forged in danger. And now, we’re about to create something beautiful out of it all.

“Eden, you’re doing great,” Dr. Galano chimes in, her tone professional but warm. “One more big push and you’ll meet your daughter.”

My body tenses with the effort, and I think back to how we got here. Nights spent tangled in each other’s arms, trying to forget the chaos of the world. The whispered promises of love anddesire, even when our pasts haunted us. The thought of what we’ve overcome gives me strength and I push again.

“Almost there, Eden,” Nikolai repeats, his hand holding mine like a lifeline. “You can do this.”

I take a ragged breath and focus. We’re bound by revenge and redemption. And now, we’re bound by the new life inside me. I grit my teeth and bear down with everything I have left in me. The pain is replaced by relief as I hear that first cry. Tears stream down my face, exhaustion and joy overcoming me.

Our daughter’s tiny cries fill the room. We’ve fought through hell and back for this, and now, we’re here. Together as a family.

I feel the weight of our baby girl placed onto my chest, and my heart swells at the sight of her. Her tiny body is messy and wet, but she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I glance up at Nikolai, his eyes filled with love. A rare moment of vulnerability shines within their depths.

“Ally.” I know without a doubt that it’s the perfect name for our daughter. “Ally Nikki Starukhin.”

Nikolai’s brow furrows as he looks down at me. “Nikki?” he asks.

I can’t help but giggle, even though my body aches. “For Dominika,” I reply.

He smiles. “Welcome to the world, Ally Nikki Starukhin.” He reaches out to brush his fingertips over Ally’s downy head, careful not to disturb the delicate strands of hair that cling to her damp skin.

His voice cracks, and I can see the tears threatening to spill from his eyes, like the ones streaming down my cheeks.

His lips descend upon my sweaty forehead, pressing a tender kiss there—a silent reassurance that we have done something extraordinary together.

“Eden, she’s perfect,” he murmurs, his eyes alight with a fierce love I’ve only ever seen directed at me before. “Absolutely perfect.”

“Congratulations,” Dr. Galano interjects, catching Nikolai’s attention. “You’ve made a life, not taken one. That’s something to be proud of.”

A soft lightfrom the window falls on Ally as she sleeps peacefully in my arms. My heart swells with love for this tiny life that Nikolai and I have created and fought for. Her delicate features are squished tight in a sweet frown, and wisps of red hair rest on top of her head. I feel a pang of sadness, knowing the woman responsible for all our happiness will never meet her granddaughter.

“Hey,” Nikolai whispers, pressing his lips against my forehead before gazing down at Ally.

“It hurts knowing that Ally will never meet her grandmothers,” I say. “They would’ve loved her to pieces.”

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