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Valentin had fabricated a lie to keep Valerie captive. She thought she was somehow protecting her family, her sister from the wrath of Solonik. But she was only a victim to an elaborate game of life and death.
Her life has been a long lesson of danger, grief, and pain. It was my responsibility now to change that. To protect her. Even if I had to lie to give her a false sense of hope, then I would.
She had lost so much, and I had made a vow. From now on, there would only be good things in her life. There was so much one could bear, and I knew…Valerie had reached the end of her rope. As long as she had me at her side, I’d shield her from any more pain.
Valerie slid closer to me, her body molding mine. Her softness against the hardness of my body. She fit perfectly into the crook of my arms and she buried her head in my chest. I felt her inhale and then exhale. I did the same, catching her sweet scent. It soothed my mind. It soothed my soul.
I never said I was a good man.
I never promised to make good decisions.
Maybe this was wrong…maybe it’d hurt later. Maybe I was lying at the cost of losing her in the future.
But for now, I’d save her from the suffering she’d endure if she knew the truth.
Chapter 36
Valerie
“Won’t Alessio be angry that you left without any guards?” I casually asked as we stepped out of the black Range Rover.
Ayla rolled her eyes in exasperation while Maddie let out a loud laugh. “Angry? He’s going to be livid,” Maddie announced.
Oh shit. That didn’t sound good.
I knew Viktor worried endlessly about my safety, but he didn’t put any restrictions on me. He said I could go anywhere I wanted as long as I didn’t go alone. Over the last few weeks, I realized how paranoid the Ivanshov men were. Alessio didn’t allow Ayla to step past the gates without any bodyguards at her side. It wasn’t controlling, but actually quite sweet to see how much he cared about his wife.
Who would have thought made men like the Ivanshovs could be reduced to a puddle of mush at their women’s feet?
I had to fight a giggle at the thought. Ayla grabbed my arm and pulled me forward. “Don’t worry about it. Marriage is more fun when you’re a brat once in a while. I learned that very quickly, and I love to keep Alessio on his toes.”
We stepped over the curb, and I stared at the shop in front of me. Angel’s Coffee.
“Ta-da. My anniversary gift from Alessio. It’s been a year since we opened.”
“I don’t have to work for a living. The credit card Alessio gave me is limitless, and I’m pretty sure we have enough money to last us three more generations. But Alessio thought maybe I needed something of my own. Something that would make me feel independent. When I became his wife, he promised me the world and he also vowed he’d let me spread my wings. Alessio didn’t want me to feel trapped in our estate. So he gave me this. I’m a businesswoman and the proud owner of Angel’s Coffee.”
Maddie cleared her throat. Ayla laughed. “And yeah, she’s my business partner.”
“Viktor thought that maybe you needed something to take you out of the house. We know after everything…you want to start slow. The shop is flourishing day by day, and we need a helping hand. So if you…” She left her sentence hanging, but I understood the meaning behind their unsaid words.
They were trying to help me find my feet again. I didn’t have to discover the meaning of my life on my own. I had these people beside me, holding my hand.
Viktor was right.
I wasn’t alone. Not anymore.
“I’d love to work for you. It’s an honor.”
Ayla clapped her hands together. “Perfect! With a newborn and a toddler, I’m so glad you have decided to join us. I won’t be able to come to the shop a lot until I know Xander will be okay without me for a long period of time. I guess…I’m taking my maternity leave. You and Maddie can handle this place without me for a few weeks.”
I looked around the coffee shop. It wasn’t too small or too big. It was perfect and cozy. I continued to look around, moving from table to table, wall to wall, trying to get myself acquainted to the new place and new environment.
I have been caged for so long, it felt weird to finally taste freedom.
I suddenly froze, the pulse in my neck pumping as my ears perked up at a strange sound. A creak and soft whine in the floorboards. My head snapped up and stared at the closed door which was situated behind the counter. I had figured it was a door to the bathroom or a closet.
