AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Fair enough. Come.” I took her hand, her fingers wrapping around mine. When I pulled her to the truck, she looked over her shoulder.
“Where’s Kiki?”
Kiki was never far from her side, enjoying the attention as much as Emily loved providing it. I whistled, Kiki coming immediately, racing around the corner of the house. As soon as I opened the door to the truck, she jumped inside, eager to come on the adventure.
I laughed, which I’d become accustomed to doing with both my girls. Both. I could only hope that was the truth. I’d decided not to force her to stay. After the incident with Aziza, we hadn’t talked about her decision. She’d concentrated on taking care of her mother, indulging in the gardening and our passion that continued to flourish.
But I knew today would be the day she’d finally decide. I’d accept whatever she’d determined.
Even if it would close the door to the joy I’d found in being with her.
As I started the engine, I noticed she nuzzled close to Kiki, her arm around the pup’s neck. That gave me an indication of what she’d decided.
The drive was made in silence, adding a heavy weight to my heart. When I passed the trees, the sight of the warm glow of sun mixed with the vibrant colors dancing across the sky was breathtaking.
But not nearly as much as the woman who remained by my side.
She climbed out without saying anything, moving closer to the edge of the cliffs. I studied her after easing onto the rocky terrain, the light breeze flowing through her long hair forcing my cock to stiffen.
The beautiful woman had captured the devil’s heart, but the man inside was terrified he wouldn’t be able to survive the increasing emotions.
As I moved closer, I noticed her hand was fisted, her gaze locked on the tumultuous water crashing against the rocks.
When she spoke, I could swear angels were singing. “I love you, Kostya. More than I should. More than I believed was possible, but I can’t deny the way I feel. Only, I don’t know how to handle the knowledge you can’t love me. That hurts deep inside. I can’t be your weakness, only your strength. If that’s not possible, then it’s best the memories of what we shared be the sweetness that allows us to separate.”
I remained quiet for a full minute, hating the man I’d become. The single woof Kiki emitted was a reminder that there was no life without her in it.
As I stepped to her side, turning her around to face me, the tears in her eyes stabbed the very heart she’d awakened. I took her hands, squeezing until I found the courage to become the man she needed.
God help me. This was everything I shouldn’t want and the only thing that would make me whole.
“I love you, Emily. You brought me back to life. I can’t promise you that our time will be as peaceful as this moment, but I can ensure that every minute we spent together will be filled with a love that burns deep inside. You are my rock, and you’ll never be a weakness.”
There was no reaction for a few seconds. Then the light returned in her eyes, as bright and beautiful as the woman herself. As she threw her arms around my neck, I was allowed to feel the first breath of salvation.
For a monster.
For the devil himself.
All because of one woman who’d dared to take a chance.
When she broke the hold, she took a step away then raised her arm. “It’s time to end the past.” I watched in amazement as she tossed the flash drive over the edge of the cliff, a smile returning to her face.
Would the rumors remain about information that might or might not exist? Without a doubt. But the reality of her decision would allow the world to function as it had before.
There would always be criminals, battles to gain territories, and the desire to assassinate enemies, but for this man, it was time to retire and enjoy life.
And family.
With the single woman who’d broken through every barrier.
* * *
Emily
Two months later
Love was quirky and taxing, inspiring and hopeful. It was also the fire that would never burn out, the comfort of knowing that there would always be someone there to dry your tears and share in the joys that togetherness could bring.
