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“The baby!” I shoot straight up but tubes restrain me, sending a jolt of pain through my body.
“It’s okay,” he says gently, his face softening. "Everything appears to be fine with the pregnancy. You’re both safe now."
Relief floods through me, easing the tight knot of worry that had formed in my throat. I let out a shaky breath, tears welling inmy eyes. “I want this baby, Maxim. I didn’t plan for it, but I want to keep it. I’m sorry if this isn't what you want, but?—”
"Stop," he interrupts, holding my face tenderly in his hands, his gaze intense. "You don't have to be sorry. This baby is a part of us. I thought I was too broken to do this again, but you've turned my world upside down, in the best possible way. I want this family with you.” The words leave his lips with newfound softness, his thumb softly caressing my cheek. “I love you, Kira. More than I ever thought possible.”
Tears blur my vision. I’m not sure if it’s the pain medication or the ordeal I've been through, but I’m dumbfounded, never dreaming I’d hear those words from Maxim.
"I love you too," I whisper. "I was terrified you wouldn't want this ... or us."
Maxim gently wipes away my tears. "I’m fucking crazy about you. A life with you is more than I could dream of.”
A flicker of happiness ignites in my heart, basking in the promise of our future together.
“I’d never run away from you.” My hand glides down his face, coming to rest on his strong jawline. He briefly closes his eyes, savoring the contact, before opening them to meet my gaze. “I wasn’t sure if this is what you’d want, but I was always going to be honest with you.”
“I know. And I’m sorry I didn’t realize it earlier.” He pauses, his gaze tenderly sweeping over my face. “Nadya killed your aunt, didn’t she?”
I nod, a pang of sorrow bubbling deep within. “My father did the torture and killing. But she was the one who lured her to the warehouse under the guise of helping her. She promised Masha your protection, but of course, it was all lies.”
"I'm so sorry for not seeing what she was earlier.” His voice is calm, but his shoulders are tight. “She will pay. I promise you that." A quiet fury radiates from him.
My stomach turns as reality sinks in. “Where is Nadya now?”
His jaw clenches, and when his eyes meet mine, the raw intensity in them makes my breath hitch. “Still alive. I will deal with her in time.” Maxim changes the subject, his voice softer now. “Are you tired?”
“A little,” I admit, feeling the weight of exhaustion tugging at my eyelids.
He smiles, a glimpse of tenderness. “Your whole family is here. They’ve taken over the waiting room. Luckily, we're in a hospital I built.”
I tilt my head in question.
“You want to know what I do with the money I make from wine?” He gestures all around us.
A small, tired smile grows on my lips. “Of course. You steal from the rich and give to everyone else. A modern-day Robin Hood.”
He shrugs, a sparkle in his eyes. “I call it ‘wealth redistribution’.”
I gesture towards the door with my head. “Tell them to come in. I’ll kick them out when I need to sleep.”
“I haven't told them about the pregnancy. It’s still early, and I wanted it to be your choice when to share the news.”
I nod gratefully. He plants a gentle kiss on my forehead before stepping out of the room.
Closing my eyes, I drop my hands into my lap, drinking in this perfect moment. So many emotions shift beneath the surface.
The reality of nearly losing everything hits hard. We've been through hell and back, but somehow, it made everything clear. I need Maxim as much as I need my next breath. And I have him. For real this time. Nothing can change that.
Moments later, my husband returns with everyone. And I meaneveryone.
Alyona is the first through the door. She rushes to my side, gently throwing her arms around me. “Oh my God, Kira, I’ve never been so afraid.”
I doubt that’s true, given the life we lead, but I can’t deny this has been a terrible ordeal.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
She shakes her head. “All I care about is that you’re okay.”
