It had been a hell of an afternoon. It began with her sharing the secrets of her past, which led to my impromptu proposal and her subsequent rejection, followed by a confession of my love.
Emotions ran high through it all, but we were making progress. The rest would fall into place when the time was right.
Chapter 25
Gemma
When I got homefrom work, I made sure to let Cannoli out before heading upstairs to change. Sasha had a game, so I’d be cuddled up with the dog for most of the evening until he got home. I was looking forward to slipping off my bra and doing nothing for the rest of the night.
I was running through a list of places I could order take-out from when I stepped into the bedroom and froze.
Laid across the mattress was a garment. The shockingly bright red was a sharp contrast to the white sheets. But what stood out the most was the black lettering spelling out the name Gusev above a giant number thirty.
Venturing closer, I held my breath as I ran my fingers over the fabric. When things got more serious with Sasha, I made sure to do my research. A deep dive into social media uncovered how players “claimed” their women—having them wear their jerseys.
After the proposal I’d turned down a week ago, I didn’t want to do anything else that might get his hopes up. It was bad enoughthat every cell in my body had screamed at me to say yes when he’d asked. The disappointment of my logical brain overruling my heart had only compounded when he confessed his love.
No one had ever loved me, at least that I could remember. I wanted to believe that maybe my mother had, that maybe she’d been as destroyed at the idea of leaving me and Enzo as Aunt Viviana had been about leaving her boys. But I would never know for sure.
I basked in the love that Sasha wrapped me in. It was a warm weight settled over my soul. But I forced myself to believe it was only temporary. The longer I held onto that ring without putting it on, the more strain it would put on our relationship. I could see it in his eyes—the belief that eventually he’d win me over, and I’d accept his offering of a life together.
Oh, how I wished it were that simple. That I wasn’t terrified out of my mind that tying myself to him wouldn’t equate to signing his death warrant. God knows how my brother and cousins would react if they ever discovered I was dating a Russian, regardless of Sasha having zero ties to any bratva. They were our enemies, end of story—the only thing that was black and white in a world that lived in shades of gray.
Marrying Sasha was out of the question.
Forcing myself to back away from the bed, I pulled out my phone and snapped a quick pic before shooting off a text.
Care to explain this suspicious-looking item that seems to bear your last name?
Instantly, three dots blinked at me, indicating Sasha was typing a reply.
Sasha:Thought maybe my girl wouldn’t mind coming to see me play tonight. Since she’s got a free evening and all.
Was I supposed to guess that this jersey was an invitation? Thought maybe you were just trying to brand me.
Sasha:Don’t tempt me, Kitten. You know I’d love nothing more than to give you my last name permanently.
Why the hell was I teasing him? Wasn’t I just thinking that I couldn’t lead him on?
Get your shit straight, Gemma!
A game, huh? I kinda had plans. The couch is looking inviting, and I have the most adorable furball to keep me company.
Someone needed to take the phone from me because I was fucking flirting with the man. Something about him made me lose all sense of reason.
Sasha:*Cringe face emoji* Damn, that is some stiff competition.
Okay, it was time to bring this back down to Earth.
I appreciate the offer, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea.
Sasha:*Nods knowingly* Ah, I see the problem. You’re worried that once you see me in action, I will become even more irresistible than I already am.
I couldn’t help but giggle. There was no denying he brought more laughter to my life.
That’s exactly it. You’ve thoroughly destroyed my body as it is, and I’m not sure how much more I can handle. Honestly, I’m concerned for my health.
Sasha:That’s fair. But why don’t you tell me the real reason you don’t want to come, Gemma?
