But he’s not Demyan. He’s a negotiator first. He’s the brains and thinks things through.
Demyan is might and will do what’s needed and will go that extra mile. He needs to be that way to run his bratva, to protect me and his family. Demyan’s a killer, deep down.
Not Ilya, though. That part of being a pakhan isn’t in his blood, which makes me happy.
Then again, everything about Ilya makes me happy.
Especially his words of love.
And he’s still breathing.
Still mine.
Still here.
The father of my child. The love of my life. And maybe, if I’m honest, he’s always been there in my heart, from when I had a crush on him as a kid to now.
Just like Max is in my heart. My other love.
And I see Max as a blessing.
He gave me the foundation to truly love again.
To find my way back to Ilya and to realize the changes in our relationship for what they were. Mature, real love.
Max loved me enough to give me a second chance.
Ilya loves me enough to allow me all the time to find my way.
And I have.
To him.
Isla’s talking to me, but I just want to bask in the strength that Ilya’s presence gives me. That calmness tinged with the promises of excitement and lust. I want to bask in his love.
Erin asks Isla something, and they start talking.
I have the people I love in this room.
Most of them. And Demyan’s close by.
Albert snuggles in more, knowing he’s protected by Ilya, too.
I tug on Ilya’s hand and look up at him.
He comes in close. “Yes,malyshka?”
“I’m excited to start this new chapter of our lives,” I whisper.
His eyes widen in delight. “You are?”
“Yes.” I kiss his hand.
The doctor comes in, frowning as his gaze hits the dog. Ilya stares at him until he swallows and steps back.
“I’m going to need to borrow her to run some tests again.”
“We have time,” Ilya says.
