51. Cathy
51
CATHY
W e sit in comfortable silence for a while, just watching the sky shift from gold to dusky blue as stars begin to prick the heavens. Eventually, I turn to him, a shy smile tugging at my lips as I whisper, “Я тебя люблю,” the Russian words feeling less forced, something intimate I want to share with him.
Ivan’s eyes flicker with surprise, then melt into something warmer, something that leaves me breathless. He cups my cheek, his gaze unwavering as he replies in English, his voice a murmur against my skin. “I love you too.”
The words—simple yet profound—sink into me, filling me with a quiet joy. He pulls me into a gentle kiss, one that says everything, one that speaks of promises kept and a future unshackled by shadows.
For a while, we simply sit there, hand in hand, watching the horizon. And then, I can’t resist a grin, a little mischievous spark lighting within me. “Did you ever imagine this?” I ask, nudging him with my shoulder. “Back when you trapped me in your house?”
He chuckles, his voice a warm rumble that vibrates through me. “Honestly? I was more focused on getting an heir,” he teases, a sly glint in his eyes.
I gasp in mock offense, narrowing my eyes at him. “So that’s it, huh? Just here for your heir?”
He shrugs, his tone deadpan. “Well, that and because you’re quite good in bed.”
I let out an indignant laugh, giving his shoulder a playful shove. “You’d better watch it, Ivan Morosov, or I might start looking elsewhere for ‘good in bed’!”
His arm tightens around me instantly, his jaw tensing as he shoots me a possessive look that makes my heart skip.
“Don’t even think about it,” he says, his voice laced with mock jealousy, though his eyes twinkle. He leans close, his lips grazing my ear. “I’m not sharing you with anyone, Cathy. Ever.”
I grin, nudging him again, thoroughly enjoying his playful intensity. “There he is,” I whisper. “That’s the jealous man I married.”
He laughs, low and genuine, and together, we gaze out over our estate. I look across at the house that used to scare me so much, now the place I could never imagine leaving. It’s home. For me and my family.