Chapter 19 #2
We were drifting through clouds. They brushed past us—cool, damp, soft as cotton candy. Breaking through, the view sharpened—turquoise ocean, white sand, green palms, the grassy landing zone.
Chloe and Ben had already landed, waving up at us.
"Prepare for touchdown," Roman said. "Remember what I taught you—knees bent, run a few steps when you hit."
"Got it."
Closer, closer. Thirty feet, fifteen, ten—
"Run!"
My feet touched ground, and I ran forward. Roman controlled the chute behind me, bringing it smoothly to rest on the grass.
Then—we stopped.
Safe.
"Ha!" I laughed, adrenaline still screaming through my veins. "We did it! We actually did it!"
"I told you," Roman unclipped our harness, moved in front of me, fingers tilting my chin up. "I'd catch you."
"You did." I rose on my toes, kissing him first. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me." He kissed back softly. "Getting to share this with you—that's my privilege."
"Oh my God!" Chloe crashed into me, squealing. "You looked so amazing up there! When you spread your arms, you looked like an angel!"
"I thought I'd piss myself," I gasped, still grinning.
"But you didn't," Ben said warmly. "Congratulations, Nadia. First skydive—done."
"With the world's hottest instructor," Chloe added with a wink. "Right, Roman?"
Roman raised an eyebrow, pulling me against him possessively. "Naturally. Had to make sure my wife landed safely."
The four of us headed to the little tiki bar beside the base—thatched roof, bamboo counter, colorful string lights everywhere.
"Four Skydivers!" Chloe announced. "We're celebrating!"
The bartender grinned and started mixing. Soon four brilliantly colored cocktails sat before us.
"To courage!" Chloe raised her glass.
"To freedom!" Ben added.
"To..." I looked at Roman. He was already watching me, eyes deep and tender. "To trust."
"To the one who catches you," he finished, smile meant only for me.
We clinked glasses and drank.
Alcohol burned down my throat, exploding heat in my stomach. I coughed, eyes watering.
"Strong!"
"Of course it is." Roman wiped the corner of my mouth, gesture casually intimate. "Anything less wouldn't match your bravery."
I leaned against him, feeling the pleasant buzz, the warmth of his palm. Sunlight filtered through the thatch, dappling his profile with shifting light.
In that moment, I suddenly thought—
If only time could freeze here forever.
No Chicago. No mafia. No one-year deadline.
Just us. Just this ocean. Just this simple, pure happiness.
Chloe and Ben were planning tomorrow's snorkeling trip while Roman listened quietly, occasionally commenting. Under the table, his fingers tangled with mine, thumb drawing slow circles on my hand.
An unconscious intimate gesture that made my heart race.
"Tired?" he murmured, voice for me alone.
"A little," I admitted.
"Then we'll head back early." His tone was gentle but final. "You need rest."
"But—"
"No buts." He cut me off softly. "You've been brave enough today. The rest of the time, let me take care of you."
My heart stuttered.
Damn him. How could he say things like that?
Then his phone rang.
A specific ringtone—short, sharp, carrying urgent weight.
I felt Roman's body go rigid instantly.
He pulled out his phone, glanced at the screen, something heavy crossing his expression.
"Sorry." He stood, tone still gentle, but I caught the subtle shift. "Have to take this. Work."
"Okay." I nodded, trying not to show my worry.
He walked outside, back to us.
I watched his silhouette, unease stirring in my gut.
Was it Bratva business?
"Is he okay?" Chloe whispered.
"Should be... I think," I said, not convinced.
Two minutes later, Roman returned.
His expression stayed calm, but I noticed his jaw was tighter than before.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing major." He sat beside me, took my hand, "Just some business in Chicago needs handling. I'll have to fly back a few days early."
My heart sank.
"When?"
"Tomorrow morning." His thumb stroked my hand soothingly. "But you don't need to come. Stay here, keep enjoying yourself. Victor will look after you. Once I finish up, I'll come back for you."
"But—"
"Nadia." He cut me off, turning fully toward me, hands cupping my face, forcing me to meet his eyes. "Listen. This situation's complicated. I don't want you caught up in it. You stay here—then I can focus. Understand?"
His gaze was so serious I couldn't refuse.
"Okay." I finally gave in. "But promise you'll come right back when you're done."
"I promise." He kissed my forehead gently. "And..."
He paused, that wicked smile returning. "I'll miss you. Miss you like crazy."
My face flushed instantly.
"Stop it!" I shoved his chest, but warmth flooded through me.
After saying goodbye to Chloe and Ben, we headed back to the hotel early.
Roman had urgent emails and conference calls to handle while I soaked in a hot bath, trying to calm my nerves.
When I emerged, he sat on the balcony, typing on his laptop. In the darkness, his profile looked especially sharp, that focused intensity dangerously attractive.
I walked over, wrapping my arms around his neck from behind.
"Done yet?"
"Almost." He caught my hand, squeezed. "Give me ten more minutes."
"Okay." I kissed his cheek. "I'll pack."
"Don't pack," he said. "You're staying here. I'm only gone a few days."
"Oh."
I walked back to the bedroom, sat on the bed, staring blankly at the night outside.
Tomorrow he'd be gone.
Just a few days, but somehow I had this bad feeling.
Like something was about to happen.
"What are you thinking?"
Roman stood in the doorway, work apparently finished, watching me.
"Nothing." I shook my head. "Just... I'll miss you."
He crossed to me, sat down, arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.
"I'll miss you too," he said against my hair, voice low and tender. "But I have to go. Some things I have to handle personally."
"Is it dangerous?" I asked, pulse quickening.
He was quiet for several seconds.
"A little," he admitted. "But I'll be careful. I promised I'd come back."
"You also promised you'd catch me," I looked up at him. "And you did. So this time, I believe you too."
His eyes softened further, leaning down to kiss me.
The kiss was light, slow, filled with tenderness and reluctance.
"I'll come back," he murmured against my lips. "Wait for me."
"I will," I said. "I'll wait."