Epilogue
Sera
The wood planks on the deck still hold heat from the late afternoon, Fourth-of-July sun. I lean forward against the upper deck railing so I can see the pool below. The solar twinkle lights I strung along the railing flicker to life in the fading daylight.
I set my water bottle on the flat edge, listening to the variety of happy voices drifting up from the patio and pool.
Alex and Liev are standing just below me unaware of my presence.
I smile at the sight of the powerful bratva heir cradling his sleeping infant against the ink over his heart, one big hand supporting her tiny head.
His eyes flick every few minutes to where his wife sits on the side of the pool with her best friend and podcast partner Cami Bloom and Cami’s sister-in-law Cara Evans.
It took time and seeing Dr. Swan on a twice weekly basis for a while after Hannah’s betrayal to trust my judgment again.
But forming a relationship with Madison was definitely made easier by the fact we’re tied by blood through our husbands.
It’s been helpful to have someone to talk to about this unusual life I’m learning to live, and have her reassure me that life with these dangerous men isn’t just possible… It’s amazing.
Cami is submerged to her shoulders laughing as she referees a pair of toddler twins in floaties, splashing Cara. Through Madison, I’ve met both women, and gradually the rest of the Blooms. But Cara is the closest to my age, and we’ve become close.
My gaze goes to where Cara’s husband sits in the shade watching their youngest. Wes is some kind of tech genius and former hacker. He and Finn have ignored everyone all day talking about all things video games and code.
“Here, hold her,” I hear Alex say below me. He hands off the baby to Liev before grabbing a bottle of prosecco from the table nearby and strolling over to refill his wife’s cup.
“Shh.” My husband’s deep voice soothes as he settles the fussing infant against his massive, tattooed chest.
My stomach does a funny little flip.
He looks so big next to her, yet he holds her like she’s made of spun glass. The baby sighs in her sleep, and Liev’s expression softens in a way I’ve only ever seen when he looks at me.
Alex smirks as he returns to his side. “To think you used to be scared of babies.”
Liev snorts. “It’s the result of immersion therapy since all of you fuckers keep reproducing.”
“Uh-huh.” Alex reaches for his daughter, but Liev turns his shoulder, blocking him. Alex laughs quietly. “You aren’t getting any younger, you know. Clock’s ticking.”
“I’m thirty-five, asshole.” Liev’s gaze drops to the baby, then lifts again. His voice is quieter. “I can’t wait to have babies with Sera. She’ll be the best mom.” He pauses. “But she’s still young. And she’s still healing. I’m not going to rush her. She’ll let me know when she’s ready.”
I must make a sound because Liev looks up, his gaze locking with mine, and the familiar heat flows through me.
He hands off the baby and climbs the steps to join me. Positioning himself behind me, he slides his arms around my waist and settles his chin on my shoulder. I lean back into his skin, warm against my bare back.
“You look happy,” he murmurs.
“I am.”
He hums, lips brushing the side of my neck. “Lots of people here.”
I look out at the crowd of people, who on paper shouldn’t mix, but actually get along very well. A handful of Elite operatives chatting with members of the Bratva are intermixed with a handful of billionaires. It’s bizarre but wonderful.
“I know.”
He chuckles, his chest moving against my back. “You love it, don’t you?”
I nod. “Yeah, I really do. It’s our family.”
I glance to where Brady and Elizabeth are talking to Ray and Irina. Things are still awkward occasionally between my father and me, but he’s been trying, and I have to admit I like having him in my life.
“He needs to stop touching my mother,” Liev mutters when Ray puts his hand on Irina’s back again.
“At least she’s age appropriate. That’s new for him.”
He pretends to gag. “You aren’t funny.”
I giggle and turn in his arms to loop my arms around his neck. “I’m hilarious.”
He bends to brush his lips against mine.
“You looked awfully comfy with that baby, Gangster.”
“She’s pretty cute.”
I rise on my toes and kiss him again, deeper this time. “Ours will be cuter,” I say when I pull back.
He jerks back, his wide-eyed gaze dropping to my stomach, before snapping back to my face.
“Are you—?”
I laugh. “Oh my god! No! I have an IUD, remember? But I think maybe we should start thinking about it, old man.”
“Old man?” Then he groans. “You heard Alex.”
“He has a point. Babies are a lot of work. I worry about your stamina,” I tease.
He squeezes my ass and growls low in his throat. “Keep talking like that, and I’ll drag you inside right now to defend myself.”
I grin. “Promise? It might require a lot of time and practice.”
“I’m very good at practicing.” He takes my hand and starts dragging me toward the house.
I plant my heels, laughing. “Sorry, we still have the fireworks.”
“I can provide those.” But he doesn’t object when I lead him to the steps to rejoin the party.
Later, as the fireworks burst in the sky above us, my husband’s arms wrap around my waist. I tip my head back to look at him, my heart full. Liev leans so my lips are against his ear, to hear better over the booms.
“Thank you,” I say.
“For what?”
“For being patient with me.” I kiss his ear. “For giving me the family I always wanted.”
His arms tighten around me. “Same, malyshka. But I think we’ve earned it.”
THE END