Epilogue Two
LYRIC
Ican’t hide my excitement as we drive to the casino. I look up at the first camera in the portico as the armored SUV that Aleksei insists I ride in pulls up. My door is opened by a Bratva soldier, something else that changed after we got back from our honeymoon back in February. My husband only trusts the soldiers to guard me, not hired security. He says security can be paid off, but soldiers will die before they turn their back on the family. He’s not officially a member of the Bratva, but Andrei gives him special considerations because he once was.
I know my husband will be waiting for me as soon as I step into the grand foyer of the Lucky Dice Casino. It’s packed, but people move out of his way as he stalks toward me. I just came from the doctor’s office. He doesn’t know yet, but I have a huge surprise for him. It took him a year, but he finally got me pregnant. It’s our first anniversary, and I’m excited to spend some time with my hubby in our suite on the private floor.
I work for the casino, but I work from home. Aleksei doesn’t like me going far, and I don’t either. After the attack last year, I’m more skittish out in public. But today, none of that is around. I’m excited.
When a man bumps into me, I almost fall over, but Aleksei is there to catch me, like he always is.
“Watch it, suka,” Aleksei curses in Russian, calling the man a bitch.
“Sorry.” The man’s voice vibrates with fear, and I love when my husband goes all caveman on me.
“Hello, my love.” I lean up and kiss his chin, distracting him from wanting to kill the other man. “Lean down here.” I pull his head down. “I’m pregnant,” I whisper in his ear.
I’ve been sick for weeks now, and he was getting worried, so I went to the doctor and it was confirmed. I told him I didn’t need him to come with me because it was probably just the stomach flu. I insisted he come to the office because I had my suspicions that we had finally done the deed.
It’s been hard on me watching all the others either get pregnant or have babies and not me, but today just confirmed it wasn’t our time until now.
“Really?” He looks down, his eyes wide, his voice harder than usual.
I nod, and before I can say anything else, I’m cradled in his arms and being carried to the elevators. I’m so glad I was the one who had to go to the club and entice Aleksei. That I had to steal his identity so I could get access to the casino. Without all that and going all in on him, I wouldn’t have the best life I’ve ever had.