Epilogue
MIA
It’s been an entire week since we have been home, and I still haven’t told Alek about the pregnancy. I’m nervous and I have no reason to be.
Alek has protected me in ways no one ever has before. My mom was paid the sum the Roswell’s were promised for me marrying into the Bykov family. My father is still being held in the dungeon and Alek won’t tell me where it is.
All I do know is that it is underground, but not right under the house, which brings me relief. I don’t think I would have liked living above a dungeon where people are crying for help.
Now, the week of being married to Alek is a dream come true. I haven’t had to fight for anything. I’ve been able to relax and finally read again. Alek created my own personal library where Ivan’s room used to be. Ivan didn’t allow me to read.
And now, I have shelves that reach the ceiling, and Alek even buys books for me. He even created a stamp that goes on the first page, and it says, “Mia’s Library.” My favorite lounge chair is here where I read and nap and read and nap.
It’s a beautiful never-ending cycle.
I’m living the life Alek promised and now it’s my turn to make sure I never break a promise again.
I can’t believe I’ve kept it from him for so long. There’s a part of me that feels like he isn’t ready. He just put his son in a dungeon to go insane in darkness for the rest of his life before Alek chooses to finally end his life.
What if he doesn’t want to be a father again?
“Lyubimaya?”
I blink out of my thoughts and fears when I hear his voice. I didn’t even hear him come into the library.
“Where did you go? Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve been in dazes all week.” His knuckles stroke my left cheek. “Are you feeling okay? I’ll get the doctor.”
This is it. This is the moment. I wanted something more elaborate and special, but I can’t wait another die when I’ve been keeping this from him for so long.
At least, I got a gift to announce it.
I reach under the lounge chair and pull out a small gift bag. There’s nothing on it or the tissue paper that will give away what’s inside.
“Is it my birthday?” He smiles, pinching the tissue paper between his fingers.
“No, but you deserve gifts too.” I cross my legs to get more comfortable.
“You didn’t have to do that, Mia. I have everything I could ever want.”
I lift a shoulder with a shrug. “Well, maybe this is something you can add to that.”
He narrows his eyes at me with skepticism, a smile playing on his lips. I’ve seen him smile more in this last week than I have in my entire life. Alek tugs the paper free, lying it neatly on the lounge chair, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.
Alek gasps, lifting his head to look at me. His eyes round, then he tilts his head back down, digging his hand in the bag to pull out the onesie.
On the front it says, “The next Bykov.”
“You’re pregnant?” He questions on a whisper, lying the onesie across his thigh to look at it. “Really? You’re really pregnant?” One lone tear rolls down his cheek before the dangerous Aleksandr Bykov wipes the evidence of his emotions away. “When did you know?”
“I’ve known since the cabin, but I didn’t know for sure until the penthouse.
I’m sorry I kept it from you for so long.
I didn’t know how to tell you. We weren’t exactly safe but then the drama with Ivan, I wasn’t sure if this was something you wanted.
I’m sorry. I promise I won’t ever keep something from you again. ”
He shoots to his feet and shouts in excitement, practically roaring as if he won the biggest trophy of all time. Alek picks me up and swings me around in a few circles and I tap his shoulder to put me down.
I get motion sickness pretty easy these days.
“It’s okay.” He cups my face, happiness pouring off him in waves. “I understand but I want nothing more than to build a family with you, Mia. More than anything. More than everything, I want children with you.”
“I promise, I’ll take care of you and our child.” He cups my stomach, grinning like he won the lottery.
I cover his hand with mine. “And I promise not to keep anything from you again.”
“I love you, Mia. You have changed me for the better.”
“I love you too, Alek. You saved me. And you continue to every single day.”
The End.
P.S. If you enjoyed Savage Pakhan, then I think you’ll enjoy Mile High Ruin! Swipe to the next page for a sneak peek…