Epilogue I
Katerina
“Mile twelve, eight thirty-seven,” I holler to the sweaty man next to me.
“If we do this last mile sub eight, I’ll give you a treat.” My husband’s voice is full of promise. I look over, and he arches a brow. I instantly pick up my pace. I’ll be damned if I don’t get that treat.
We’ve gotten to a point where Dominic can run with me most days. It’s a cathartic way to start our morning. He’s even started to look at it as quality time as opposed to ‘masochistic torture.’
“Pick up your feet. Come on! You won’t want to miss this treat.” I glare at him. He’s using my own words against me.
“I bet I can beat you to the finish line,” I goad.
“You’re on–”
Before he can finish, I shove him to the ground, then sprint as fast as I can. I hear his gasp followed by a deep chuckle. He’s back on his feet and gaining on me. The slaps of his shoes against the trail echo around us.
“You play dirty, tiger,” he whispers from over my shoulder.
We’ve run this route enough times to know that the tree with the Y-shaped branch marks thirteen miles. I’m only a few steps away. I can taste my victory.
Until I’m hauled in the air and spun around. My husband drops me on the ground and whooshes past me with a laugh.
I turn around with a scowl and cross the last two steps. Glaring at him the entire time, I pause my watch, then stretch my arms.
“Well, did we make sub eight?” he asks.
I glance down, and grin. “Seven fifty-five.”
“Great. You’ve earned your prize, even if you did lose the race,” he says casually.
“I didn’t lose! You cheated!” I scoff at his indignation.
“You cheated first, tiger. It’s only fair.” I glare at him, unable to dispute his claim.
“Well, what’s my prize?” I demand stubbornly.
Expecting him to seduce me, I take a step forward. To my surprise, he digs into his pocket.
“I know we’ve done everything backwards.
We married before we even met, which isn’t conventional.
But I wouldn’t change anything about our story.
Except, maybe this. I should’ve given it to you a while back, but the timing never felt right.
But now, after so many people have questioned us, this is needed on your finger. You deserve to be adorned.”
He pulls out a black velvet box and opens it.
Sitting inside is a beautiful square-cut, ruby ring adorned with diamonds on the side.
My heart stutters a beat as it glints in the sun, a warm blood-red color.
It perfectly matches the apology necklace and jewelry from all those months ago.
My finger twitches to try it on, but I refrain.
“What are you apologizing for this time?” I tease.
“That’s not what this one is. Although for the next set, I’m thinking sapphire.” His grin turns serious. “This is to show my love for you.”
“Мама told me to never say yes to a man who isn’t down on his knee.” I fake being appalled.
“I’m not asking you any questions.” He scowls.
“Aren’t you proposing to me?”
He scoffs. “No, don’t be ridiculous. You’re already married to me, and that’s not going to change.
” He glares at me, then straightens his features.
“I’m giving you a ring to wear with your wedding band every day.
Something just as beautiful as you. And so that every man can see from far, far away that you’re taken.
” With the size of the stone and the deep color, no one will miss it.
“So, an engagement ring.” I confirm.
“No. We’re not getting engaged. We’re already married.” He huffs. “If you don’t like it, just tell me. I’ll get you another one.”
“Oh, stop being a baby. It’s beautiful. Just put it on me already!” I thrust my hand towards him in a not-so-subtle hint. He pulls the ring from the box and slides it onto my finger. It’s a perfect fit, which isn’t a surprise considering the numerous apology rings he’s bought me already.
“So, you like it?” His voice is almost nervous, as though every piece of jewelry he’s already bought me hasn’t been stunning.
“Of course I do. It’s better than the treat I thought I was getting,” I tell him in awe, unable to take my gaze off him.
“What treat were you expecting?” His hungry gaze tells me he already knows.
“I was hoping for a man on his knees between my thighs.” I sigh wistfully. “But a ring is good too.”
“Why not both?” His husky voice sends shivers down my spine.
I part my legs slightly, playing with the hem of my shorts. He’s between my thighs, lapping at my slit in the blink of an eye. I have to lean against a tree for support. His tongue sends me over the edge in record time. When he continues after my release, I have to pry him away to catch my breath.
“Come on,” I tell him as I pull him to his feet. “We have a meeting with Stefan, Roman, and Pyotr about the new use of the ports.”
He sighs as though running his criminal operation is an inconvenience.
“I thought you were a work-oriented man. I didn’t marry some lazy guy!” I frown at him.
“I used to be. Now anything that isn’t my wife is a chore,” he whines.
And despite the absurdity of the sentence, it makes my heart burst. Because I finally have a man who loves me.