“For now, is good enough for me,” I tell him. “I could really use a break.”
He laughs and turns the music up loud again, speeding now to get us back home as quickly as he can.
***
When we’re back home, Valentin walks me in without ever letting go of my hand.
“I need a solid nap,” I tell him.
“Me too,” he agrees.
When we reach my bedroom door, he surprises me by scooping me up suddenly.
“Valentin!” I squeal when we enter, as he kicks shut the door and playfully shoves me down under him into my bed.
He grins down at me, blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “What? I can't celebrate my wife's first successful Bratva spy mission?”
“A spy mission is a bit of a stretch,” I laugh.
He rolls to his side, pulling me against his chest. “You were amazing today, Gela. I swear, I've never seen anyone pick apart a Zakharov that quickly.”
“I just followed my instincts,” I say, nestling into him.
His arms tighten around me, and he kisses me on the top of my head. “Your instincts are good. You truly fit in around here, you know? Much more than you realize.”
“All because you never let me feel like I didn’t belong here,” I whisper, tilting my face up to his. “And now? I can’t imagine being anywhere else but by your side.”
His face burns into my eyes as it softens into an expression so vulnerable, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this. My own heart slows down, like it knows this moment is one to remember forever.
“Gela Jones,” he says quietly. “I think I'm in love with you.”
His gentle words are the most enormous ones I’ve ever heard. I find my heart pick up pace, then run like it’s riding air itself, and I realize I've been waiting to hear those words and to say them back.
“I think I'm in love with you, too,” I whisper, watching his eyes light up. “Actually, no. IknowI am.”
He kisses me then, soft and sweet and full of promise. When we pull apart, he rests his forehead against mine.
“I know I’m in love with you, too.” He smiles. “I never thought I’d have this, you know? Someone who understands me and doesn’t hate me for it.”
“Hate you for it? Oh, Valentin.” I brush my lips against his, letting one hand reach for his heart. “No one who knows you could ever hate you. You’re the first man to have shown me what it means to have someone on their corner.”
“You’re the first woman to ever love all of who I am. The darkness and the edges.” He kisses me back. “Thank you.”
I curl into him, feeling safe and loved and, strangely enough, freer than I’ve ever felt before.
“I love you, Valentin Yuri,” I say again, thrilled by how I can say it whenever I want.
His arms tighten around me. “I love you, too, Gela Jones. More than I thought possible.”
Chapter 25 - Valentin
“What are we doing here?” Gela asks as she tilts her head back and shields her eyes against the glaring sun, staring up at the high-rise glass building.
The sunlight catches on the diamond on her finger, and I can't wait to see my fiancés face when I tell her the truth.
“Remember when you told me you wanted your own space?” I ask, taking her hand in mine. “That you wanted to build something that's all yours?”
She nods and looks at me, her brow furrowing slightly. “Yeah…”
