“How about we race for it?”
EPILOGUE
MAKSIM
Zermatt, Switzerland
Two Years Later
The world outside is white and endless, with peaks like frozen waves stretching for miles, swallowing the horizon. The cabin sits high above the valley, wrapped in a silence so complete it almost feels sacred. Away from the rush and chaos of home in the city, it’s the kind of peace that makes a man forget he’s ever drawn blood.
Almost.
I cross into the living room, warmth spilling around me, as the faint scent of wood smoke and her perfume hangs in the air. My eyes are drawn to her instantly. Valentina is standing on the balcony, a heavy fur draped over her shoulders, bare legs peeking through as she leans against the rail, gazing out at the Swiss Alps.
Every instinct in me aches to go to her, to wrap her up, and hold her, but I stay where I am, watching from behind the glass. I can’t help but smile as I drink her in, framed by snow-covered mountains, a view that feels like nothing more than a backdrop to her beauty.
And suddenly, I feel like the luckiest son of a bitch alive.
Maybe I don’t deserve her, or the kind of happiness flooding the cracks of my once-black heart, but I stopped caring about redemption the moment I realized my life meant nothing without her.
Fate’s a vengeful bitch for the cards she dealt me, for the blood, the suffering, but I’d live it all again if it meant falling for this woman and spending forever by her side.
My hand drifts to my pocket, brushing over the small box hidden beneath the fabric.
I’ve stared down the barrel of guns, taken blades to the ribs, and been dragged half-dead through darker nights than I can count. But nothing has ever made my pulse beat like this. It’s strange, knowing fear has never owned me, yet loving her feels like the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.
And still, I’ve never been more sure of anything.
I take a step closer, and she stills, just a faint glance over her shoulder, breath fogging the air from perfect pink lips. The heavy coat slides down her curves, pooling at her feet.
Instinct takes over, and I shove the glass door open, cold mountain air rushing in. But I don’t feel it. Not yet. Not when adrenaline floods my veins and pounds through every heartbeat.
“You’re going to freeze out here like that,” I murmur, wrapping her against my chest.
She nuzzles closer and kisses my forearm. “Not anymore.”
“Then why are you shivering?” I chuckle, lips brushing her ear.
“Hold me tighter then.” There’s a soft sway in her hips, and I fall into rhythm. “This is probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. It’s like getting a glimpse of heaven.”
“Agreed,” I say, not sparing the view a single glance. My eyes are on her, the only heaven I’ll ever need.
“Valentina…”
Maybe it’s the tone of my voice, but she stills and waits.
“Words will never be enough to describe the way you make me feel…the way my heart beats for you. And only you. I love you.”
I slip the ring onto her finger. She gasps softly, then turns to face me, eyes wide and shining.
“Maksim—”
“Marry me, Kolibri. Be my wife.”
Words that, two years ago, I never imagined would ever leave my lips.
She touches my face, tears gathering in her eyes. “Yes. A hundred times, yes.”
