"Promise." I seal it with a kiss.
We lie together, simply enjoying being in this moment with one another.
"What do you think it'll be?" he asks suddenly. "Boy or girl?"
The question makes me smile. Such a normal thing to wonder about. Such a stark contrast to the danger surrounding us.
"I don't know. Does it matter?"
"No." His hand stills on my stomach. "As long as they're healthy. As long as they're safe."
"They will be. We'll make sure of it."
"Tell me what you want," he says. "For the baby. For us. For after."
I consider the question. What do I want?
"Peace," I say finally. "I want to wake up without wondering if today is the day Roman finds us. I want to go to sleep knowing our child is safe. I want normal things—nursery furniture and baby names and midnight feedings."
"What else?"
"I want to see you hold our baby for the first time. Want to watch you be a father without the weight of this world on your shoulders." I trace the line of his jaw. "I want us to have boring days where the biggest problem is what to make for dinner."
"Boring sounds perfect." He kisses my forehead. “When Roman is dead and we're safe. I'm going to marry you properly."
My throat tightens. "You're proposing?"
"I'm stating a fact." His thumb brushes my cheek. "You're mine, Kira. You've always been mine. And when this nightmare ends, I'm making it official."
"What if I say no?"
"You won't." The confidence in his voice makes me smile despite myself.
"Arrogant."
"Certain." He pulls me closer. "Because you love me as much as I love you. We've already survived hell, and we're not letting anything keep us apart again."
He's right. Of course he's right.
"Then yes," I whisper. "When this is over. When we're safe. Yes, I'll marry you."
"I'm going to give you everything," he promises.
"I just want you." I kiss him softly. "The rest is just details."
We drift in comfortable silence. I feel safe for the first time in a very, very long time even though I know the wolves are circling.
"Kira?" His voice is drowsy now.
"Hmm?"
"If something happens to me—"
"Don't." I press my fingers to his lips. "Don't finish that sentence."
"I have to." He moves my hand gently. "If something happens, I need you to promise me you'll run. Take Anya and the baby and disappear. Don't try to fight. Don't try to avenge me. Just survive. If Semyon survives, trust him."
"Maksim—"
