“I’m far from perfect, but I guess you’ll find that out soon enough.”
His grunt makes it clear he disagrees with me as he carries me past my cabin and in the direction of his house instead.
“I’m taking you home, Lily, toourhome.”
An image of party animal Ilya having a grand ol’ time in this place with various women hits me hard, and I can’t let it go. It’ll haunt me forever if I don’t say anything, so I do. Before he can open the door, I say, “Maybe we could stay at my cabin instead.”
“But it’s so tiny,” he says. “You’ll love this place. You can see an amazing view of the ocean from the balcony off the second floor. I really think you’re going to love it.”
“I’m sure it’s beautiful,” I say, and then I say in a much softer voice, “I’m sure all the other women thought so too, and that’s the problem, Ilya. I don’t want to spend our life in a house that’s haunted by ghosts of women past.”
“We won’t be.” He opens the door and carries me inside, flipping the lights on before gently kicking the door shut. “No one’s been here but you.”
It takes me a second to register what he’s said because I’m too busy eyeing the gorgeous house we’ve just stepped into. The robin’s egg blue walls and white trim give it a beachy feel, the kind of place you walk into and immediately feel calmer. The leather couch looks comfortable instead of thetoo nice to sit onkind, and the kitchen is in the style that dreams are made of.
“Wow,” I say, taking in the sight of the large farmhouse sink, the white cabinets, and the large island that immediately makes me think of what he’d done to me earlier today.
“It’s a lot bigger,” he says, reading my mind. “Just think of all the things I can do to you on this one. We’ll need to christen every room, but tonight we’re starting with the bedroom.”
I smile and nip at his ear, laughing when he groans and smacks my ass. He carries me up the stairs, and when we step into a large bedroom, I momentarily stop nibbling on his neck so I can look around.
“This is beautiful,” I say, taking in the large windows that run the length of the wall that faces the ocean. I know as soon as the sun rises, it’s going to be one hell of a view. There’s also a set of French doors that must lead out to the deck that runs along the entire back of the house. I catch a glimpse into the attached bath, looking just long enough to see a large soaking tub before Ilya tosses me onto the king-size bed. I let out a surprised yelp when I bounce on the soft mattress, but it dies in my throat when Ilya quickly gets rid of his torn, bloody shirt and then starts to undo his jeans.
My eyes drink in the sight of him, and before he can completely strip down and I lose my ability to think, I take advantage of the moment and ask, “Are you sure you aren’t too hurt for this?”
His grin is downright devilish while he slowly unzips his jeans. “I will never be too hurt for this.” Tugging his jeans down, I’m momentarily sidetracked when his thick cock springs free. His deep chuckle has me bringing my eyes back to his.
“See something you like, sweetheart?” he asks with a grin.
“I do,” I whisper, watching as he stalks towards the bed and reaches out for me. Grabbing my ankles, he pulls me closer, making quick work of my clothes until we’re both naked with nothing between us.
“My beautiful fiancée,” he murmurs while dragging his fingers up my leg and then ghosting his thumb along my navel. “I promise I’ll get you a ring.”
“I don’t need a ring,” I start to say, but he leans down to nip at my hip, making me squeal when it tickles. He laughs and bites harder before kissing his way up my side.
“You’re getting a ring. You deserve everything, and I plan on giving it to you.”
He doesn’t give me a chance to argue. Instead, he latches onto my breast and gives me a hard suck while nudging my thighs wider so he can position himself between them. His tongue flicks my nipple as his thick head presses against my slit. Every single part of my body aches for his, and when he lets go of my breast so he can ask me if I’m sure, the yes I give is an easy one. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.
“Ilya,” I whisper when he starts to press into me. His dark eyes stay locked on mine and when I say, “I love you,” he groans and thrusts in as deep as he can go, locking our bodies together for the first time.
I wrap my arms and legs around him, stunned at the size of him, at how he’s made me feel full in a way that’s almost too much. Threading my fingers into his dark hair, I pull him closer and kiss him, letting him feel how much I love and want him. When he starts to rock his hips, I clutch him tighter and moan my appreciation for every thick inch he’s giving me.
We lose ourselves in each other, neither one of us wanting it to end, and by the time the sky starts to lighten, I’m spent in a way I hadn’t thought possible. My voice is hoarse from yelling his name, I’m pretty sure every muscle I have is pulled, and I’m so tired I can’t even keep my eyes open.
In other words, it’s perfect.
His strong arms wrap around me as he kisses my head, whispering that he loves me, and that’s the last thing I hear before exhaustion pulls me under.
One Year Later
Lily
When Bran makes the L-shape with his hand and holds it to his heart, I have to will myself to not start crying. My pregnancy hormones are all over the place, and seeing the little four-year-old smile up at me while using the name sign he gave me is more than enough to tip me over the edge. With eyes that are threatening to spill over, I open my arms to Bran for a hug, smiling when he wraps his small arms around my neck and buries his little body against mine.
I look up and see Nina fighting tears, too. Watching Bran slowly transform before our eyes into a happy, healthy toddler has been an emotional journey that’s left all of us with teary eyes at one point or another. Talia lets out a laugh and joins our hug. Bran puts his hand on her back, feeling the vibrations of her laugh. He’s learning so quickly, way faster than the adults, but everyone now has a basic level of understanding with ASL.
When he wiggles out of our hug, he smiles at Talia, and asks her if she wants to play with their trains. She easily understands the signs he’s making and nods a quick yes before racing over to the train table that’s set up in the corner of the room. Dmitri quickly joins them, helping them with the wooden train tracks so he can make a bridge for them.
