Tommy.
I say a silent prayer for him, the words forming in my mind like they have a hundred times before.
Forgive me for moving on.
For feeling this again.
For wanting it.
Tommy deserved better than the end he got, and I've carried that guilt like a chain. But here, with Eddie's warmth against me, the chain feels lighter. Not gone, but bearable at least.
He murmurs something in his sleep, nuzzling closer.
I stand carefully, lifting him into my arms—light as a feather, trusting even in dreams. I carry him upstairs to the guest bed, tuck him under the covers with Goldie beside him. He stirs faintly, but I sing softly—the same old Russian lullaby, my voice low and rumbling. "Bayu-bayushki-bayu..." The melody wraps around him, ensuring he stays asleep, peaceful.
Once the darling Little is settled, I walk over to the bedroom window and stare out into the blackness. The woods are invisible now, swallowed by night, but I know they're there—hiding threats, secrets.
Tomorrow is going to be dangerous.
Heading into the city, exposing us both.
But it has to be done. I've already waited too long, let the whispers grow into doubts. It's time to put myself back in the firing line—no matter what the cost. The family depends on it. And now, so does he.
I close the curtains, leave the room quietly so I can make some late night calls and prepare the most trusted of my men for my return.
Tomorrow waits.
But for the first time in years, so does hope.
I feel the cool morning breeze around me as I glance at my phone, my finger hovering over send…
Viktor: It begins.
I know that Ivan has been waiting for my word. And there it is, short and to the point. There is no turning back now. Not now, and not ever. I’m in this all the way.
The morning air is crisp, just how I like it. I stand on the gravel drive outside the house, coat collar turned up against the chill, watching the last of the mist burn off the lake.
Alexander has already left in the black SUV—my request. Should anyone be tailing us somehow, or watching the property, the SUV heading south will draw eyes in the wrong direction.
A simple diversion, but effective.
Eddie stands beside me, bundled in one of my old jackets over his jeans and sweater, Goldie tucked inside his backpack. He’s quiet, eyes fixed on the empty road where Alexander disappeared.
I glance at him. “We’re not taking the Volvo.”
He looks up, surprised. “Why not?”
I nod toward the garage. “Too expected. We’ll take the sports car instead. No one in the city knows I have it. It’s fast, sleek, could help us out of a tight spot should it come to that. And the fact no one knows it’s mine, means another layer of misdirection if needed.”
He nods slowly, but I can see the question in his eyes before he asks it…
“Are you sure everything will work out okay?”
I step closer, cupping his face in both hands. His skin is cold from the morning air, cheeks flushed pink. “I would never promise that, malysh. Not in this life. But I swear to you, oneverything I am, I will die protecting you before I let any harm come to my darling boy.”
Eddie’s eyes shimmer. He rises on his toes, and I meet him halfway. The kiss is slow, deep, full of everything we haven’t said yet. His fingers curl into my coat lapels; mine slide into his hair. When we break apart, his breath is shaky, but his gaze is steadier.
“Come on,” I murmur. “Let’s go.”
