Page 128 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

"May I hold you?" he asked.

I turned and threw myself into his arms. His arms immediately tightened, holding me completely. His chest was solid and warm, heartbeat pounding against my ear through his shirt.

"You made me cry again," I said.

"My fault."

He lowered his head and kissed my hair, then released me and dropped to one knee. Silver-gray hair glowed softly in the light. He pulled a ring from his pocket. The center diamond was held by delicate gold branches, like a flower just blooming.

"Briony."

My heart raced painfully.

"I used to think promises meant making others obey rules that wouldn't change," he said. "Now I know promises mean choosing the same person again every single day."

His voice was steady. But the hand holding the ring trembled slightly.

"I can't promise our life will always be safe, can't erase everything I've done. But I can promise I'll be honest with you, respect your choices, stand beside you when you need me."

My tears kept falling.

"I'll love Rory, treat him as family. I'll protect our child."

He paused.

"I'll spend my life proving to you that love isn't a cage."

Varlam looked up at me.

"Will you marry me?"

I deliberately sniffed. "What if I say I still need to think about it?"

He immediately looked like he was facing a major crisis, but still answered. "I'll wait."

"How long?"

"A lifetime."

My chest completely melted.

"You might not have to wait that long."

Light sparked in his eyes. I extended my left hand.

"Yes."

He slid the ring onto my ring finger and kissed it. His lips stayed on the back of my hand. Heat spread from my fingers all the way to my chest.

"You can stand up now," I said.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm not used to looking down at you."

Varlam stood. The next second, he gripped my waist and lifted me onto the edge of the wooden table. I gasped, hands instinctively grabbing his shoulders.

"The doctor said your injury—"