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She smiles, tilting her head my way. “I’ll be waiting.”

I press a soft kiss to her lips and then push my chair back. Slipping my hands inside my pockets, I stride over to him and take the spot beside him. I tap my knuckles against the counter and motion for the bartender, indicating I’ll have the same as Vin.

“Well.” Vin leans against the bar, his eyes overlooking the crowd. “It seems this was a successful evening.”

I nod as I accept the glass of amber whiskey from the bartender. Anxiously, I bring it to my lips and take a heavy sip, needing as much liquid courage as I can get for the conversation about to happen. My fingers curl around the crystal glass, my index finger tapping repeatedly against the smooth surface.

“Vin, there’s something—”

“I wanted to talk to you about—”

I shake my head and gesture a hand for him to speak first. “You go.”

Any reason to delay the inevitable words that need to come out of my mouth.

He reaches inside his pocket and turns to face the bar, placing a small black velvet box on the counter. He slides it my way, and I open it to find an eye-catching diamond engagement ring.

“Is this you proposing to me?” I ask, smirking.

Rolling his eyes, he squeezes the back of his neck. “You wish.” He lets out a heavy breath, bracing his forearms against the wood. “Mom gave this to me a few years ago. It’s her engagement ring from Dad, and I…” He pauses, then says, “I want you to have it.”

My brows furrow. “Why? You’re the head of the family. You should be the one who uses this.”

He lifts one shoulder. “Let’s face it. The woman from the club obviously doesn’t want me to find her.” His gaze lowers. “We both know I’ve enjoyed my fun over the years.” He peeks up, a slight smirk spreading over his face.

I scoff. “Understatement of the century.”

“I know.” He taps his knuckles on the wood, his smile fading. “I never thought I’d settle down, but in my heart, I knew she was it for me. She was the one who made me feel alive for the first time in my life. And I…” He lets out a shaky breath. “I lost her, which means I lost my one chance at doing this whole thing.” His voice tightens as he gestures around at the room full of people. “A wife. A kid. A family.” He stares at the counter, swallowing hard. “I don’t think it’s in the cards for me.” He regards me, his features softening. “But you and Charlotte are happy together. You’re in love just like the rest of my damn siblings.” He smiles, but I see the lie behind it. “So, I want you to have it. At least one of us should put it to good use.” He clasps my shoulder, and I swallow hard.

“Vin,” I start, closing the lid on the box and sliding it his way. “I can’t take this.”

“Why?” He arches a brow. “Not big enough?”

I shake my head, dragging my fingers through my hair. “It’s not that. It’s perfect, but I… I think you should hold on to it.”

His brows furrow as he straightens. “But I just told you—”

“I know who she is,” I blurt out, my heart thundering beneath my chest.

A sliver of hope crosses his features. “You do?” He grins, and it fucking shatters my heart. “Well, why didn’t you say anything?” A deep laugh escapes him as he rubs his palms together in anticipation. Fuck, this is going to destroy him. “I knew you could do it. So, what’s my mystery woman’s name?” He taps his chin. “Let me guess… Valentina?”

I shake my head.

“Hmm… Isabella? She definitely had an Italian fire in her.”

I shake my head again.

“Well, spit it out then. The suspense is killing me.”

My lips part, but nothing comes out. It’s like I’ve completely lost the ability to speak as nerves take hold of me.

Vin’s grin slowly falters. “Alex?”

God, I’ve stared down the barrel of a fully loaded gun, but telling him this name is probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done.

Taking a deep breath, I murmur, “Liliya.”

His body goes rigid, his eyes widening as he blinks a few times. “Excuse me?”