Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88879 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88879 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“It’s okay,” I whisper, pulling her into my arms. “It’s over. You’re safe now.”
She clings to me, her fingers digging into my skin as if afraid I’ll disappear. I hold her tighter, pressing my lips to her forehead, desperate to reassure her.
“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice raw and filled with regret. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
We don’t waste any more time. I carry her out of the warehouse, cradling her against my chest, and load her into my car. I drive with one hand, the other gripping hers tightly, feeling her trembling lessen as we speed away.
When we reach home, I don’t say a word as I lead her inside. Her body is covered in dirt and the remnants of Nikolai’s violation, and I can see the disgust in her eyes. I take her to the bathroom and turn on the shower, the sound of the water somehow comforting.
“Come here,” I say softly, helping her step inside.
The warm spray cascades over us, steam filling the small space. Lara’s body is tense at first, but I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. I can feel her start to relax, the water washing away the grime, the fear.
“Ivan,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. Her eyes are wide, haunted.
“I love you,” I say, the words coming out rough and desperate. “I fucking love you, Lara. When I thought I lost you. When I thought—”
Her lips cut me off, crashing against mine with a frantic need. I respond instantly, the kiss deepening, becoming something raw and fierce. We shed the soaked clothes between kisses, our hands frantic, searching. Her skin is warm under my touch, slick with water, and I feel an overwhelming desire to reclaim every part of her that Nikolai tried to take.
Our kisses grow slower, more tender, as the urgency fades into something deeper. I trace my hands along her body, exploring every curve, every tiny little scar. She shudders under my touch, and I feel her press closer, her need mirroring mine.
We sink down under the spray, the warm water cocooning us as we move together, our bodies finding a rhythm that is slow, intense, and filled with a desperate kind of love. I kiss every inch of her skin, each touch a silent promise.
Lara’s eyes meet mine. “Did you always have contracts for all the other women you wanted to… sleep with?”
I frown. “Never. You are the first. Why do you ask?”
She shakes her head. “Nothing. Just something Nikolai said.”
My jaw tightens. “If he knew about our contract then he must have got the information from Greta.”
“She hates me.”
“Then she has no place in my organization.”
For the first time, I see the fear in her eyes completely fade. There’s trust there too, a fragile but undeniable connection that’s survived the chaos.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you again,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “Not ever. I love you, Lara Fitzpatrick. With all my heart.”
She nods, her fingers threading through my hair, pulling me closer. “And I love you, Ivan Ivanovich.”
And everything is perfect in my world.
Epilogue
IVAN
The priest begins the ceremony, his words a gentle hum in the background. I can barely focus on anything other than the woman beside me, her hand warm and steady in mine. We exchange vows, our voices low and filled with raw emotion.
"Ivan," Lara says, her voice breaking slightly, "I promise to stand by you, through every battle, every storm. You’ve shown me a love I never thought possible."
My chest tightens. I reach for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Lara," I murmur, my voice rough with sincerity, "you brought me back from the edge. You taught me what it means to truly care for someone, to trust, to hope. I vow to protect you, always, and to love you with everything I have."
The ceremony feels too short, each moment a blur of love and anticipation. When the priest finally announces us as husband and wife, I waste no time. I pull her close, our lips meeting in a kiss that’s as passionate as it is tender, sealing our promise in front of everyone who matters. My father, my mother, Lara’s father, my sister, my loyal staff who have become rich beyond their wildest dreams, and some friends. Nikolai has absconded to Russia. He can never come back to the States as there is a warrant out for his arrest.
As we walk back down the aisle, hand in hand, there’s an unexpected lightness in my step. The faces around us blur into a sea of smiles and tears, and I can only focus on Lara—my wife.
We step out of the church, the bright sun warming our faces. The guests cheer, showering us with rose petals and rice, their voices filled with joy. I turn to Lara and my heart is so full it feels as if it might burst.