Page 138 of Velvet Chains
Ser rolls her eyes fondly. “God help me if this little princess is half as much trouble,” she jokes, patting her belly.
I straighten, linking my arm with hers as we head toward the store. “Oh, I have no doubt she will be. With you and James as parents? That girl’s going to rule the world.”
Ser’s eyes dance with mischief as she scans the bustling crowd. “So,” she drawls, “where’s that delectable husband of yours hiding?”
I swat at her playfully, mock-glaring. “Serena Flores, you keep your pregnant paws off my man!”
She dissolves into giggles, holding up her hands in surrender. “Can you blame me? The man’s genes are a work of art. I mean, have you seen your son?”
As if on cue, a high-pitched squeal of “Mama!” pierces the air. I turn just in time to see a blur of dark hair and chubby limbs hurtling toward me.
“Yelisei!” I laugh, catching him and swooping him up into a tight hug. “There’s my handsome boy!”
He pulls back, grinning up at me with achingly familiar gray eyes. “Mama, Mama, guess what? Papa let me ride on his shoulders, and I was tallest than everyone!”
Ser clutches her chest dramatically. “Oh, be still my heart. The cuteness, it slays me.”
I press a smacking kiss to Yelisei’s cheek, reveling in his delighted laughter. “Taller, baby. You were taller than everyone.”
“Not everyone,” a deep voice rumbles, sending shivers down my spine.
Victor strides toward us, looking heart-stoppingly handsome in a tailored suit, a roguish grin tugging at his lips. He wraps an arm around my waist, tugging me close and dropping a kiss on my temple.
“Privyet, zhena,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.
Ser fans herself exaggeratedly. “Good lord, you two. I’m getting secondhand steam just standing here.”
I elbow her, feeling my cheeks heat. “Hush, you. Not in front of the children.”
She waggles her eyebrows. “Please, this is positively tame compared to chapter twelve of—”
“Okay!” I yelp, clapping my hands over Yelisei’s ears. “Who wants to see Mama’s new book?”
“Me, me!” Yelisei cries, wriggling in my arms.
Ser sighs dreamily as she walks next to me. “Seriously, Laura, your life is a romance novel come to life.”
I snort, elbowing her in the side. “More like a mafia thriller with a side of happily ever after.”
We walk into the bookstore, and I take a moment to appreciate the warm, inviting space we’ve created. Plush armchairs beckon from cozy nooks, the shelves lined with carefully curated books for all ages and interests. The scent of fresh ink and paper mingles with the aroma of coffee from the in-store cafe.
Ser makes a beeline for the display featuring her books, pride evident on her face as she runs a finger along the glossy spines. “I still can’t believe it sometimes,” she murmurs. “Seeing my words out there in the world, knowing people are reading them, loving them…”
I squeeze her hand, understanding the feeling all too well. “You deserve it, Ser. Your stories are incredible.”
She smiles, then tilts her head, eyeing me speculatively. “And how about you? How’s your second book coming along?”
I feel a thrill of excitement at the mention of my newest project. Leading Ser to the children’s section, I pluck a large, hardcover book from the shelf, presenting it to her with a flourish.
“Fresh off the presses,” I announce. “The adventures of a brave little girl named Eliza, who sets off on a quest to return the stolen love to her village.”
Ser takes the book reverently, tracing the whimsical illustration on the cover—a small girl with dark flowing hair and determination in her eyes, facing down a snarling, shadowy creature.
“Inspired by Eli, I presume?” she asks softly, understanding in her gaze.
I nod, emotion welling in my throat. “She’s been through so much, Ser. I wanted to give her a story where she gets to be the hero, where love conquers all in the end.”
Ser hugs the book to her chest. “It’s perfect, Laura. She’s going to treasure it always.”
