Page 47 of Surprise Bratva Daddy

Tema drinks, and I drink with him. The scotch is excellent, but I already knew it would be by the way the alcohol clung to the glass. It’s almost like maple syrup, deep, rich, and sweet. If he ever did want to poison me, this wouldn’t be a bad way to go.

Thankfully, though, I don’t feel my throat closing up and the air leaving my lungs. It’s just the gentle burn of alcohol as it warms my throat and stomach. I put my glass down on the bar and exhale slowly. “That’s good stuff.”

“Only the best for us, right?” he says with a knowing grin.

“Yes, only the best,” I say. “But it almost wasn’t that way. We almost lost the chance to make all this money.”

Tema’s grin turns to a slight frown. “Explain.”

I shrug, like it wasn’t a big deal. “Your courier delivered the flash drive to the wrong house, and then it was almost intercepted by a man named Maksim. Do you know him?”

Tema smacks his hand on his forehead. “Maksim? He’s been harassing my men for weeks! I was just about to put a bullet in his head when I saw on the news he had been shot coming out of the county jail.”

I push my thumb into my chest. “You can thank me later. He was a pest to me as well.”

Tema laughs, motioning to the bartender to pour us another round of drinks. “You are a good man, Zane. You know what you’re doing, and I like it. I think we should work together more often.”

“I came to propose an alliance,” I reply, cutting straight to the point. “We can hash out the details some other time, but tentatively, if you’re on board, so am I.”

Tema pretends to think about it, but I know he’s already made up his mind. There’s nobody else that could ever match his stride, and we both know it. If we were ever to partner up with anyone, it would be with each other.

A smile spreads across his face, slow but certain, like a sunrise, and he extends his hand. I take it, feeling the warmth between our palms, and we shake. A deal has been struck.

Our futures have been cemented, and our success is inevitable.

EPILOGUE

Monroe

The soft sound of a piano fills the air, blending perfectly with the gentle rustling of leaves in the late August breeze. I stand at the edge of the garden, my heart pounding with anticipation. Today is the day I will marry Zane, the man who has changed my life in ways I could never have imagined.

As the music shifts to a familiar tune, signaling my entrance, I step onto the garden path lined with roses and twinkling lights. Guests turn to look, their faces glowing with happiness.

At the end of the aisle, Zane stands waiting, his eyes locked onto mine. He looks devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit, and the love and adoration in his gaze make my heart swell. What were once icy blue omens of danger have transformed into the warmest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. There’s love there, and nothing else.

Each step brings me closer to him, to the future we are about to start together. Memories of our journey flash through my mind. The danger, the passion, the countless moments that have brought us to this day.

When I finally reach him, Zane takes my hand, his touch reminding me that I never have to go through another day alone. He’s here to be my rock, my protector, and one and only love.

“You look stunning,” he whispers, his voice deep and steady.

“So do you,” I reply, squeezing his hand.

The officiant begins the ceremony, but all I can focus on is Zane. His eyes hold a promise of love, protection, and a future filled with hope.

When it is time for our vows, Zane’s deep, steady voice breaks the silence. “Monroe, from the moment you entered my life, everything changed. You showed me the power of love, trust, and resilience. I promise to protect you, to cherish you, and to stand by your side through every challenge we face. You are my heart, my soul, and my forever.”

Tears well up in my eyes as his words wash over me. Taking a deep breath, I begin my vows. “Zane, you came into my life like a storm, and nothing has been the same since. You’ve shown me what it means to be truly loved and protected. I promise to stand by you, to support you, and to love you with all my heart. Together, we are unstoppable. You are my strength, my safe haven, and my forever.”

With the exchange of rings, we seal our promises. When the officiant pronounces us husband and wife, Zane pulls me into his arms, capturing my lips in a kiss that speaks of all the love and passion we share. Applause erupts around us, but in that moment, it is just us. We’re alone here in the crowd.

The reception is a blur of laughter, dancing, and celebration. I don’t know many people at the wedding, as they’re mostly Bratva associates, but I have fun meeting and talking with them.

As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the garden, Zane leads me to the dance floor for our first dance as husband and wife. We sway to the music, our movements slow and intimate.

“This feels like a dream,” I say, resting my head on his chest.

“It’s our reality now,” Zane replies, his arms tightening around me. “And it’s only the beginning. Soon, we’ll have to share it with someone new.”

---