Page 75 of Forbidden Bratva Virgin

“Yes, I know. But you have to understand this first: I don’t think I want you meddling in my job. I’ll tell you again, the same way I did the first time we met: I know I don’t look like it, but I have the qualifications, and I’m an expert. Or at least I’m trying to be. Secondly, I really like my job at Prima Care, and I love working with Amelia. She is the best person to learn from, in my opinion.”

“Fine, whatever you say. But if she ever gives you trouble, I don’t care what happens next; I’m pulling the plug.”

A burst of laughter rang out from the other side of the terrace, drawing our attention. Elena, Hazel’s closest friend, had somehow wrangled Damien and Damir into an animated conversation. I saw a glint of challenge in her eyes and believed she was giving them hell.

Before the party officially started, we’d been introduced. The woman had fire in her gut and no hesitation to speak her mind. I believed I liked her enough to consider her as not a threat.

“Your friend is a special one.”

Hazel laughed, snuggling closer. “Oh, a very special one. Her uniqueness is one of the reasons I love her.”

“And your beautiful heart is one of the reasons I love you.” I crossed the terrace, stopping us at the center. “Dance with me.”

“There’s no music,” she teased.

I pulled her close, wrapping her safely in my arms. “There doesn’t have to be.”

“Hm.” And as she rested her head against my chest, I knew this moment, this peace, was ours. “I love you, Miron.”

She chose not to call me any other name. She said my name gave her good shudders, made the hairs on her skin rise, and also made her remember our journey.

She said calling my name was powerful enough to convey the love she had for me, and I was fine with it.

I kissed her forehead. “I love you, too, my dear Hazel.”

***

From the second I’d had the chance to make things right with her, once I opened my eyes in that hospital, I knew what I was going to do, too.

Nothing felt more right than every moment with her, and I was absolutely confident that she felt the same.

Leaving everyone else behind, I led Hazel up the last set of stairs on the terrace. Her fingers curled gently around mine as we stepped onto the rooftop. The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of the city below and the buzz of anticipation.

I had insisted on bringing her here, knowing it was the best place to watch the fireworks.

“Careful,” I murmured, glancing back at her as we stepped onto the gravel-lined surface. Warmth filled my voice, but I knew she had caught the wince that flickered across my face. Hazel’s grip on my hand tightened, her concern evident.

“Miron, I know you’re fully recovered, but it takes time to heal some wounds, and I mean that literally. You should still take resting seriously,” she said, her gaze searching mine.

I smiled softly. “And miss this?” I guided her to the edge where the skyline stretched wide, city lights flickering in the distance like fallen stars. “I had this planned, Hazel. Nothing was going to keep me from tonight.”

Before she could argue, a loud crack split the air, followed by a burst of gold and silver that painted the sky.

I felt her breath hitch beside me.

The fireworks bloomed above us in mesmerizing shapes, their reflections dancing in her wide, captivated eyes.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, utterly enthralled.

“I agree,” I said, but I wasn’t watching the fireworks.

I was watching her.

Her face glowed in the shifting colors, her expression open, breathtaking in a way that made my chest tighten. My fingers curled around the small velvet box in my pocket, and it suddenly seemed heavier now that the moment had arrived.

As another explosion of color filled the sky, I pulled the box out, flipping it open just enough for the ring inside to shimmer in the glow of the fireworks.

“Remember when you said I would get over the euphoria of that night when I saw my wife walk down the aisle?”

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