Page 82 of Vendetta Vows

"My parents and my little brother." My hands tremble in his as I confess. "They were murdered seven years ago by the man stalking me."

Ruslan doesn't flinch or look away.

His grip remains firm, anchoring me as I'm forced to recall the worst memory of my life.

I close my eyes but can't escape the images branded into my memory.

"He wrote this awful message on the walls to me in their blood. Like he needed me to understand it was my fault." My throat constricts and my voice breaks, but I can't bear to say those words out loud.

Look what you made me do.

Ruslan's grip tightens, and a storm of emotions is brewing behind his eyes. But he doesn't interrupt.

"The police couldn't protect me. He—" I catch myself before revealing too much. "He knew how to get to me. So I did the only thing I can do. I ran."

I look into Ruslan's eyes, hand twisting in his as I search for judgment or disbelief.

Instead, all I find is a steady compassion. Warmth pours from him and keeps me in place.

"That's why I ran from the club." I can barely hear my own whisper now. "That's why I panicked when Sienna took that picture. Because I'm terrified that if my face appears anywhere, then that's how he finally finds me.

Ruslan pulls me against him, his protective embrace like unyielding steel.

There's something else there, something I haven't felt before. His chest rises and falls against mine as his arms tighten, and one hand cups the back of my head as I dampen the front of his expensive shirt with my tears.

"Let it out,zarechka," he whispers into my hair. "You're safe now."

I collapse into his warmth like I've been waiting my whole life for this shelter.

Part of me feels pathetic, falling apart like this.

But another part is just grateful to finally let the grief pour out.

When my breathing finally steadies, I pull back just enough to look him in the eyes.

"But that's not why I ran after Mikhail was killed. I ran because…" I continue after a while, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Because I know what happens when he finds me. He'll hurt the people I care about. He'll destroy everything again. And I—" My voice breaks. "I can't let him do that again."

Ruslan's jaw tightens. Something dangerous flashes in those golden eyes, but not directed at me.

"Aurora." His voice is low, almost a growl. "Look at me."

I do, and feel my heart steadying when his gaze locks with mine.

"Your stalker will never touch you." The intensity of his voice steals my breath. "He will never see you. And if hedaresto come anywhere near you, I will destroy him. I swear it."

He cups my face, and his thumb traces my lower lip, as gentle as his words are fierce. "I'll burn down the world before I let anyone hurt you."

I stare into Ruslan's fierce golden eyes, stunned by the intensity of his promise. The way he said he'd burn down the world to protect me tells me that it's more than just a line.

I canfeelthe truth of it vibrating in his chest against mine.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice still thick with tears. "For being willing to protect someone you barely know."

His thumb brushes across my cheek, wiping away the last of my tears. The gentleness of his touch contrasts sharply with the dangerous energy flowing through him.

"I know enough," he says softly. "I know you're going to be my wife."

"A wife of convenience, remember?"

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