Page 109 of Vendetta Crown

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AURORA

Night has fallenlike a shroud over the mansion. The final car disappeared down the driveway nearly an hour ago, leaving behind a sea of opened gifts, half-eaten cake, and the lingering scent of perfume.

I stand by the doors of the mansion, watching Ruslan load weapons into the trunk of his car.

"Do you have to go right now?" My voice catches. "Don't you want to wait a little? Plan more?"

Ruslan looks up at me from across our bedroom, his golden eyes capturing the lamplight.

"Zarechka." His voice wraps around me like a blanket. "There's not a moment to lose. Semyon may already know that Tamara has betrayed him. If we wait, this opportunity could slip out of our grasp."

"But what if you—" I can't finish the sentence.

What if you don't come back?

Ruslan crosses to me and pulls me against his chest. His heart beats strong and steady under my ear.

"I will come back." His fingers tip my chin up as he says the words that I can't. "To you and our children."

"I nearly lost you once."

"But this time, I'm the one bringing the fight to Semyon. I have surprise on my side." He kisses my forehead. "And I'm one tough bastard to kill."

"I've never been the praying type," I whisper, "but I think I might start tonight."

"Pray if it brings you comfort." His thumb traces the curve of my cheek. "But know that I fought my way back to you from death once before. Nothing could keep me from returning to you."

I clutch the front of his shirt. "Do you promise?"

"I promise." He pulls me into a kiss that tastes of goodbye and determination. "Lock the doors after I leave. Daria will stay with you, and there are twenty men patrolling the grounds."

When we break apart, I manage a wobbly smile. "Don't make a girl a promise if you can't keep it."

I force myself to keep the smile on my face as Ruslan kisses me one more time. His lips linger against mine like he's memorizing the shape of them.

Then, he gives me one final smile before he turns around and walks down the steps to where Artyom waits by the line of black SUVs.

I wrap my arms around myself, the babies kicking inside me as I watch him climb into the lead vehicle. The convoy starts up with a synchronized growl of engines, headlights cutting through the darkness as they roll down the long driveway.

I don't move until the taillights disappear through the gates. Only then do I let the tears fall, hot and silent down my cheeks.

The door clicks shut behind me as I step back into the mansion. Daria appears from the shadows of the hallway, her face a carefully arranged mask of calm that doesn't quite hide her own concern.

"You should eat something," she says, her voice gentle but leaving no room for argument. "For the little ones."

"I'm not hungry."

Daria's eyes narrow. "The babies need nourishment even if you have no appetite."

I sigh, knowing she's right. "Fine."

Daria nods, satisfied with her victory, and leads me to the dining room. The table has been cleared of the baby shower decorations, replaced with a modest spread of sandwiches, fruit, and tea.

Vera sits at the far end, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup.

I sit beside Vera, and force myself to take a small triangle of sandwich even though my stomach feels like it's tied in knots.

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