Page 179 of Wicked Savage

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry.

Just say it.

“I—”

But before I can, he stops me.

“No.” That one word is thick and raw with meaning. “If you’re about to say what I think you are, I want to see you when you do. I want to touch you.” A beat of silence, then softer, rougher, “Think you can wait for me, baby?”

Emotions press hard against my ribs, so many of them I can barely count. I nod, even though he can’t see it.

“Yes,” I whisper.

“That’s my good girl.” Those words caress down my skin, sending warmth through me. “Now close your eyes,” he murmurs. “I’m here. Not going anywhere.”

“Okay.” Another yawn escapes me, my body growing heavier with exhaustion.

I put the phone on speaker and pull the blanket tight around me, pretending it’s him—his warmth, his presence, his steady heartbeat beneath my cheek. I can’t wait to hold him again. To finally say the words out loud.

And as his breathing fills the silence between us, my body finally relaxes and I sleep.

With not a single nightmare to follow.

CHAPTER49

DINARA

As soon asthe plane touches down on the private airstrip, three of Cillian’s men escort me out toward the SUV Konstantin sent. Just as I approach the vehicle, the tinted back window rolls down. At first, I can’t see who’s inside, but then a small face pops out.

“Hey!” Gregory waves excitedly.

I grin, pleasantly surprised. “Hey!”

Tatiana scoots closer beside him. “Hey, sis.”

“What are you guys doing here?” I open the door and slide inside, immediately pulling them both into a hug.

“Konstantin said we could come pick you up,” Gregory says.

His bodyguard, Vlad, starts the SUV, while Anatoly, Tatiana’s guard, is seated beside him in the front.

“Well, I’m so happy you did.”

Tatiana leans forward. “So…how’s married life?”

Gregory smirks, and I see a little of the man he’s becoming. “Yeah. Is he treating you nicely, or do I need to have a talk with him?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Not so bad, actually.”

Tatiana watches me for a beat, something softer in her expression. “I’m glad. You deserve to be happy.”

My chest tightens as I reach for her hand and squeeze. “We all do.”

As soon as I take my phone off airplane mode, a voicemail icon pops up. My heart gives a little kick when I see Cillian’s name. Without hesitation, I enter my code, pressing the phone to my ear.

The moment I hear his voice, my lips stretch into a wide smile.

“Hey, baby, prasti menya.”

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