Page 71 of Filthy Lies

I barely slept last night. Nerves and anticipation kept me tossing until Vince finally growled, pulled me against his chest, and ordered me to rest.

He’s never been one to take his own advice, though. He’d been up at dawn, checking security protocols, confirming routes, doing whatever it is Bratva husbands do before their daughter’s christening.

“You look beautiful.”

I turn to find Vince in the doorway. He’s dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that makes his blue eyes impossibly bright. He’s freshly shaved, though he’s kept the beard I’ve grown to love, just trimmed it to perfection.

“Thanks.” I drop the second pearl earring back onto the vanity. “I’m a little nervous.”

“Don’t be.” He comes to me and picks up where I left off with the earring fastening. “Everything’s under control.”

“Is it?” I gesture vaguely toward the window, where an extra squadron of armed men patrol our property. “Because this doesn’t exactly feel like a normal christening day.”

“It’s not.” His face remains unreadable. “But Sofiya will be protected, no matter what.”

I sigh. “I know. I just… Sometimes, I just wish we could do normal things.”

Instead of responding, Vince reaches into his pocket and pulls out a velvet box. “I have something for you.”

My eyebrows rise in surprise. “A gift? Now?”

“It seemed appropriate.” He holds the box out to me.

I take it, feeling its weight in my palm. When I open it, my breath catches.

It’s a necklace unlike anything I’ve ever seen. A delicate platinum chain suspends a pendant shaped like a double-pronged trident—the Akopov family crest—encrusted with tiny diamonds. At its center sits a brilliant sapphire, the exact shade of Vince’s eyes, surrounded by smaller emeralds that match the color of mine.

“Vince, it’s stunning.”

He moves behind me and drapes it into place around my neck. His fingers brush against my skin, sending goosebumps down my arms.

“I had it made especially for you.”

The pendant rests against my collarbone, catching the light. A dozen little sunbeams go arcing out in every direction.

“I don’t know what to say,” I mumble, cheeks hot.

“Say you’ll wear it today.” His hands rest on my shoulders. “And every day after.”

Something in his tone makes me turn to face him. “Every day? It’s a bit formal for diaper changes and midnight feedings, don’t you think?”

A small smile plays at his lips, but doesn’t reach his eyes. “Humor me.”

I study his face, seeing the tension he’s trying to hide. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Vince’s jaw twitches. “The necklace contains a tracking device.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s state-of-the-art. Undetectable by standard security measures. Military-grade GPS.”

I touch the pendant, suddenly seeing it differently. “So it’s not really a family heirloom? It’s a monitoring device disguised as a gift?”

“It’s both.” His hands find mine. “I simply had it modified.”

“Jesus, Vince.” I pull away, pacing across the room. “You couldn’t just give me a normal present? Would that really have been so hard?”

“Yes.” His voice is unapologetic. “Because I will use every tool, every resource, every possible advantage to keep you and Sofiya safe.”

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