Page 85 of Tattooed Vow

“We don't know yet,” Aleksandr replies, his tone laced with tension. “But we need to be cautious. Our search for him hasn't turned up where he's hiding and we can't afford to be unprepared.”

I cross my arms, feeling a surge of frustration. “You want to increase my security, don't you? I can't live like that, like a prisoner in my own life!” The words burst from me with unexpected force, fueled by months of fear and uncertainty. I’m tired of waiting, jumping at shadows, and the constant vigilance that has become my daily existence.

Dimitri steps closer, his tone softening as he cups my face. His touch is gentle, at odds with the calluses that speak of violenceand danger. “Malyshka, we just want to keep you safe. You mean everything to me. If anything happened to you...” His voice trails off, the emotion too raw to articulate.

The naked vulnerability in his eyes undoes me. This man, capable of such violence, of such strength, reduced to fear by the thought of losing me. I place my hands over his, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine.

“I understand that,” I say, shaking my head and pulling back slightly. “But I won't let fear dictate my life. I won't hide away. I won't give Morozov that satisfaction.” The determination in my voice matches the steel forming in my spine.

Aleksandr interjects, his voice calm but firm. “We're not asking you to hide. We just want to ensure you have protection while you live your life. It's a precaution. The men will be discreet.”

I stare at him, this man who has built an empire out of shadows and commands loyalty with an iron fist. His gaze is respectful as it meets mine. Perhaps there’s even a hint of approval.

After a moment of silence, I sigh, their concern settling over me like a heavy blanket. I look into Dimitri's eyes and see the fear and love that war within them. “Fine. I'll agree to increased security, but I'm still going to live my life on my terms. I won't be caged, not even in a gilded one.”

“Thank you,” Dimitri sighs, relief flooding his features. He pulls me close, his arms encircling me in a protective embrace. I melt against him, drawing strength from his solid presence. His heartbeat is steady beneath my ear, a reassuring rhythm that promises safety, stability, and a sense of home.

Aleksandr nods, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. “Good. The arrangements will be made immediately. You'll hardly notice the additional security, but they'll be there.”

As the morning sun climbs over the horizon, a glimmer of hope rises in my chest. Despite the threats and dangers lurking in the shadows, I’m ready to fight for my life, my love, and the future that awaits us. I won’t let Morozov control my fate.

“I love you,” I whisper to Dimitri, the words a promise and a declaration. “Whatever comes next, we face it together.”

His arms tighten around me, his lips pressing against my forehead in silent acknowledgment. In that embrace, in the quiet of the morning, I find a strange sort of peace. Yes, there is danger. Yes, there is uncertainty. But there is also love, family, and strength born of adversity.

And for now, for this moment, it is enough.

30

DIMITRI

The estate sits shrouded in a light fog, mist curling over the iron gates and stretching across the manicured lawns. I stand in the kitchen with a steaming mug of black coffee, watching the clouds shift above the treetops beyond the property line. Everything looks peaceful, but my gut buzzes with unease.

The coffee scorches my throat as I take another sip, welcoming the bitter burn that matches the acid feeling in my stomach. Something isn’t right. I felt it since waking that morning with Sandy's warm body curled against mine and her breath soft against my neck. I'd carefully extracted myself from her embrace, trying not to disturb her sleep. She'd stirred anyway, reaching for me with half-closed eyes.

“Everything okay?” she murmured, voice thick with sleep.

I kissed her forehead. “Just business. Go back to sleep.”

Now, I wished I’d stayed, held her a little longer, breathed in the scent of her hair, and felt the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against mine.

I turn from the window and head for Aleksandr's office. He called for a meeting about a shipment delay and one of our routes through the Port of Newark being flagged for inspection. Nothing unusual, not on the surface.

But the moment I step into the hallway, I hear heavy footsteps. This isn’t the casual shuffle of staff or the brisk stride of our men. They’re coordinated, controlled, and purposeful.

My pulse quickens, and adrenaline instantly floods my system. Years of survival instinct kick in, tensing my muscles and racing my mind through scenarios. The coffee mug slips from my fingers, shattering on the marble floor, and the hot liquid spills onto my shoes. I barely notice.

Then come the voices.

“Federal agents! Step aside!”

Everything snaps into slow motion. I pivot just as the front door bursts open, and the foyer fills with black-clad agents in tactical gear, weapons raised, shouting commands. The sound is deafening, echoing off the high ceilings to create a chaotic symphony of barked orders and heavy boots.

Sandy appears at the top of the stairs with Talia, who holds Angelina in her arms. The moment she sees them, her face blanches, and all color drains away. Angelina begins to wail, her tiny face scrunched in fear at the sudden noise.

“Dimitri?” Sandy's voice cracks, her eyes wide with terror.

The sight of them there, my family exposed to this invasion, sends a surge of protective rage through me, so powerful I nearly charge the agents. Instead, I steady myself.

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