“At your parents’ place?” Worry creases her brow. “Do you think they’ll be okay with me after I snubbed them for three years?”
“Of course, they’ll be okay,” I assure her. “They understand.”
Her features tighten with nerves, and her tongue darts out to wet her lips. “I’m nervous.”
“I can see that,” I chuckle. “You trust me, right?”
She inhales deeply, then nods. “Yes.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you nervous?” I ask so I can understand where she’s coming from.
“I’m about to go to my boyfriend’s parents. What if they disapprove? I’m not exactly a mafia princess like Mariya.”
A dark frown forms on my forehead as I tilt my head. “You think you’re not good enough for me?”
“Ah… it’s just… you’re the head of the bratva, and I’m the girl who got kidnapped twice.”
“Where’s this coming from?” I ask, actually blown away.
Her shoulders sag, and she looks vulnerable as she admits, “I come from a family of sex traffickers, and I have nothing to offer you. I’m just… me.”
Letting go of her hand, I step closer and frame her face. “You’re not just you. You’remoyaMalen'kaya Roza. You’re the woman I love, the woman I killed for.” I lean closer, making sure I have her attention. “Rosalie, I’m not worthy of you.”
“Yes, you are,” she whispers, her eyes starting to shine. “You changed my life in so many good ways. If it weren’t for you…” she shakes her head, “I’d either be dead or married to Greco. You’re the only one who gives me choices. You’ve always done what’s best for me, even when it broke your heart. Don’t you see it, Viktor? You’re everything to me.”
I press my forehead to hers. “That right there is why my parents will accept you with open arms,moyaMalen'kaya Roza. You love me, and that’s enough.”
“Okay,” she whispers. “But if you let go of my hand, I’m making a run for it.”
A smile spreads over my face as I hold my hand out to her. When she places her palm against mine, I say, “It’s you and me,moyaMalen'kaya Roza. Forever.”
“Forever,” she agrees.
“Now, let’s go tell my parents the good news.” I pull her out of the house and follow the path to my parents’ place. I don’t bother knocking as we enter through a side door. “Where are you?” I call out.
“The kitchen,” Mom answers, then we hear excited barking.
As we cross the entrance hall, Luna comes running out of the kitchen, her paws slipping on the polished tiles. Her tail wags, her butt wiggles, then she’s making happy whining noises as she reaches Rosalie, who crouches down.
“Aww, Mommy missed you so much,” Rosalie coos, wrapping her arms around her dog.
“And I’m chopped liver again,” I mutter. Patting Luna’s head, I smile at their happy reunion.
Mom comes out of the kitchen with a wide smile, then pauses when she notices Rosalie.
Rosalie quickly straightens up and grabs hold of my hand. She gives my mom an awkward wave. “Hi, Mrs. Vetrov. I’m sorry, ab–”
“Na-a-a,” Mom silences her. “There’s nothing to apologize for.” She walks closer, her eyes drifting over the bruises on Rosalie’s face and the cast on her arm. “What happened?”
“The Cosa Nostra,” I mutter.
Dad comes down the stairs and takes one look at Rosalie, then mutters, “Christ. I heard shit went down. I’m glad you’re both okay, though.”
Mom glares at Dad. “Why didn’t you tell me?”