“Where are you going this year?” I ask.
“Bali,” Uncle Alexei answers. “It’s the women’s turn to pick.”
To my surprise, Rosalie says, “The pictures I saw of Bali are beautiful.”
Just then, Mom and Aunt Isabella carry in the food.
Mom smiles at us, “You could come with?” Her eyes settle on me. “You haven’t taken a vacation since you took over the bratva.”
I glance at Rosalie. “What do you think?”
“Me?” she gasps. “Why me?”
I tilt my head, the corner of my mouth lifting. “Becausewe’llbe going on vacation. You have a say too.”
Her eyes widen. “To Bali? Us? This year?”
Everyone starts to laugh, which makes Rosalie blush harder.
Lifting my hand, I brush my knuckles over her cheek. “Do you want to go on vacation with my parents?”
“Ah…” Rosalie glances around the table before looking at me again. “You can decide.”
Turning my attention to my parents, I say, “Give us some time to think about it.”
When everyone’s seated and we’ve helped ourselves to Mom’s pot roast, the conversation flows easily, and Rosalie seems to relax.
It’s the first time we’re doing something together as a couple.
I love it.
Chapter 34
Rosalie
Waking up with my back pressed to Viktor’s solid chest and his arms wrapped around me is still surreal.
It’s been two weeks since the ordeal with the Cosa Nostra. The bruises on my face have healed, but I’m still working on the ones in my heart.
One big thing that’s changed is I’m allowed to go out as long as I take Joseph and his team to guard me. Not that I’ve been out much, but knowing I can makes all the difference.
I’ve resumed playing with Luna and reading my collection of books during the day, but I’ve also started helping around the house.
I can’t cook, though, so that’s still Viktor’s baby, and at night we cuddle in front of the TV. We never finish a movie because we always end up making out, which leads to steamy moments.
“Morning,” Viktor grumbles into my hair.
“Morning.” I turn around to face him, giving him a sleepy grin.
“No nightmares for the third night in a row,” he mumbles, half asleep.
“Another win.” Lifting my left hand, I brush my fingers through his messy hair. “It’s unfair that you look hot first thing in the morning.”
“Says the sleeping beauty in my arms.” He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my mouth, then complains, “I don’t want to get up. Call Luca and tell him you’re holding me captive, and you plan on having your wicked way with me all day long.”
“Like he’d believe me,” I chuckle.
Viktor gives me a pleading expression. “Please.”