Although rage still burns in his eyes, his features soften. “MoyaMalen'kaya Roza, you’re not your family. What they did bears no reflection on you.” His gaze bores into mine. “And what that fucker did to you…” He has to take a calming breath, a shudder raking through his body, “Jesus, I wish I didn’t give him such a quick death. If I had known, he'd be choking on his fucking dick.”
God.
Viktor’s thumbs brush over my cheeks, and the longer he stares at me, the softer his gaze becomes until I see the love in his eyes.
“As for me, yes, I’m angry as fuck, but not at you.” He shakes his head. “I can never be disgusted with you,moyaMalen'kaya Roza. If you knew…” The corner of his mouth lifts slightly, “I love you, Rosalie. I love every-fucking-thing about you. How petite you are. How gentle and pure your nature is. How fucking exquisite every inch of you is.” He leans closer, pressing his forehead to mine. “I love you so fucking fiercely and will never let you go. It’s you and me for life.”
My eyebrows draw together, and my face crumbles as my love for him grows so much it feels like it will burst from me. With a sob sputtering from me, I say, “I’m so glad you kidnapped me.”
Viktor lets out a chuckle. “There’s something I never thought I’d hear.”
A tear spirals down my cheek, which he captures on his thumb. When he licks it off, it looks freaking hot and no longer sinister.
“Why do you do that?”
The corner of his mouth lifts. “Because I want to possess every part of you,moyaMalen'kaya Roza. Even your tears.”
Holy shit.
I feel his breaths on my lips as I whisper, “Do you want to hear the truth?”
He nods, his eyes locked on mine. “No more lies.”
With my entire heart, I say, “I love you, Viktor.”
Chapter 31
Viktor
I didn’t know how much I needed to hear the words from Rosalie, but the moment she says them, the tension that’s been building in my chest for the past three years eases.
With absolute awe, I stare at the woman who’s got me wrapped around her little finger. “Do you have any idea how powerful you are?”
Rosalie shakes her head.
Jesus, the way she looks at me.
Taking her hand, I pull her off the bed. When she’s standing in front of me, I gesture at the stars tattooed on my shoulders. “I have them tattooed right above my knees as well. It means, as the head of the bratva, I don’t kneel before anyone.”
“Okay,” she murmurs, looking a little confused.
Then I drop down to my knees in front of her. It takes a moment for Rosalie to realize what I’m trying to say.
“I’ll only kneel before you,moyaMalen'kaya Roza. You have the power of the bratva and the Priesthood behind you. Never hesitate to use it if you find yourself in trouble.”
Her chin starts to quiver as she nods. Bringing her hand to my jaw, she says, “Have I told you how glad I am that you kidnapped me?”
I let out a chuckle as I climb to my feet. “Yes, but it never gets old.”
Her fingers brush from my jaw, down my neck, then outline the star on my right shoulder.
“You’re so strong,” she murmurs.
“You’re strong too,moyaMalen'kaya Roza. You’ve gone through so much, and you’re still standing.”
“Because of you.” Her eyes lock with mine. “Will you do one more thing for me?”
I answer without any hesitation, “Whatever you need.”