Page 130 of Whispers in the Dark
I stare up at the ceiling, digesting every bit of information she just gave me.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Kazimir. On all the fucking Vasilievs.
“I’m pretty sure that’s everything.” She sniffles. “I need you to know how sorry I am for all of this, Mauro. Blackmail or not, I never meant for you and your brothers to be involved with this. I never meant…” Her eyes drift to the bandage on my side. “I never meant for you to get hurt…because of me.” She rolls in herbottom lip, peering up at me. “If… If you’ve changed your mind about staying married to me, I understand,” she says softly.
She thinks I want this marriage to end?
But it can’t.
Not when she is the light to my dark, and I will never know true happiness again without her by my side.
She is the air that feeds my lungs.
Every heartbeat that echoes in my chest.
“My…wife,” I get out with force, my words swirling around us. I lean forward, kissing her like it’s everything I need to stay alive. Holding her in my arms like she’s the only thing keeping me grounded to this bed.
I love this woman more than my heart ever knew it was capable of, but somehow, it does.
It beats for her.
It keeps going for her.
It loves her.
I pull back just enough to whisper, “I…love.” I pause, giving my throat a second of reprieve before saying, “You.”
Her lips curve up, a beautiful smile erupting. “I love you,” she says before pressing her lips to mine.
“Get a room.” Vin’s deep voice extends from the doorway, causing us both to look over and see my whole damn family entering the room.
Alina tries to pull away, but I clasp a hand around her waist, keeping her pressed against me.
Never letting her go.
“Oh, Mauro!” My mother forces her way through everyone, sobbing. “I’ve been so worried about you!” She stands by my side, clutching my hand in a death grip.
“You gave us all quite the scare,” Leo tells me, dragging his fingers over the top of his head.
Scarlett stands by his side, wiping her eyes. “You both did.”
Alina blinks back tears. “I’m okay.” She looks at me. “We’re okay.”
Madeleine stands beside Alina, taking her hand. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“I know, and I’m sorry,” she says softly, her voice breaking toward the end. “I didn’t mean to—”
Madeleine wraps her arms around her arm. “Just shut up and let me awkwardly hug you.”
Alina laughs, patting the top of Madeleine’s head.
“Can everyone give us a moment?” Vin asks, his eyes on me. Without hesitation, everyone says their goodbyes and tells me they’ll be back soon to check on me before they leave.
Vin steps up to the end of my bed, his fingers gripping the railing.
“I should give you two a minute.” Alina kisses my cheek. I don’t stop her as she gracefully maneuvers her body off the bed.
“Wait,” Vin starts. “Before you go, I want to say something to you.”
