Sasha (Belles & Mobsters, #6)

by Eva Winners

Today, I’d be hunting for the ghost who dared hurt my woman when she was a child.

When you had something that meant so much, you couldn’t let go.

I turned to Sasha, watching me. Possessively. Obsessively. Protectively. Like I was his. And I was. I’d been his for a long time.

She was strong because she had to be. To survive. But deep down she had a soft and loyal heart that was the biggest prize a man could earn.

Anything short of happiness wasn’t good enough for her. She deserved it all.

This was us. Our future. She was the other side of my coin. I was the other side of her sanity.

I chuckled. “Kotyonok, I am so far past the love phase, it’s not even funny. You are my life. You are my breath. You are my everything. I waited seven years. I wanted you to come into your own before I pulled you into my madness. I can’t wait anymore.”

“Fuck space. Fuck time. You and me, Branka… we make sense. Together. I don’t want to waste another second on space and time.” I pressed my mouth against hers and her body melted into me. “Think while you’re in my arms. Just don’t leave me.”

“You’re enough for me. You’re the one I waited for. You’re the one I am terrified of losing.”

“You are not a mistake. You are my passion. My obsession. Someone I can’t live without.” My heart thundered and blood buzzed in my ears. “Don’t ask me to live without you because that is the one thing I can’t give you. Your freedom.”

“Forget your head, kotyonok. Forget your reason. This is for us. Just listen to your heart and then tell me whether you can picture us growing old together. Because I can. I love you, Branka Russo. All your perfections and imperfections are mine. Just like mine are all yours.”

I should have known nothing with Sasha was half-assed.

“My kotyonok.” Two rough words murmured against my lips. “My love.” He traced a finger across my cheek as blush stained my cheeks. “You even try and retract your love and I’ll tie you to my bed, feed you, and fuck you until you change your mind,” he warned in a low growl.

“It’s only fair I return the favor,” I murmured, snuggling deep into him. “I see you with another woman, and I’ll cut her heart out while you watch. And then I’ll cut out yours.”

Goddamn it. The irrational part of me wanted all her love. I was selfish when it came to Branka Russo and the feeling wasn’t easing. In fact, it grew with each second around her.

“You Russian motherfucker,” was the greeting I got from my future brother-in-law. “When I get my hands on you, I’m going to wring your neck and watch life leave your eyes.”

“You are worthy,” I choked out. “And any woman would be lucky to have you. But you are mine now and I am yours. I will never leave you.”

“Red is the color of my heart,” he murmured. “And it beats only for you. When you wear red, I know you’re mine.”

“The heart beating inside my chest,” he said, his voice like gravel and full of emotions, “it’s yours. It’s been yours for a long time.”

“You’re all I want,” I choked out, emotions swelling in my chest, and the expression on his face told me it was the right choice.

“Jesus, Branka,” he muttered. “Of all the men, this one?”

“Is he your choice, Branka?” Alessio’s question was low, his eyes dark stormy clouds. “Yes, brother,” I murmured. “He is.”

“Don’t you fucking leave me,” he demanded, his tone rough and shadows in his eyes dark. “Please hang on. For me,” he begged, desperately. Then he grabbed my face. “Keep your eyes open. Stay for me.” Always.

If I lost her, I knew all bets would be off. I wouldn’t survive. Without her, there was no life for me. I’d follow her in death.

I slid the ring on her finger and her soft gasp reached my ears. It was a simple yellow-gold band with an engraving. Moye Serdtse. “Because you’ve been my heart all along,” I said, meeting her gaze.