Lyov’s hands gripped mine, and our fingers entwined. “Because if you lose her, then you will forever be incomplete,” he added.
I watched as Alessio thought about our words for a second before he pulled away with a nod. Lyov pulled me off the couch and sat up before making me sit on his lap. He nuzzled my neck, and I giggled as his rough stubble tickled my skin. I rested my head on his shoulders, and he held me to him.
He listened to me intently as I talk about my day and how the little mischievous trio – Maddie, Alessio, and Viktor, would give Lena and I trouble all day long. Viktor, Isaak’s son, was only a few weeks older than Alessio. He had been with us since he was only two months old, after his mother left him behind. After four miscarriages, Lena finally had Maddie. That day was one of the happiest days at the estate. The three had been inseparable.
Today, we had found Viktor hanging upside down from a tree, thinking he was Tarzan, before he fell on his head. These three were always finding something new to worry us about.
I couldn’t ask for anything else, though. I had everything I wanted, right here. This was happiness. Being Lyov’s wife and the mother of his babies.
Lyov’s phone rang and pulled us from our bubble. He picked it up and listened to the person speaking from the other side. I guessed it must have been Boris or Isaak. That angry, murderous look on his face told me it was very bad. He hung up and growled in frustration. I rubbed his chest, knowing that my touch could always soothe him.
Over the years, Lyov’s Empire had grown. He was ten times more powerful than he was seven years ago. He owned more than half of New York, and his businesses continued to expand into other territories, countries. Hotels. Restaurants. The biggest enterprises—they were all somehow connected to the Ivanshov name.
An Empire of his own that was impossible to bring down.
And in the underworld? Lyov Ivanshov was the King. A name to fear. A name that had people bow in respect.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, when he stayed silent.
Lyov took a deep breath before meeting my eyes. “I have to take care of some stuff.”
I nodded, understanding what he meant. I got off his lap, and he stood up too. Pulling me into his arms, he held me tight into his body. His breath feathered over my lips before he took them into a long hard kiss. He kissed me with so much passion, so much love—and it was everything I needed in that moment.
When he pulled away, his intense grey eyes, the hardened look on his face, made me shiver. This man…he was the Master. No longer my sweet lover.
“It’s only for a day. It will be quick. Fuck. I might even be back by morning. I promise, I won’t be gone for too long. Go to sleep, and when you wake up, I will be there—by your side,” he said.
I nodded again, silently. I watched as he crouched down and talked to Alessio. My heart felt heavy, and I almost begged him not to leave us tonight.
When Lyov stood up again, he held my hand in his. I looked down at our laced fingers, and he squeezed my hand. He pulled me into him again before giving one last deep kiss. I melted into his embrace, but he pulled away too quickly for my liking. “Love you, Angel.”
“I love you too, Lyov,” I whispered back. My chin wobbled, and I tried so hard not to cry. Our daughter kicked in my stomach, as if sensing my sadness.
Lyov started to walk away, but I gripped his hand tighter, refusing to let go.
Until I had to.
I held on as much as I could, until the distance grew between us and our fingertips were only touching.
After the briefest second, and a look that said so much between us, we let go.
And then he was gone.
Lyov’s words echoed through my ears. Because if you lose her, then you will forever be incomplete. I still remembered the fierce look he gave me when he uttered those words. I wished he didn’t have to leave tonight.
With a heavy heart, I had let him go. And tonight was one of those few nights where I had to sleep alone without my husband. If only he was here right now. I missed him. I missed his touch. His smiles. His laugh. His sweet kisses. His heated eyes that were just for me. As much as I loved it when my husband fucked me, I also loved it when he made sweet love to me.
I closed my eyes and dreamed of being in Lyov’s warm embrace.
Until there was nothing safe and warm.