Deadly Vows (Avilov Bratva #2)

19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Talia

Happiness has a strange way of filling up the empty spaces in your heart, making you feel like you’re floating above the ground, untethered by the world’s weight. That’s exactly how I felt when Aleksandr proposed to me. As I lay in bed, the morning sunlight warm on my face, I couldn’t help but smile. It was as if the entire world had shifted, just a little, to make room for this new chapter of my life. My heart raced excitedly as I thought about the man who had turned my world upside down.

Aleksandr. My Aleksandr.

He was already up, of course, taking care of something or another. Even in his sleep, Aleksandr was always on guard, one step ahead of everyone else. What I loved most about him was his fierce protectiveness and unyielding strength. As pakhan , he was a man who carried the weight of his world on his shoulders, but with me, he let some of that burden slip away.

I reached for my phone, the one connection I had to the world outside this fortress. My fingers hovered over the screen, and I dialed Sandy’s number without thinking. She answered on the third ring, her voice still groggy from sleep.

“Sis? What’s wrong? It’s barely eight in the morning.”

I laughed, unable to contain the bubbling joy inside me. “I have the best news! Aleksandr proposed yesterday, and I said yes!”

There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then Sandy squealed, her excitement almost as palpable as mine. “Oh my God, Talia! Are you serious? This is amazing! I can’t believe it! Tell me everything!”

I could practically see her bouncing around in her bed, her strawberry blonde hair tousled from sleep, eyes bright with excitement. Sandy was always the more animated one between us—full of life and ready to celebrate the smallest victories.

I told her everything—the way Aleksandr had taken me by surprise, the way he looked at me with those intense, ice-blue eyes that saw right through me, the way he said the words I had longed to hear. And then, of course, the ring.

“This calls for a celebration,” Sandy declared after I had finished my story. “You have to spend the day with me. We’ll do whatever you want—spa day, shopping, anything. Just you and me, celebrating your engagement!”

The idea was tempting, and I could already imagine the fun we’d have. But I didn’t want to lose the magical feeling of the moment just yet. “How about we keep it simple?” I suggested. “Lunch in the city tomorrow? Just us, catching up and celebrating.”

“Perfect,” Sandy agreed. “I’ll make the reservations. There’s this new place I’ve been dying to try. You’ll love it.”

We made our plans, the excitement in her voice matching the flutter in my chest. As we said our goodbyes, I felt a sense of contentment settle over me. It was real—I was engaged to Aleksandr, and my sister, who knew me better than anyone, was thrilled.

With Sandy taken care of, it was time to tell the children.

When Aleksandr and I found them, Sasha and Maxim were playing in the living room with Olga. Sasha sat on the floor, her long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail as she focused on a jigsaw puzzle. Maxim was sprawled on the couch, his attention divided between a handheld video game and whatever his sister was working on. And Olga was knitting a blanket.

They all looked up when we entered, and the children’s faces lit up. I could see their love and admiration, and they looked at Aleksandr like he was their hero. And in many ways, he was.

Aleksandr gave me a subtle nod, encouraging me to share the news. I took a deep breath, my heart fluttering with excitement and nerves.

“We have some news,” I began, approaching them.

Sasha’s eyes went round with curiosity, and she put down the puzzle piece she held. Maxim sat up straighter, his game forgotten for the moment. Olga placed her knitting on her lap, giving us her full attention.

“What is it?” Sasha asked, her voice full of anticipation.

I smiled, glancing at Aleksandr before continuing. “Yesterday, Uncle Aleksandr asked me to marry him…and I said yes.”

For a brief moment, there was silence as the words sank in. Then, like a dam breaking, the room was filled with excited chatter.

“Congratulations!” Olga gushed. “She’s a fine woman, Mr. Avilov!” Olga wrapped her arms around me, giving me a big bear hug.

“Are you serious?” Sasha exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “You’re going to be our mom?”

Maxim’s reaction was more subdued, but I could see the happiness in his eyes. He stood up and walked over to Aleksandr, giving him a hug before turning to me. “That’s great news, Talia. I’m happy for you both.”

Sasha practically threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around my waist and hugging me tightly. “This is the best news ever!” she squealed. “We have to celebrate!”

“We will,” Aleksandr said, his deep voice laced with warmth as he looked at the children. “How about we have a special dinner tonight?”

Maxim nodded enthusiastically. “We’ll make dinner. Right, Sasha?”

Sasha pulled away from me, her eyes shining. “Yes! We’ll cook! And we can make that cake you love, Talia!”

The idea of the children taking over the kitchen was both endearing and a little concerning. Still, the joy on their faces was undeniable. I glanced at Aleksandr, who was smiling at the children, pride evident in his expression.

“Alright,” I agreed, laughing softly. “But Abram should help you, okay? I don’t want you two burning down the kitchen.”

They nodded eagerly, and I felt a wave of affection for these two wonderful children who were becoming such an important part of my life.

That evening, the kitchen was a flurry of activity. Sasha and Maxim were hard at work, with Abram overseeing the operation. The smell of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I was thankful the morning sickness subsided a few weeks ago.

I stood at the doorway, watching them all with a smile. Abram was a calm presence, guiding the children with patience and care, and over the past few months, I had come to appreciate his quiet strength and dedication.

Sasha was in charge of the cake, her face scrunched up in concentration as she carefully measured the ingredients. Maxim was handling the salad, tossing the greens with a seriousness that made me chuckle.

Aleksandr joined me, slipping an arm around my waist. “They’re really trying hard,” he murmured, his voice full of affection.

“I know,” I replied, leaning into him. “They’re wonderful kids, Aleksandr. You’ve done such a great job with them.”

He didn’t say anything, but the way his arm tightened around me spoke volumes. In these quiet moments, I saw the real Aleksandr—the man who loved these children fiercely and would do anything to protect his family.

Dinner was a joyful affair. The table was filled with laughter and chatter, and the children proudly presented each dish they had prepared. The chicken was perfectly roasted, the salad fresh and crisp, and the slightly lopsided cake delicious. Olga and Dimitri asked for seconds.

Sasha and Maxim took turns sharing stories about their day, and I laughed more than I had in a long time. It was a perfect evening filled with warmth and family, and I allowed myself to believe this was how it would always be.

After dinner, we moved to the living room, where Abram had built a fire. The children were still excited, but I could see the exhaustion starting to creep in. Aleksandr and I sat on the couch, with Maxim leaning against Aleksandr’s side and Sasha curled up next to me.

“This was the best day ever,” Sasha declared, her voice drowsy as she rested her head on my shoulder. “I can’t wait for you to be our mom, Talia.”

Her words sent a warm glow through me, and I kissed the top of her head. “I can’t wait either, sweetheart.”

Maxim nodded in agreement, his eyelids drooping. “Yeah, it’s going to be awesome. And I can help with the baby.”

“I can help too!” Sasha pouted.

“The baby is going to love you both,” I assured them.

It was moments like these that made everything worth it—the challenges, the dangers, the uncertainties. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had found a place where I truly belonged.

As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, the children drifted off to sleep, their faces peaceful. I glanced at Aleksandr, who was watching them with a tender expression. When he met my gaze, he smiled, and I knew then that we were in this together—whatever lay ahead, we would face it as a family.

After tucking the children into bed, Aleksandr and I retreated to our room. The night was quiet; the only sound was the faint rustling of the leaves outside the window. As I slid into bed, Aleksandr joined me, pulling me into his arms. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was a sound I had come to associate with safety, with home.

“You’re happy?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through me.

I nodded, my fingers tracing the outline of his tattoos. “More than I ever thought possible. You’ve given me so much.”

“And you’ve given me more than you know,” he replied, his lips brushing against my forehead. “I never thought I’d find someone who could make me feel this way.”

His words touched something deep inside me, and I lifted my head to meet his gaze. His eyes were intense, filled with an emotion that took my breath away. I reached up, cupping his face, and kissed him softly.

“I love you,” I whispered against his lips.

“And I love you,” he murmured, pulling me closer.

We fell asleep that way, wrapped in each other’s arms, our hearts beating in sync. As I drifted off, I felt a sense of peace settle over me, knowing I was home.