Secret Bratva Daddy

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Avros

T he soft glow of the computer screen illuminates the study as I pore over financial reports, my fingers flying across the keyboard. The business has changed significantly in the past few years, with more legitimate ventures and fewer... questionable activities. It's been a challenge, but for Sydney and our daughter, I'd move mountains.

A high-pitched giggle breaks my concentration, followed by the pitter-patter of tiny feet. I glance up, a smile already tugging at my lips despite my best efforts to maintain my serious demeanor.

"Papa! Papa, play!"

Natalia, our three-year-old whirlwind, bursts into the study. Her dark curls bounce with each step, her green eyes—so like her mother's—sparkling with mischief. She's wearing the little red dress Sydney bought her last week, though it's now adorned with what looks suspiciously like chocolate stains.

" Natalia," I say, trying to sound stern but failing miserably. "Papa is working. Can you play quietly for a little while?"

She pouts, her lower lip trembling in a way that makes my heart clench. "But Papa, you promised to be my horsie!"

I glance at the computer screen, at the half-finished report that needs to be sent out by end of day. Then I look back at my daughter, at the hope shining in her eyes. The choice, as always when it comes to her, is simple.

With an exaggerated groan that makes Natalia giggle, I push away from the desk and lower myself to the floor. "Alright, my little princess. One ride, and then Papa really needs to work."

Natalia squeals in delight, clambering onto my back with all the grace of an enthusiastic puppy. Her tiny hands fist in my shirt as I start to crawl around the study, making exaggerated neighing sounds that send her into fits of laughter.

"Faster, Papa, faster!" she urges, her little heels digging into my sides.

I pick up the pace, weaving between furniture and stacks of books. Natalia's laughter fills the air, a sound more precious to me than all the wealth and power I've accumulated over the years.

As we round the corner of the desk for the third time, I catch sight of Sydney leaning against the doorframe. Her arms are crossed over her chest, an amused smile playing on her lips as she watches us.

"I see someone managed to lure the big bad bratva boss away from his work," she teases, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

I come to a stop, Natalia still giggling on my back. "What can I say?" I reply, slightly out of breath. "I'm weak against the charms of Petrov women."

Sydney's smile softens, love shining in her eyes. Even after all this time, that look still takes my breath away. How did I get so lucky?

"Come on, sweet girl," Sydney says, holding out her arms to Natalia. "It's time for lunch. Let's give Papa a break so he can finish his work."

Natalia pouts again but slides off my back obediently. "Can we have lunch in the garden, Mama? Please?"

Sydney nods, scooping our daughter up into her arms. "Of course, sweetheart. It's a beautiful day."

As they turn to leave, Natalia waves over Sydney's shoulder. "Bye-bye, Papa! Don't work too hard!"

I wave back, my heart full to bursting with love for my girls. "Enjoy your lunch, my loves. I'll try to join you soon."

Once they're gone, I heave myself off the floor with a groan. I'm not as young as I used to be, and playing horsie with an enthusiastic toddler is more of a workout than most of my old... business activities.

I settle back at my desk, determined to focus on work. But the sound of laughter drifting in through the open window keeps pulling my attention away. I can picture them so clearly, Sydney and Natalia spread out on a blanket in the garden, sharing sandwiches and giggles in the warm sunshine.

With a sigh, I save my work and shut down the computer. The report can wait. My family can't.

As I make my way outside, I pause in the doorway leading to the garden. The sight before me makes my breath catch in my throat.

Sydney is sprawled on a checkered blanket, her fiery hair spread out like a halo. Natalia is curled up against her side, both of them laughing at something. The sunlight catches Sydney's engagement and wedding rings, sending sparkles dancing across the grass.

For a moment, I'm transported back to that night at the gala, when I first laid eyes on Sydney. She had taken my breath away then, all fire and innocence. But now, with our daughter in her arms and years of love between us, she's even more beautiful.

"Are you going to stand there staring all day, or are you going to join us?" Sydney calls out, her eyes meeting mine with a knowing smirk.

I chuckle, making my way over to them. "Can you blame a man for wanting to admire his beautiful family?"

Natalia spots me and lets out an excited squeal. "Papa! You came!"

"Of course I did, princess," I say, lowering myself onto the blanket. "I couldn't miss lunch with my two favorite girls, could I?"

The air is rich with the mingling scents of freshly cut grass and blooming jasmine that surrounds the garden, their fragrance carried on a gentle breeze. The warmth of the late afternoon sun wraps around us like a comforting blanket.

As I settle in, Natalia immediately climbs into my lap, chattering away about the butterfly she saw earlier. Sydney hands me a sandwich, her fingers brushing mine in a touch that still sends sparks through me after all this time.

"Everything okay?" she asks softly, concern in her eyes. She knows how hard I've been working to keep the business on the straight and narrow.

I nod, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Everything's perfect, myshka . This is exactly where I need to be."

Sydney's smile is radiant, full of love and understanding. She leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "I love you, Avros Petrov," she murmurs against my mouth.

"And I love you, Sydney Petrov," I reply, my voice rough with emotion. "More than I ever thought possible."

Natalia, not one to be left out, throws her arms around both of us. "I love you too, Papa and Mama!"

We spend the rest of the afternoon in the garden, playing games and sharing stories. As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over everything, I find myself marveling at how much my life has changed.

The feared bratva boss, once known for his ruthlessness and cunning, now spends his days playing horsie and having tea parties. The man who once thought love was a weakness now knows it's his greatest strength.

The sun is beginning to sink lower in the sky, its rays casting long shadows across the garden, and the world feels slow, lazy, and drenched in light. I can feel the remnants of the day’s heat radiating from the ground beneath me, while the occasional whisper of cooler air kisses the back of my neck. I close my eyes, listening to the soft rustle of Sydney adjusting her position beside me, the quiet brush of her dress against the grass.

I want this to last forever, but like all things, both good and bad, it comes to an end.

As we gather our things to head inside, Sydney's hand finds mine. She squeezes gently, a silent reminder that she's here, that we're in this together. Natalia runs ahead, her laughter echoing through the garden.

I squeeze Sydney's hand in return, bringing it to my lips for a soft kiss. "Thank you," I whisper against her skin.

"For what?" she asks, her brow furrowing slightly.

"For everything," I reply simply. "For giving me a chance. For loving me despite my past. For our beautiful daughter. For this life we've built together."

Sydney's eyes shine with unshed tears. "Oh, Avros," she says softly. "You don't have to thank me. This life, this love—it's everything I ever wanted. Everything I never knew I needed until I met you."

As we make our way back to the house, Natalia's excited chatter filling the air, I'm struck once again by how fortunate I am. My past may be dark, and there may still be challenges ahead, but with Sydney by my side and our daughter in our arms, I know we can face anything.

The feared bratva boss may have softened, but in many ways, I'm stronger than ever. Because now, I have something truly worth fighting for. Something worth living for.

My family.