Chapter 23: Sierra

Waiting was the worst part. Even though I knew my husband was more than capable of taking care of himself, I still couldn't help but worry for his safety. Since he left, I'd paced around the house more times than I could count, seeking ways to remain calm until he returned. However, I couldn't find anything to help get my mind off this war against Chris. No spot in this mansion could offer me comfort.

I left the bedroom and headed down to the living room where I tossed myself on a couch. Heaving a sigh, I decided to distract my mind with the fact that at least I was able to somehow end the conflict between these two powerful families.

It didn't seem possible a couple of days ago, and I was glad that Finch's failed attempt on my life had led to this moment.

I guess every cloud does have a silver lining.

These thoughts helped me stay calm, and I focused on what the future might hold for me and Artem; was it good or bad? Either way, I was going to find out soon enough. However, the fact that my father was still breathing, and they were, in fact, working together for the very first time was enough for me to conclude that there was a ninety-eight percent chance that we were going to be fine.

At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about him, but since this whole drama began, I realized that I wasn't just attracted to him; I'd also gotten so attached to him. It was clear that he meant a lot to me, more than just the father of these unborn twins in my womb.

Being his wife came with its own bad sides, but I couldn't deny the positive effect it had on me. For instance, I hadn't always been so bold and fearless, but recently, I'd done stuff that left me wondering where I got the guts. I'd exercised my authority on that guard the day my husband went after Donovan, and it didn't end there.

I'd been courageous enough to walk through the valley of the shadow of death just to stop unnecessary violence. I even stood up to both Artem and Donovan when they deviated from the purpose of our meeting to something else. Both of them were mafia bosses—ruthless mafia bosses—yet I spoke without fear or timidity.

Artem's confidence was starting to rub off on me, and I loved that. I could also say the same thing about how I'd affected his life. He wasn't one to show compassion to anyone, but recently, around me, he displayed his compassionate side without holding back, and he also let my father live. Artem could have killed Donovan, and there was nothing that I could have done about it. But he chose to listen to me.

We hadn't had enough time to talk since the little conversation we had back in the car while returning from the hospital. Frankly speaking, there was a lot on my mind that I needed to divulge to him. I was ready to damn the consequences of what I'd say because there was no point in keeping it silent anymore.

I heard the sound of his car pulling over outside, and my heart skipped a beat. I was so tense, and now all of my prepared speech had flown out the window.

The front door opened, and I rose to my feet, watching him.

There he was, standing by the entrance with something that resembled a smile on his face. I felt the urge to head over to him, and I did. As soon as I got closer, I slipped into his warm embrace. I felt so comfortable and at peace when he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"How'd it go?" I lifted my head, my voice soft and tender even to my own ears.

"It's over now," he said, stroking my hair while looking deeply into my eyes. "He's never gonna hurt you or anyone else ever again."

I smiled, and he did the same, too. It melted my heart to see that genuine grin etched upon his face for what felt like a long time.

"And my dad?" I asked.

"He went home," Artem replied. "Said to tell you that you mean the world to him and that he loves you so much."

"Did you really just relay a message to me from Niall Donovan?" I raised my brows in shock. "That's a first."

With a cocky grin, he pulled me in closer. "Don't make me regret it."

I realized I'd actually missed being in his arms. I'd missed being in such close proximity with him, missed feeling his erection brushing against me.

My body trembled as he caressed my skin, his gaze fixed on me.

"There's something I'd like to talk to you about," I said, searching those hollow eyes boring into mine. "But first, I wanna thank you for setting your pride and anger aside to work with my father. It means a lot to me."

"I might not like the man, but he's my in-law, whether I like it or not. He's the grandfather to my children, and there's nothing I can do about it," he replied in a low tone. "Plus, I'd do anything to make you happy."

Butterflies stirred in my belly, but I needed to be sure. "Don't play with me, Artem, because I think I'm in love with you," I confessed, my tear glands charging up for no reason. "I wasn't sure, but I am now. I've grown to love you and care for you, so if you're lying to me just because the doctor says to avoid any quarrel, then—"

He interrupted my speech with a tender kiss that didn't just shut me up but also shut my eyes, as well. For the next few seconds, our heads moved in sync with the flow of the kiss as I basked in the euphoria of it.

He slowly left my lips, rubbing his thumbs over my cheeks as he cupped my face in his palms. "I'm not lying to you, Sierra. I'm telling you exactly how I feel." Artem gazed into my eyes. "I didn't think it was possible to fall for you so deeply, at least not so soon. But here we are." He paused and continued with a softer and more delicate tone, "I love you, Sierra."

Tears rolled down my cheeks at his words, as I was unable to curtail my excitement. My emotions were all over the place, and crying seemed like the best way to express how I felt.

He wiped my tears and wouldn't tear his gaze off me. "I meant it when I said that I was never gonna let you go. You're mine, Sierra, as I am yours. Always and forever."

"I love you, too, Artem," I choked out, warmth filling me from head to toe. "I love you so much."

He leaned forward, and we shared another kiss, a deeper one this time.

In a second, I was weightless, as he whisked me up in his arms and climbed the stairs to the bedroom.