Chapter 37

Chapter

Thirty-Seven

"If someone puts their hands on you make sure they never put their hands on anybody else again."

― Malcom X

Alexsei

"Alright," Caia said, ticking off an item from her grocery list before shutting the glass door with a satisfying thud. "Now we need toilet paper, eggs, salmon, and... oh, ice cream!"

"Let me introduce you to a flavor that'll make you forget that dreadful pistachio crap," I drawled, pushing the cart towards the frozen aisle with an exaggerated flourish. I yanked open the glass door and reached for a tub.

"Pretzel peanut butter ice cream? Who even eats that?" she snorted, eyeing the tub like it was a culinary crime.

"Don't knock it until you've tried it, babe. This stuff is like a one-way ticket to heaven," I said, giving her an over-the-top wink before grabbing her chin and planting a smirk-laden kiss on her lips.

She rolled her eyes but tossed the tub into our cart, then fished out her beloved pistachio ice cream, "Just in case."

Of course.

"So," I said, trailing her through the aisles as she stopped repeatedly to check off items. "How's it feel to be the big-brained graduate? Didn't know my little wife was such a genius, or I'd have locked you down sooner."

She chuckled softly, "I'm just relieved to be done with uni. The stress nearly killed me."

Her graduation was two days ago—she'd looked like a sunbeam in that lovely yellow dress, her smile radiant and her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. My little witch was a vision of fairy-tale perfection.

"And I'm damn proud of you, moya solnyshka . Can't wait to see your gallery and watch you show off your art."

She'd been working her ass off for weeks, either scouting models or braving the outdoors to snap black-and-white shots. She'd even asked me to model for her again, but I'd politely declined. I wanted her to break out of her comfort zone and feel truly proud of her own work.

"Well," she said, dropping a pack of toilet paper into our cart. "You'll have to wait a bit longer. I'm not fully prepared yet."

"You will soon enough. Don't worry," I said, steering the cart toward the cashier. "Remind me why are we even doing our own grocery shopping? I have people for that, you know."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Because it's fun!"

"Fun?" I arched an eyebrow, not buying it for a second.

"Yes, fun! I enjoy spending time with you, even if it's just doing the most mundane things," she winked, looking utterly genuine.

"Well, who could resist spending time with this face, right?"

Caia scoffed, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Please. Let's not get carried away. I'm only with you out of sheer pity. I mean, look at you!" She gestured dramatically to my face, feigning horror. "It's like I'm doing community service by being seen with you in public."

I let out a scoff. "And here I thought you were sticking around for my dazzling looks and exceptional dick."

Her mouth fell open in mock shock, and she glanced around before playfully shoving me. "Stop it, someone might overhear!"

"Ain't it the truth though?" I teased, pulling her close and planting a kiss on her neck as she giggled, trying to squirm away. She darted out of the store, leaving me alone with a teen cashier who looked like he'd just witnessed a crime scene.

Poor kid.

After stuffing ourselves with takeout—my wife's demands: shrimp tacos smothered in cilantro, loaded fries that could set off a fire alarm, and a strawberry iced tea that made me question her taste—we collapsed on the couch to binge-watch Confessions of a Shopaholic for the umpteenth time this month.

"Do you really have to go?" Caia's lips were trailing hot kisses along my neck, her leg possessively draped over my hips. We were deep into her favorite movie, and she wasn't letting up.

We'd reached a compromise on movie nights: one of us picks, the other endures. Today was her pick, and apparently, she was set on this goddamn film again. I almost rolled my eyes but stopped myself; I knew she clung to this movie like a security blanket.

"Yeah," I sighed as she nuzzled into me, her warmth making it hard to leave. "Volk's expecting me at the casino tonight."

"But it's so late," she pouted, her fingers drawing lazy, distracting patterns on my chest. "Can't it wait till tomorrow?"

" Nyet, " I said, pressing a rough kiss to her lips before slowly pulling away. "Don't wait up, alright? I'll make it up to you tomorrow."

She crossed her arms, giving me a playful but annoyed look. "You're way too loyal to him. You're making me think you love him more than me."

I laughed, grabbing her around the waist and lifting her so her legs wrapped around my hips. "Don't get all jealous on me. I'll be gone a couple of hours at most. Volk's like a brother, but you, Caia Romaniev, are my whole fucking world."

Her frown turned into a teasing smile as she leaned in for a kiss, her lips lingering on mine before I pulled back, smirking. She sighed, "Tell him he's gotta stop taking you away from me."

I set her down on the couch, pressing one last rough kiss to her lips. "I'll tell him."

With that, I headed out, leaving her behind as I made my way to the parking lot.

I threw my jacket onto the table. "Where did you find him? "

"At the airport," Volk chuckled, taking a drag from his cigarette and propping his legs up on the small metal table. "Marina spotted him getting into a cab, trying to bail with a suitcase."

Typical Marina.

"Thank her for me but spare me the details," I said, holding up my hand to stop him before he could start blabbering. I didn't need to hear about how he'd thank her with his dick.

"You gonna fill me in on why he's here or what?"

"Nah," I shrugged, cracking my knuckles. "This is personal."

Volk gave a nod, dropped his legs, and stood up, flicking his cigarette to the floor. He gave me a quick pat on the shoulder before heading out. I plopped onto the edge of the table, propping myself up with my hands behind me.

"Oh, Sadiek," I sighed, shaking my head as I looked at him squirming in the chair Volk had tied him to. His arms, legs, and torso were all securely bound, with a thick strip of tape over his mouth to stifle his noises.

"Thinking you could run away, huh?" I sneered, closing the gap between us. "Did you forget who the hell I am? I'm Alexsei fucking Romaniev. I could track you down anywhere, even if you were hiding in the most godforsaken corner of the world. Wanna know why?"

He shook his head frantically, sweat dripping from his forehead.

"Because I'm your reaper. The only one who can end your pathetic existence is me. Just me."

His struggles against the ropes only made me enjoy his misery more.

"I've had plenty of time to figure out the perfect way to make my wife's fucking rapist suffer," I said, rolling up my sleeves. "At first, I thought a bullet in your head would be the quickest, cleanest way. Then I considered acid, but the smell's too revolting. Besides, I want you to suffer, not me."

I chuckled darkly as I peeled the tape off his mouth.

Oh, watching him squirm was a pleasure.

"Please—"

"Then I thought, what if his worst fear was his undoing?" I scratched my beard as his eyes darted nervously, his lips trembling.

"Fucking bastard?—"

"Fire," I said, grabbing the canister of gasoline I'd brought and starting to pour it in a wide circle around him. "That's your big fear, right? Fire?"

"NO! PLEASE?—"

"Wanna know how I figured it out?" I pressed, ignoring his pleas.

He shook his head, sobs breaking free.

"You lost both your parents in a fire when you were a kid. A car explosion—just barely escaped yourself. And then your uncle, who raised you, died under suspicious circumstances. Poisoned, if I recall. And you, with all your illegitimate kids scattered across the country, never owning up to a single one."

I continued to drench him in gasoline, making sure every inch of his body was soaked.

"P-Please! I'm so sorry! I didn't know she'd be your wife!" he begged, snot running from his nose, his whole body trembling. "I'll give you everything! All my money, I'll leave Russia forever! You won't ever see me again! I'll make you Mayor of Moscow! You'll be untouchable!"

I pulled out a match, twirling it between my fingers with a cruel smile.

"Oh, Sadiek," I murmured, striking the match. "Didn't you get it? I'm already the fucking king of this city. "

I dropped the match, watching as it ignited the gasoline. Flames roared to life, encircling him and turning his desperate screams into the soundtrack of his end. I leaned back against the table, savoring the sight of him being consumed by the fire. Finally, he was getting a taste of the hell he deserved.

I slipped into our bedroom, careful not to disturb her slumber. After showering in the guest room to wash away any lingering scent of gasoline and death, I made my way back to her side. It was early morning, maybe four or five, when I lifted the covers and nestled against Caia, wrapping my arm around her waist.

As our skin met, I sighed, feeling her heartbeat steady and calm beneath my palm. She hummed softly, snuggling closer, her hand resting atop mine.

"You're here," she whispered as I planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Yes, go back to sleep," I replied.

She chuckled as I peppered kisses along her neck and shoulders, then shifted to face me, her hand still linked with mine as she entwined her legs with mine.

Fuck, she was wearing nothing.

I let my hand drift lower, caressing her ass. "I love you, Caia," I murmured, meeting her lips as her hand cupped the back of my neck, pulling me into a deeper kiss. Her warm body pressed against mine, and in the dim light of the room, with only the faint glow of the rising sun, her emerald eyes sparkled.

"I love you too," she whispered.

As I started to drift off, Caia's gentle touches and soft kisses on my neck and face felt like feathers, lulling me closer to sleep. Her warm whispers danced around me, and just as I was about to slip into dreams, she uttered words that would alter our lives forever.

"I… I'm pregnant, Alexsei," she breathed out.