Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 122242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Octavio turns a troubled frown in my direction before sharing a look with Roman and Kincaid. I don't understand the silent conversation that flows between them, but they all seem grim and a little worried. Roman jerks his chin in a nod, like he's agreeing to something.
"I'm sure she's fine," Octavio murmurs to me a moment later, stroking my cheek again.
I hope he's right. I don't know her, but she deserves the chance to have a life of her own. I send up a quick prayer that Ivan and Victor didn't get their hands on her and then turn back to Kincaid.
"And everything else?" Octavio asks after a moment. "Tarasova agreed to our terms?"
"He's agreed to send anyone who laid a hand on her out of the country," Kincaid says. "He's made it clear that anyone who doesn't agree will likely face criminal charges."
Octavio tenses like he wants to argue.
I lay a hand on his arm and wait until he looks at me to shake my head. "Most of the ones who hurt me are already gone," I remind him. "I don't want to fight him about this."
"I don't like it."
"I know." I smile at him. "But I'm willing to accept it if it means I'm free."
"Fine." He narrows his eyes on me. "But if they step foot in this city ever again, they're going to prison."
"Agreed."
Octavio turns back to Kincaid. "And the rest?"
"Tarasova is willing to testify against your mother," Kincaid says to me. "He's also going to look into what happened to Octavio's sister. He won't come after you again and neither will any of his men. He'll keep his people out of Tarzana and away from you and Octavio."
"So it's over?" I ask, digging my nails into Octavio's arm.
"Yeah, sweetheart. It's over."
I blink once and then again, trying to process that, but I don't even know where to begin. "It's really over?" I ask him…just to be sure. "Nikolai is going to give us what we want?"
"Almost everything you asked for, he agreed to give you." Kincaid smiles at me, his expression soft. "You're safe now, Faith."
Shock and relief flow through me. I turn my face up to Octavio, blinking through watery eyes. All I've wanted for the last five years is finally mine. No more living in fear. No more being locked away from the world. No more pain. For the first time in my life, I don't have to answer to anyone or do anything I don't want to do.
I'm free.
"It's over," I whisper to Octavio, tears spilling over to slide down my cheeks. "It's really over."
"Es libre, conejita," he says, his eyes shining with moisture. He picks me up in his strong arms, spinning me in a circle. A single tear runs down his cheek as he smiles at me like I'm the most incredible thing he's ever seen in his life. "You're free, little bunny. You're free."
I throw my arms around his neck and sob.
"I have something for you," Octavio says, picking me up from the couch and putting me on his lap. I curl up on him, resting my head against his chest. He wraps a muscular arm around my torso, securing me to him. His lips touch the side of my head, lingering against my temple.
Everyone left a little while ago, leaving us alone for the first time all day. Finn and Lola came over to celebrate with us too. Even Knox came in to say congratulations. The only one missing was Luke, but I know he'll be back as soon as he can. I'm so happy they were all here to celebrate, but all I want right now is to be alone with Octavio.
"What?" I press my face to his throat and inhale. His familiar scent is as intoxicating as ever. It's peace and safety and home.
Home. I finally have one of those. He's my home. And now nothing and no one will ever take it away from me.
He reaches for my hand and flips it over, dropping something in my palm. His lips brush my temple again as he curls my fingers around whatever he just gave me. My heart rises toward my throat, my eyes locking with his as I realize what I'm holding.
"Look at it," he whispers.
I open my hand slowly.
"Octavio," I breathe, stunned at the sight of the ring resting against my scarred palm. It's so beautiful. The band is platinum, with a large square cut diamond surrounded by delicate vines. On each side, three additional diamonds are placed so they take the shape of a rabbit. "Te amo, mi conejita." has been engraved inside, along with his name.
"You're free now, Faith," he whispers, using his thumbs to wipe away my tears. "You can go anywhere and do anything, but I'm kinda hoping your first act as a free woman will be to marry me. You're my world. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you. I'd kill for you. Die for you. I'll choose you every day of forever, little bunny. Now I'm asking you to choose me too. ¿Quieres casarte conmigo? Will you marry me, angel?"