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People trickle in one after the other. Danil and Asher, who is pregnant. Luka and Hannah with the twin terror toddlers as they’re now known. Mama Milov, who is always happy to see me, even if she hates my father's guts. She’s certainly come to love me. My father and my brother Kyle. And a few extended family members.
I walk into the dining hall where Arseny is still feeding Tiana, and there’s a clear division between my family and his. It always starts like this. After a few drinks, they begin to mingle. Except for Mama Milov, who uses the excuse of babysitting the terror twins not to speak to anyone in general.
I had the hall specially decorated with our favorite colors, black and red, which might seem a bit morbid, but the shades complement each other. Red is for the blood we spill, and black is for the industry we find ourselves in. No one needs to know that, though. That’s just between Arseny and me.
I look around, content with my crazy-ass family. It’s been busy trying to get everything under control. Arseny now owns all the butchers in his area. I’ve been helping him revamp each one in its own time, and I’ve been running the books for all of them while acting as an informal consultant for my family. They’re now laundering money through Arseny’s business to show goodwill between both families. Arseny does it as a favor to my father. My father gives us a cut.
Arseny comes over to me with Danil. “Ask her.”
“Ask me what?” I ask.
“How many knife specialty stores does he have, five or six?” he asks. “Because he’s dead set it’s five, but I swear it’s six.”
“The sixth one has been purchased but is not open yet, so I’ll go with Arseny on this one because there isn’t even a butter knife in the store.” I smile and take Tiana. “Come, let’s go to Nana Milov. It’s time for toasts.”
I carry her to Mama Milov, who gladly takes her in her arms and plays with her.
I then go back to Arseny, who has arranged some champagne for everyone. I tap the glass. “Everyone, your attention, please.”
Everyone turns to look at us. Arseny is instantly uncomfortable, but this is my domain.
“Firstly, Arseny, Tiana, and I would love to thank you all for coming to celebrate our first wedding anniversary with us. It has been a wild ride, and we’re thrilled to have had you all on it with us. As you know, Arseny is in the process of revamping his shops, and I’ve been doing his books for him, so we’ve had very little time to ourselves. This day just reminds us how we love each other and how love can conquer everything.” I look at Penny. “Love can conquer fear.” I look at Asher. “Love can conquer anger.”
I turn to Hannah. “Love can conquer differences.” Finally, I look at Arseny. “And love can conquer rivalry.”
“Hear, hear,” Kervyn says and raises his glass. Arseny kisses me before we sip our champagne.
I turn back to everyone. “Eat and make merry.”
Everyone turns back to their conversations, and I nudge Arseny. “Excuse yourself and meet me out back.”
He looks at me curiously as I slip away and walk to the back deck. I wait for a few minutes, wondering if he’s been held up by someone when he sneaks out.
“What are we doing?” he asks quietly.
“Remember how I said we haven’t had any time for ourselves?” I ask, taking his hand and leading him toward a room I had revamped. “And remember I said I was getting you something special for our anniversary. A room just for you?”
“Yes, and yes, but should we be doing this right now?” he asks. “The guests…”
“Penny will keep them busy. I’m sure we can do this before anyone else notices we’re gone.” I stand by the door.
“Close your eyes.” He smiles and closes his eyes. I open the door and flick the light on, leading him inside. “Okay, open.”
He opens them and looks around, shocked. “They’re knives through each age, different blades through each time period. The ultimate collection that took me like a year to sort out.”
He turns to me and kisses me deeply. “I love how you know me so well.”
“But wait, that’s not all,” I say.
He looks around. “There’s more?”
I smile and kiss him. “Yes,” I murmur against his lips. I shut the door and push him against the wall, kissing him hungrily.
“Love, are you sure we have time…”
I press a finger to his lips and start unbuttoning his shirt. I kiss down his chest as I unbuckle his pants. “I’ve been waiting for this for a week.”
“Only a week?” he breathes. “We haven’t had sex…”
