Page 98 of Queen’s Gambit

“What are you doing?”

“If you think I’m letting even one drop escape, you’ve underestimated my determination.”

He smiled and then laughed until he fell on his ass.

“Anima mia, I have a lot more where that came from. You really don’t need to do this.”

“Maybe not, but I’m not taking any chances. Besides, I’ve been practicing just for this occasion, and I’m not leaving here until I’m pregnant.”

Eddie chuckled before kissing me softly.

“You’re crazy, Ana, but I’m just as crazy about you. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Eddie stood, and I squeaked as he grabbed my legs and lifted me off the ground but kept me upside down. Laughing, I clung to his legs as he walked into the bedroom. This was just one more reason why I loved him so much and why we were so perfect together. He got me. Even when the world thought I’d lost my mind…Eddie got me. He never made me feel like I was ridiculous or tried to dampen my spirit. Eddie respected me for me, and there was nothing I valued more.

Edmundo

My heart was full.

That was the only way to describe this feeling, and I wished that freezing time was within my power. Ana rested on my chest as I let the strands of her long hair slip through my fingers. It had always reminded me of spun gold. The moonlight pouring through the window made it shimmer as it fell.

I’d spent our time apart, keeping my promise and using the information that the Curators had given me wisely. I still hadn’t figured out if Martin was one or just worked for them indirectly as the Dean of Wayward. Guess it didn’t matter if they were on my side.

Partnering with Seamus had been a wise decision. His vast knowledge and industry experience had been welcome as I made moves to position myself as a formidable adversary. We’d grown close, and with no children of his own, he had named me the official beneficiary of his entire fortune. I was humbled that he thought so much of me and trusted me to carry on his legacy. Together, we’d garnered six new military contracts across Europe worth billions. To tighten the screws on Vadin, I included Dimitri in a move that brought me immense satisfaction.

In another attempt to undermine him, I helped Ana set up a shell corporation. Together, we’d been actively building her wealth by undercutting his deals with better ones offshore. She’d also been purchasing stock in Vadin’s companies so she could one day take over. Ana was a hell of a negotiator and had studied the ins-and-outs of her father’s businesses in only a few short months.

I was so fucking proud of her. Yes, I’d helped her get the ball rolling, but only because her father kept her hands tied.

Vadin was ignorant enough not to notice that Ana had gone from saving her monthly allowance to it all disappearing. She now had twelve dedicated employees who kept her informed on everything, guards who would give their lives for her, and she reinvested the rest back into her businesses.

The man had wanted a son and ignored his daughter, assuming she was nothing more than a skirt to sell. For that alone, he was an idiot. Ana was incredible and I had no doubt that she would take the Mikhailov name and make it legendary.

“You finished it,” Ana said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Sitting up, she outlined the tattoo that ran down the right side of my body. It was the design I’d started the night my father ambushed me with the idea of marrying Patricia.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it,” Ana said, tracing the lily leaves and her name.

I’d incorporated everything that made me think of her into the intricate artwork, which included a set of wings that spread across my chest.

“I still can’t believe that you tattooed half of your body with my name.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know, just a lot of pain to sit through I guess.”

I chuckled and pulled her back down.

“This wasn’t pain. This was therapy.” She lifted a brow at me. “Don’t you see? Not being with you is more painful than anything else I can endure. Having this artwork makes me feel close to you and reminds me every day what we’re fighting for.”

“Am I being selfish by hanging on to you? Sometimes, I feel like I’ve trapped you, and I’m just a weight holding you back from living your life.”

Tipping her head up so she was forced to look at me, I watched as a fat tear slid down her cheek and landed on my chest.