Luckily for me, I have one hell of a strong woman by my side. And if going through all this with Trista has shown me anything, it’s how I don’t want to ever live a life without her. I’m not sure what it means for me, but I know I’ve never been a fan of marriage. I’ve seen far too much of it fail, how it destroys relationships, but I see something with her. I see more than I’ve seen with anyone else.
There’s something about her fucking smile, the way she runs her hand over her head when she’s nervous, and how when she’s scared, she’ll look to the ground like an innocent child. Whether it’s the greatest of her qualities or her biggest flaws, I don’t care. I don’t give a damn about any of it. I just look at her and see my future, which is more than I can say about what I’ve felt with any other woman. But Trista isn’t like anyone else, is she?
The realization hits me as I stand here and she looks like a baby deer that’s about to get hit, afraid for what’s coming, but I know her so very well these days. She’ll ask me what’s on my mind, and I’ll tell her something I’ve waited far too long to say.
“Are you okay?” She furrows her brows in an adorable way, which only makes me smile. She’s searching for some sort of answer, but she won’t find one. Trista places her hand on top of mine, and I nod.
“I love you, do you know that?”
She pulls her head back a bit and blinks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Sorry. W-what did you say?”
“You heard me, kukakla. My mysh’, my Trista, I love you,” I speak with the utmost sincerity, gauging her reaction as the power of my words hit her full throttle. Her eyes grow watery, and I know she’s about to cry as she sucks in her lips.
Tears quickly fall and with one hand supporting me on the island, I grab her and pull her against my chest with my free hand. The moment she’s touching my body, a sense of relief washes over me. This is what love is supposed to feel like, and I’ve never loved a woman. I realize it now. Trista has opened my heart in ways I never thought possible.
If I had to, I’d sacrifice my life for her. I’d gladly die to know she’s breathing, living her best life. After being stabbed, every thought or worry I had about us came to the surface, and I quickly realized how short life is. It’s not like this was my first time being hurt, but I’d never been hurt while having a partner. It hit me harder. It made me realize I had something to live for, how I wasn’t ready to die. We’re just lucky enough this wasn’t my last day with her, and I’m forever thankful. If it was, I might not have ever gotten the chance to say those important three words. Words I should’ve said earlier.
She looks up at me through thick lashes, tears still streaming down her face in an effortless flow. “For so long, I was told I never deserved love. I didn’t think . . . I didn’t think anyone would ever tell me that they . . .” Trista’s cry takes over her, and I rub her back. I know what she’s about to say and it only makes me want to fuck up Jacob even more. How could he make a woman like her feel this way? How, and why? Fuck, it makes me hate people.
I bring my hand up to her cheek and look down into her ocean blue eyes. “Trista, you deserve everything this world has to offer. Everything. Do you understand me?”
She nods once.
“Good. Don’t let his words haunt you anymore. He doesn’t get to leave an impression on your mind. He’s the sick individual, not you. You are a beautiful woman with a good heart.” I press a kiss to her forehead and as I do, she tells me something I’ve been waiting to hear.
“I love you too, Michail, so, so much . . . but I’ve been afraid to tell you. I’m so sorry.”
“Ssshh, no apologies are needed. We have the rest of our lives, my love.” I pull her against me a bit closer and while my side stings with pain, I don’t care. I’ll endure the pain if it means she’s closer to me.
Chapter Twenty
Trista
We spent two days at the apartment while Michail’s been healing a bit. While I wanted to meet the baby, I couldn’t bear to let Michail be in any pain. He told me we could go, but I wasn’t going to have him hurting, even if the man is stubborn as ever. We left the apartment a bit ago and I’m pleased he’s walking without leaning on me. Michail and I make our way up to the floor Dema and Kronid are on. Hopefully, they’ll be released today.
Michail’s walking a bit slower, but he’ll be okay. At least he’s standing on his own, and we’re taking it really slow. The doctor actually ended up telling him to take it easy when he was discharged two days ago. Thankfully, he hasn’t put up much of a fight, and I’m so grateful.
With his arm around my shoulders, Michail alleviates the rest of my fears. When he told me he loved me, it was beautiful. He helped me realize what I deserve and I’m glad it’s him. I’m grateful we walked into one another’s lives, and he doesn’t know it yet, but I’m making a promise to show him my appreciation when
