Dangerous Husbands, Broken Wives [18+]

TEN: LOUDER THAN WORDS

They found themselves on the 16th floor of the Smolensky Passage department store, immersed in the mesmerizing panoramic view of the bustling Moscow city. Ivan placed his hand gently on the small of his wife's back, guiding her towards the seat that offered the most stunning vista.

Ana gasped in awe, her eyes sparkling beneath the dimly lit ambience as she absorbed the breathtaking scenery and the spaciousness surrounding them. "What is this place, Ivan? It's absolutely stunning," she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.

For the occasion, he had booked the entire restaurant so he could treat his wife the way she deserved to be—like a queen. After the recent crossfire with the Yakov gang just a few days prior, Ivan couldn't afford to be seen in public places with his wife. It wasn't a matter of shame or embarrassment; it was simply a matter of safety. He hoped to keep their personal lives somewhat discreet until the intense conflict between the rival gangs subsided.

However, there was also a pressing need for him to apologize for his brusque behavior on the day when Ana discovered him with his two trusted men, Dmitri and Bogdan, during the unfortunate gunfire incident that left him wounded. Ivan carried a heavy burden of guilt for his reaction, but he couldn't control himself in that moment. He didn't want Ana to witness him in such a vulnerable state, knowing it would distress her greatly. She was too delicate for that gruesome sight.

"Do you like it, malysh?" he whispered in her ear softly, running his palms up and down her arms, feeling the goosebumps bursting on her skin. He couldn't help but be satisfied by the way every inch of her reacted to his touch. He kissed her on the shoulder, softly, and felt her back pressing into his chest.

"I love it. It's beautiful," she said and turned to face him, her face beaming. "But we didn't have to travel this far for only a dinner, Ivan. We could have done something simple."

"It's not just about the dinner, Ana," Ivan replied, his voice filled with affection. He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead before wrapping his arms around her waist, drawing her closer to him. "I would go to the ends of the earth for you, my love. This is nothing compared to the depth of my feelings for you."

Ana's eyes sparkled with a mixture of love and gratitude as she leaned into his embrace. "I'm so lucky to have you, Ivan," she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity. "You always go above and beyond to make me feel special."

A soft smile curved Ivan's lips as he rested his chin atop her head. "You deserve nothing less, my darling. You bring light into my life, and it's my mission to make every moment with you unforgettable."

[IVAN]

"They are here," Dmitri said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Taking a deep breath, I exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the situation settle heavily in my chest.

I rolled my shoulders, seeking a moment of calm before opening the car door and stepping out onto the ground. As I emerged, my eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the four vehicles that had come to a stop a few meters away from ours. Each car disgorged a man, their wary gaze sweeping the area, ensuring the safety of the meeting spot.

It was ironic, considering that Buklin himself had proposed this location.

Even though anxiety washed over me at the mere thought of seeing my family, I couldn't let it show. Not in front of Bulkin. Not now. I had to play it cool, waiting for the perfect moment to make my move if shit hit the fan.

Once Bulkin's crew finished their paranoid sweep, checking for any potential threats, they exchanged nods and muttered into their damn secret earpieces. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at their exaggerated caution. I mean, I got it, we were in a sticky situation, but their overly careful approach got on my damn nerves.

Leaning against the car's hood, I crossed my arms, trying to look nonchalant while a raging storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface. The cool metal against my hands offered some grounding, a fleeting moment of stability amidst the chaos. I had to keep up the front of composure, even though deep down, all I really wanted was the safety and comfort of my wife and kids.

I knew we had an ocean of misunderstanding between us, but that was our personal matter and none of these assholes had the right to come between and take advantage.

Tension coiled in my spine as the doors of the two cars swung open, revealing nothing but pitch-black tinted windows. Not a single glimpse of who or how many were concealed inside. I sensed Dmitri's body tensing up behind me, his instincts on high alert. But he knew better than to make a move unless the situation demanded it.

Buklin emerged from one of the vehicles, the sound of his boots crunching on the dry twigs and the sprinkling of snow on the desolate road. Wisps of white smoke escaped his mouth, carried away by the cold air, as he strode confidently to the front of his car. Cocking his head to the side, he casually slid his hands into the depths of his heavy overcoat.

"I'm glad you decided to show up, Volkov," he remarked, a smug grin etched across his face. "I was starting to worry that you wouldn't take my offer seriously."

I returned his smirk, a flicker of amusement dancing in my eyes. "What can I say? I may not be fond of surprises, but I do enjoy dishing them out."

Buklin chuckled, the sound echoing in the chilly air. He seemed unfazed by my response, his confidence unshaken.

"Well, Volkov, let's see if your surprise can match up to what I have in store for you," he retorted, his voice laced with a hint of challenge. He took a step closer, narrowing the distance between us.

As Buklin approached, I could sense Dmitri's readiness behind me, a coiled spring waiting to unleash its force. But I signaled him to hold back for now. We needed to play this cautiously, biding our time for the right moment to strike.

Buklin leaned in, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone. "You know, Volkov, I've heard whispers about your skills, your resourcefulness. But words can only go so far. I'm curious to see if you live up to the hype."

A wry smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "Actions speak louder than words, Buklin. And rest assured, I won't disappoint."

Buklin looked at me for a long minute, his lips pressed as if in deep thinking.

"This war ends now," he declared, determination seeping into his words. "And for you to believe me, to understand that my intentions are genuine, I've brought a gift for you."

He stepped aside, gesturing toward the waiting car. My eyes followed his gaze, curiosity piqued. The car's doors swung open, revealing a figure stepping out.

My heart skipped a beat as the realization struck me. Standing there, before my eyes, was someone I had lost, someone I believed would keep evading me in a never-ending chase. It was her—the woman who held my heart, my wife, Ana.

In her arms, tightly clutching to her chest, she held our daughter—her little face buried in the neck of my wife. And trailing behind them, a little version of myself, my son, Ivan Jr.

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