Semua Bab The Mafia King's Collateral : Bab 131 - Bab 140

Liora’s POV The third day without Nikolai felt heavier, like the mansion itself was holding its breath. I spent most of the morning trying to keep busy. I helped in the garden for a while, trimming flowers and pulling weeds, but my mind kept wandering back to him. The bracelet on my wrist felt warm from constant touching, a small reminder that he was out there somewhere, thinking about me too. Later, as I walked back toward the house, I overheard two of the staff members whispering near the side entrance. Their voices were low, but the words carried on the breeze. “…heard there’s been some trouble in Krasnodar. The Pakhan had to go personally. They say it’s dangerous…” “I worry about him. If something happens to the boss…” I froze behind a tall hedge, heart pounding. Threats. Danger. The words sank into me like ice. I knew Nikolai’s world was violent and complicated, but hearing it spoken out loud while he was gone made it feel much more real. My hands trembled as I clutched t

Liora’s POV The third night without Nikolai felt like the hardest one yet. I missed him so badly it was a constant, deep ache in my chest. Every corner of the mansion reminded me of him the garden where he’d carried me while tickling and kissing me, the bedroom where we’d shared so much passion and tenderness, even the medical wing where he’d been so gentle with Alora. The bracelet on my wrist felt heavier with every passing hour, a constant reminder that he was out there somewhere, handling dangerous things while I waited. I spent most of the day trying to stay strong for our daughter. Alora was doing much better now, her energy was returning, and she was able to move around the room more freely with her splint. We had sweet moments together that warmed my heart even through the sadness. “Mommy, story!” she demanded happily when I arrived in the morning, patting the bed beside her. I climbed in and pulled her into my lap, reading her favorite books with all the silly voices

Liora’s POVThe morning felt different somehow.I woke up with a quiet hope in my chest, even though Nikolai had said he’d be home late. I spent the day trying to keep busy, playing with Alora, walking in the garden, touching his bracelet every few minutes like it could bring him back faster. Alora kept asking about him, and I told her with a smile that Daddy was coming home today.“Really?” she’d asked, eyes wide with excitement.“Really,” I promised, kissing her forehead. “He misses you so much.”The hours stretched on. I tried to stay strong for her, but inside I was a bundle of nerves and yearning. Every sound in the mansion made my heart jump, hoping it was him. By evening, I was exhausted from waiting, sitting in our bedroom with his pillow in my arms, counting the minutes.Then I heard it, the sound of the front door opening downstairs, followed by familiar footsteps.My heart stopped.I ran.I didn’t even think. I flew down the stairs in his oversized shirt, bare feet slap

Liora’s POVThe sun felt brighter today, like the whole world was celebrating Nikolai’s return.We decided to spend the day outside in the garden with Alora, turning it into a proper family day. Nikolai carried her the entire way from the medical wing, her little arms wrapped around his neck as she giggled and told him all about the pictures she’d drawn for him while he was gone. Watching them together made my heart feel so full it almost hurt in the best way.“Careful with her arm, baby,” I reminded him gently as he lifted her higher to reach a flower.“I’ve got her,” he said, voice warm and confident. He held her like she was the most precious thing in the world, kissing the top of her head as she pointed out butterflies. “Look at that one, princess. It’s the same color as your favorite dress.”Alora squealed with delight, and Nikolai spun her gently — just enough to make her laugh without jostling her injured arm. The sound of their laughter filled the garden, chasing away the last

Liora’s POVThe morning light felt like a promise.I woke up wrapped in Nikolai’s arms, his warm body pressed against mine, his steady breathing the most comforting sound in the world. For a long moment, I just lay there, savoring the feeling of him finally home - the way his arm draped possessively over my waist, the way his chest rose and fell against my back, the faint scent of him that always made me feel safe. After the long days apart, this simple closeness felt like everything I had been yearning for.I turned slowly in his arms, careful not to wake him, and just watched him sleep. He looked so peaceful, the usual tension in his jaw gone, dark lashes resting against his cheeks. My heart swelled with love as I traced a gentle finger along his jawline, remembering how he had looked at me last night - with such raw need and deep affection. I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his shoulder, then his collarbone, just enjoying the warmth of him.He stirred eventually, a low, sl