The following days passed in a blur of preparation and tension. Viktor's men worked tirelessly to secure the estate, ensuring every possible avenue of attack was fortified. Christoph's alliance with other mafia families had escalated the situation, making it clear that their fight was no longer a personal vendetta—it was a full-blown war.
Despite the constant threat looming over them, Viktor and Liza found solace in their stolen moments together. The nights had become their sanctuary, where they could escape the weight of their circumstances, if only for a few hours.
Tonight was one of those rare moments when the world outside seemed distant. Viktor had taken Liza out to the balcony that overlooked the sprawling estate, the cool night air wrapping around them like a blanket. The city lights twinkled in the distance, but here, in the quiet of the night, everything felt serene—almost peaceful.
Liza leaned against the railing, her fingers brushing the cool metal as she looked up at the stars. Viktor stood beside her, his presence a steady, comforting force. She could feel the tension in his body, the weight of the decisions he had to make pressing down on him, but for now, he seemed content just to be with her.
"I used to come up here when I was younger," Viktor said quietly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Before I took over for my father, this was the one place I could escape everything. I'd look out at the city and imagine what life could be like if I wasn't born into this world."
Liza glanced over at him, surprised by the vulnerability in his voice. It wasn't often that Viktor spoke about his past, especially not the parts that weighed heavily on him. But she had come to understand that beneath his hardened exterior was a man who had carried the burdens of his family's legacy for far too long.
"And now?" she asked softly, turning to face him fully. "Do you still feel like you need to escape?"
Viktor's eyes met hers, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them. "Sometimes," he admitted. "But then I remember why I'm here. Why I do what I do. And lately, you're part of that reason."
Liza's heart swelled at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. It was moments like these that reminded her why she had fallen for him. Despite the darkness that surrounded Viktor, there was a light within him that she had come to cherish—a light that shone brighter when he was with her.
"I never thought I'd find someone like you," Liza confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Someone who makes me feel safe and loved, even in the middle of all this chaos."
Viktor stepped closer, his hands gently cupping her face as he leaned in. "You've changed everything for me, Liza. I never believed in love before you. I never thought I'd be capable of it."
Liza's breath caught in her throat, the sincerity in his words taking her by surprise. Viktor wasn't a man who wore his heart on his sleeve. He was guarded, careful with his emotions, and yet here he was, laying them bare before her.
"I love you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. To build a life with you, even if it means leaving all of this behind."
Liza's eyes filled with tears, her heart overflowing with love for this man who had fought so hard to protect her. She reached up, her fingers gently tracing the lines of his face, memorizing every detail.
"I love you too, Viktor," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "More than I ever thought possible."
Their lips met in a slow, tender kiss, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in each other. Liza could feel the depth of his love in every touch, every caress, and it made her feel more alive than she had ever felt before.
As the kiss deepened, Viktor's hands slid down her body, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. The intensity of their connection sent shivers down Liza's spine, and she clung to him, wanting to hold onto this moment forever.
But even as their passion ignited, there was a lingering sense of urgency, a reminder that the storm was still brewing outside. Christoph was out there, plotting his next move, and they couldn't afford to let their guard down.
Reluctantly, Viktor pulled back, his forehead resting against hers as he caught his breath. "We'll get through this," he promised, his voice low and filled with determination. "And when it's over, we'll have our chance at a real life. Together."
Liza nodded, her fingers brushing against his cheek as she smiled through her tears. "I believe you."
They stood there in the quiet of the night, wrapped in each other's warmth, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together.
---
The following morning, Viktor was up early, already deep in conversation with Luka and the rest of his men. Liza watched from the doorway, her heart heavy with the knowledge that today could be the day Christoph made his move.
She had never been one to shy away from a fight, but the thought of losing Viktor—of losing the future they had begun to imagine—terrified her more than anything. But she couldn't let fear control her. Not now.
As Viktor turned to leave for a meeting with one of his allies, Liza crossed the room and placed a hand on his arm, stopping him in his tracks.
"Be careful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Viktor's eyes softened as he turned to face her, his hand covering hers. "I will," he promised, his voice filled with reassurance. "I always am."
Liza leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, a silent reminder of everything they had to fight for. Viktor lingered for a moment, his hand brushing against her cheek, before he turned and left, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.
Liza stood there for a long time, her heart heavy with the weight of everything that was at stake. She knew that Viktor was strong, that he was capable of handling whatever came his way. But Christoph was dangerous, unpredictable, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.
---
As the day wore on, Liza tried to distract herself with work, but her mind kept drifting back to Viktor. The hours ticked by, each one stretching longer than the last, until finally, the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the estate.
Liza's unease grew with every passing minute. Viktor hadn't returned yet, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. She paced the length of the library, her fingers twisting the hem of her shirt as she waited for any word from him.
Just as the tension became unbearable, the door to the library swung open, and Viktor strode in, his face grim, but unharmed.
Relief flooded Liza's chest, and she rushed toward him, her arms wrapping around his waist as she buried her face in his chest. Viktor's arms came around her, holding her tightly, and for a moment, they simply stood there, taking comfort in each other's presence.
"What happened?" Liza asked, her voice muffled against his chest.
Viktor sighed, his hand gently stroking her hair. "Christoph's making his move. It's only a matter of time before he tries something. But we're ready."
Liza pulled back to look at him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Are you sure?"
Viktor nodded, his expression hardening. "I've got men stationed all around the estate. Christoph won't get anywhere near you."
Liza bit her lip, her anxiety bubbling to the surface. "And what about you? You're going after him, aren't you?"
Viktor's silence was all the confirmation she needed.
"I have to end this, Liza," he said quietly, his voice filled with resolve. "It's the only way to keep you safe."
Liza's heart clenched, but she knew he was right. Christoph wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted, and the only way to stop him was to take him down once and for all.
"Just promise me you'll come back," Liza whispered, her voice breaking.
Viktor's eyes softened, and he leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "I promise."
As Viktor pulled her into another embrace, Liza closed her eyes, holding onto the hope that this would be the last time they had to face Christoph. But deep down, she knew that nothing in this world was ever that simple.
The storm was coming, and they would have to face it together—no matter the cost.