“More than I can tell you.”
This time, as he took me into his arms, I felt a sense of peace. Emmeline was right. There was no perfect relationship and what we shared was dark, yet with the darkness came a sense of light that could often be blinding. Maybe that’s what true love provided.
Even for all the wrong reasons.
As his lips captured mine, I knew in my heart he was my home and I was his.
Hopefully, his soul would eventually heal.
And so would mine.
CHAPTER 26
Alexander
“Did you notice who didn’t show either to the wedding or reception?” Sinclair asked, clear amusement in his eyes.
I scanned the festive party, studying the guests who’d braved the actual wedding and reception. Everything had fallen into place. By now, Ivan Barishnikoff had been told of the losses he’d suffered.
He’d also learn soon enough the wedding had taken place. A new regime had been forged with the blood of two of the most powerful families in the south.
We would rule New Orleans and the surrounding area without question.
If the Russians dared try to overthrow us again, his entire family would be slaughtered. I’d spared him as a gift to my lovely wife.
At her insistence.
Maybe I was already growing soft after only being married for three hours.
“Uncle Armand.” I lifted my glass of whiskey, chuckling as I did. “I guess he didn’t feel welcome.”
“What do you want to do with him?” Montgomery asked.
I’d known the question would come up at some point. “Nothing. He’s family.” My chuckle was dark, the vile thoughts lingering. He would face my wrath one day.
“Mmm…” Jaxon huffed.
When Sinclair started to interject, I threw up my finger. “Don’t say it. We will keep an eye on him. If he tries to do anything to derail our business, he will answer to me. Until then, we simply move on. There’s been enough bloodshed.”
“I’m curious,” Sinclair pushed. “Do you trust the DA will do the right thing?”
I laughed as I noticed my lovely bride approaching. She’d changed clothes into something slinky and daring, and I was dying to rip the stunning dress from her body.
My cock ached just thinking about the filthy things I’d do to her later.
“He will. You have no idea how amazing my bride is as an attorney. He won’t cross her. If he does, he’ll face her revenge.”
“I told you she was right for you from minute one.” Sinclair backed away, laughing as he did.
“You said no such thing.”
“Talking about me again, boys?” My angel missed nothing.
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
She threw her arms around my neck, giving me one of her looks. “Remember. No business talk. This is supposed to be a happy occasion.”
I swung her around, enjoying the feeling of having her body crushed up against mine. “You seem to forget who’s in charge.”
