I smirk, brushing a hand down Sasha’s back without thinking. “I’ll be back soon enough,” I say, voice low, almost teasing. “This time with my wife—if she’s in the mood to travel, of course.”
Sasha stiffens slightly at the words, heat rising in her cheeks. “I’m a flight attendant,” she says. “I’m always in the mood to travel.”
I tighten my hand on her waist, my voice low, smooth, leaving no room for argument. “Was a flight attendant? Yes,” I say, eyes still on Roman. “But now? You don’t have to haul yourself through aisles and tiny seats. You’ll be flying beside me…in luxury. In style.”
Her gaze hardens for a moment, a flicker of anger I can’t quite read. Did I say something wrong? I push the thought aside—later. Right now isn’t the time. I should focus on Roman, who is staring at us both with a calm intensity.
“Will you be waiting for the reception tomorrow?” I ask Roman.
Roman nods, a small grin on his face. “Sure. Work called me back here, so don’t worry. But we’ll have plenty of time to talk later. Today’s your wedding. You should enjoy it.”
I nod, letting the words settle. “Better this way,” I mutter, tightening my hand slightly around Sasha’s waist. “I can’t concentrate on a damn thing with my beautiful wife in my arms.”
Roman laughs, the sound echoing softly in the garden. I feel her shift, her body pulling away from me, and I look down just in time to see her stalk off, jaw set, cheeks flushed.
I let her go with a low, amused hum. Damn her, but she’s irresistible.
The rest of the Rusnak brothers—Niko, Kaz, Adrian, Lukin—join us, and the table suddenly feels more alive, the quiet tension shifting into something warmer. These are my brothers. Men I blindly trust to have my back, no matter what war I’m in.
Mikhail appears at my side just as I’m swirling the last of my drink later that evening. “Lev,” he says, voice low but firm, “it’s getting late. The brunch should wrap up so everyone has time to rest before the reception tomorrow.”
I nod, setting my glass down. “You’re right. Let’s call it.”
He gives me a sideways glance, then offers a small, almost teasing smile. “And congratulations. Wholeheartedly.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Appreciated. But what’s with that look?”
Mikhail shakes his head, stepping closer. “Just…don’t be an asshole to her. It’s your wedding day, Lev.”
I blink, caught off guard. “I’ve never been an asshole to her.”
He smirks knowingly. “That’s not true. You’ve been mean, and it’s about time you start acting…better.”
I feel heat rise in my chest—not from anger, but from the way his words echo truths I’ve been trying to ignore. He’s right. I have been sharp, cold, relentless with her. But I’ve done it because I care—because letting her in scares me more than anything.
Still…I clench my fists and mutter under my breath, mostly to myself, “Better, huh?”
Mikhail just pats my shoulder and leaves me sitting there, thoughts twisting, knowing I’ll have to be the man who keeps her safe and finally earns her trust, not just her obedience.
I lean close to Niko, who is laughing hard at something Adrian is telling him. “End the party,” I tell him curtly. “I’m leaving with my wife.”
Without waiting for a response, I slip away, scanning the mansion for her. She’s not in the sitting rooms, not in the library, not in the hallways. My steps are quiet, deliberate. Every corner I turn, I hope she hasn’t disappeared somewhere I can’t reach.
Finally, I find her. The balcony doors are slightly ajar, and there she is, leaning against the railing, staring out at the city lights. The soft glow illuminates her hair and the line of her jaw. Her arms are crossed, shoulders tense, and for a moment, I just watch her, memorizing her.
I step closer, closing the distance, and take her hand in mine. It’s warm, alive. I lean down, my lips near her ear. “You cannot be alone tonight,” I whisper. “I’ll be with you. Every moment.”
Her body stiffens. She opens her mouth, probably to argue, but I don’t give her the chance. I lift her into my arms effortlessly.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks, voice sharp but shaky.
I smirk, letting the heat of my gaze meet hers. “To our suite,” I say simply, starting toward the elevators.
Tonight, she’s mine, whether she wants it or not, and I will make sure she feels it every step of the way.
Chapter 13 – Sasha
I try to wriggle free, panic rising, but his arms are iron around me. Every step into the suite, I feel the reality crashing down—I’m his wife now. His wife. Not some abstract idea, not some temporary arrangement. This is my life, whether I like it or not.
