"How special you are. How strong." He pulled me closer, tucking me against his side as we walked. "Most people would've broken after what you went through. But you didn't break. You get back up. You went back to school. You kept fighting. And even when your back was against the wall for your safety, you didn’t accept the bare minimum. You fought me at every turn. Baby, you stood up for yourself and demanded that I see how worthy you are of more."
My throat tightened. "I didn't have a choice."
"Yes, you did. You could've given up. Could've let fear win. But you didn't." He stopped walking, turning to face me. "You're remarkable, Shanice. And I don't think anyone tells you that enough. You could’ve been content living in the house and being pampered, but you didn’t. You’re chasing your dreams. I love that for you. It’s fucking beautiful to see."
Tears pricked at my eyes. "Mikhail…"
"I'm not done." He cupped my face. "You're kind. Loyal. Fiercely protective of the people you love. You put everyone else first, even when it costs you. In return, those people are also loyal to you, because of how good you are to others. And you're so fucking beautiful it makes me ache just looking at you."
"You're going to make me cry."
"Good. Then you'll know I mean it." He kissed me softly. "I'm the luckiest man alive, Shanice. Because somehow, you're mine. I chose you some time ago, and to have you choose me backis the best damn feeling in the world. I couldn’t have chosen a more perfect life partner."
It was my turn to kiss him, pouring everything I felt into it. When we broke apart, I was breathless and emotional. This man was wonderful, and he’d been showing me how right we are together from the beginning.
“I remember when I first got to Olek’s house. How you always would pop in to see if I needed anything. Or when you’d come in and sit quietly, just observing me. I really appreciate you being there. It comforted me in ways I can’t express. You make me feel safe, Mikhail.”
“Good, cause, baby, nobody wants the problem of being in between us. Especially with my ring on your finger. If I was bad before…” he groaned and kissed my neck. “Watch out world.”
I laughed, my heart feeling full. “Thank you, Mikhail for everything tonight.”
He pulled back, kissed my forehead. "Come on," he said, taking my hand again. "There's one more surprise."
We kept walking, and ahead I saw where he was leading us to. A beautiful hotel right on the river, all lit up, elegant, and romantic.
My heart started pounding. I’d never been inside a hotel this nice. "Mikhail, what are we doing here?"
"Our wedding night." He looked down at me. "I know the ceremony wasn't what you dreamed of. But I wanted today to still be special. That means our honeymoon has to be as well."
I couldn't speak. Could only nod. I refused to let him turn me into a fountain of tears every time that he spoke to me. We checked in, and Mikhail led me to the elevator. We rode up in silence, the tension building with every floor. When we reached our room, he opened the door and then, before I could step inside, he swept me up into his arms.
I gasped, clutching his shoulders. "What are you doing?"
"Carrying my wife over the threshold." He grinned. "It's tradition."
My heart swelled again. The gestures today have been invaluable. So good that I hadn’t thought about my dream wedding at all. Maybe when this was all over, I would. For now, this was the best feeling.
He carried me inside and set me down gently. The room was stunning. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river, a massive bed with crisp white sheets, soft lighting that made everything feel intimate and warm. Pale pink rose petals on the floor. Roses all over the suite.
"Mikhail, this is beautiful."
"Not enough. But it's a start." He moved behind me, his hands finding the zipper of my dress. "Let me see you."
He undressed me slowly, reverently, his fingers trailing over every inch of skin he exposed. When my dress pooled at my feet, I stood there in just my underwear, suddenly self-conscious.
"Perfect," he murmured. "You're so fucking perfect."
He removed the rest, then stepped back to undress himself. I watched, transfixed, as he revealed that powerful body. All hard muscles and controlled strength.
When he was fully naked, he moved to the couch by the windows and sat down. "Come here."
I walked to him on shaky legs. He guided me to straddle his lap, and the feel of his hard length pressed against me made me gasp.
"I've got you," he said softly. His hands moved over me, massaging my thighs, my hips, my back. Long, slow strokes that made me melt. "Just feel, baby. Let me worship you."
His mouth found my neck, kissing and sucking. I knew he was going to leave marks that claimed me as his. His hands moved around to my breasts, kneading them, rolling my nipples between his fingers until I was squirming in his lap.
"You feel so good," he murmured against my skin. "So soft. So warm. Mine."
