Page 51 of The Bratva Enforcer and His Virgin Bride

My gaze lifts to the front.

And finds him immediately.

Lukyan stands beside the priest.

Waiting.

He’s dressed in a black suit that looks tailored for him. The dark fabric contrasts sharply with his pale skin, making his gray eyes seem even colder.

Even from a distance, he looks composed.

Controlled.

As though this is simply another responsibility he intends to carry out successfully.

Then his eyes meet mine.

Something strange happens inside my chest.

My stomach hollows unexpectedly.

I hate it.

I hate that my body notices him at all.

I hate that he’s unfairly handsome.

I hate that I remember exactly how those gray eyes looked when he told me my future had already been decided.

The music swells softly.

Someone touches my arm.

I realize it’s time to walk.

My legs move before my brain fully catches up.

One step.

Then another.

The aisle stretches before me.

I focus on the path ahead, trying not to think about what waits at the end of it.

But every few seconds, my gaze drifts back to him.

And every time, he’s already looking at me.

Watching.

Waiting.

By the time I finally reach him, my pulse is racing.

For a second, neither of us speaks.

Then Lukyan extends his hand. After the smallest hesitation, I place my hand in his.