Page 53 of The Bratva Enforcer and His Virgin Bride

His gray eyes settle on mine.

For a second, something unreadable moves across his expression.

Then he says, very calmly, “You’re my wife now.”

The words hit a nerve immediately.

Before I can stop myself, irritation flares hot and sharp.

Of course.

Of course, he would say it like that.

As if marriage somehow rewrites my entire identity.

As if the last twenty-three years of my life disappeared the moment I signed a document.

He starts guiding me toward the reception canopy where the rest of the Rusnaks are gathered. They’re laughing and talking as they wait for us.

I stop walking. My heel digs into the ground. Lukyan takes another step before realizing I am no longer moving. He pauses and slowly turns back toward me. The music and conversations around us continue, but for a moment they feel very far away.

I yank my hand from his grip. His eyes narrow slightly.

“I am not a possession.”

The words leave me before I can reconsider them.

He purses his lips.

“I’m not one of your businesses. I’m not one of your investments. And I’m certainly not some woman you can drag around because a priest said a few words.”

His expression remains frustratingly calm. That only makes me angrier.

“You call me your wife like it’s supposed to mean something magical. It doesn’t.” I take a breath. My heart is pounding. “I still didn’t choose this. This is a strategic involvement. Nothing emotional about this.”

The silence stretches between us.

Then he inclines his head once. “Very well, wife.”

The title should irritate me.

Instead, the way he says it almost sounds like a concession.

Like he’s acknowledging my anger rather than dismissing it.

I still hate it.

But for the first time since meeting him, I don’t feel like screaming. Which, considering the circumstances, probably counts as progress.

Chapter 6 – Lukyan

One week after the wedding, my life remains largely unchanged, which is surprising. Most people would assume marriage alters something fundamental. Schedules. Habits. Priorities. Living arrangements.

In my case, very little changes.

I still wake before sunrise. I still spend most of my day working. I still review financial reports over breakfast and answer calls long after midnight. The only noticeable difference is that there is now another person living in my house.

A wife.