Page 131 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

"Since getting dumped, Makar suddenly thinks he's a relationship expert." Winnie rolled her eyes.

Rory nodded seriously.

"He said if you run, I should hide the car keys."

"Whose keys?"

"Varlam's. He said your husband has the fastest car."

I couldn't help laughing. The tightness in my chest loosened a little.

"Come here."

Rory walked over. I wiped excess gel from his temple and straightened his bow tie.

"Nervous today?" I asked.

"Not nervous." He paused. "Just a little."

"Me too."

He looked at me in the mirror. His eyes suddenly went red.

"I wish Mom could see this."

The words hit like a needle, straight into the softest part of my heart.

I squeezed his hand.

"She can."

Winnie sniffled and immediately turned away.

"Nobody cries," she said. "Mascara's expensive."

"You're already crying," Rory pointed out.

"The air's too dry."

"It's raining outside."

A knock at the door. Makar leaned against the frame in a sharply cut black suit. He shared Varlam's coloring and eyes, but that edge hadn't yet been worn by time into real stillness. He looked at me for a few seconds, his smile cleaner than before.

"Ready?"

"If you stop teaching Rory about escape plans, I'll be more ready."

"I'm just giving him contingencies."

"Do all you Petrov men think weddings need battle plans?"

"My brother prepared twelve."

I stared at him.

Makar spread his hands.

"Don't worry. You didn't like them, so he scrapped every one."