Page 133 of Reclaimed By My Ex’s Bratva Brother

The guests went quiet.

"But I promise to ask you before I decide. Promise to respect your no and treasure your yes. You don't belong to me."

His Adam's apple moved.

"I belong to you."

Tears fell instantly.

Winnie sobbed behind me, still complaining about her mascara. Rory sniffled. Makar turned his face away. Gleb looked down, pretending to study his glass.

I hadn't prepared paper.

Because I knew what I wanted to say.

"You crashed the first wedding I planned, bought my company, wrecked my orderly life, and almost made me believe you were my biggest mistake." I smiled through tears. "But you also stood in front of me again and again. You shielded me from humiliation, from bullets, and finally learned not to shield me from my own choices. I don't need a perfect man. I need someone willing to change with me, share consequences with me, come home with me."

I tightened my fingers.

"So I choose you. Not because you saved me. Not because of what you can give me. Just because I love you."

Emotion surged in Varlam's eyes. Before the officiant could speak, he bent down and kissed me.

"The rings!" Rory yelled. "You haven't exchanged rings!"

Varlam stopped an inch from my lips.

"Too many steps."

"You insisted on keeping this step," I reminded him.

Makar handed the ring box to Rory. Rory solemnly brought it to us.

We exchanged rings. He gripped my hand like he'd finally caught hold of something he'd never dared hope for.

"Now you may kiss the bride." The officiant stepped back with a smile.

His hand cupped the back of my neck. The kiss was deep and restrained. Applause came from the guests. Rory cheered. Winnie whistled.

I heard nothing else.

Only his heartbeat. Over and over, steady against my palm.

Three months after the wedding, I resigned from Petrov Group and opened my own wedding planning studio.

Varlam didn't object.

My studio occupied the ground floor of a red brick building. The street-facing windows were huge—afternoon sun reached all the way to the conference table in back. I didn't use opulent gold or pile on expensive décor, just hung a few photos from my favorite weddings on the wall.

The first: Varlam's back as he walked toward me on the conservatory path. The second: Rory laughing, holding up the ring box. The third: Varlam and me kissing after the rain.

Opening day, Winnie showed up with a flower basket bigger than her torso.

"Your first employee reporting for duty."

"Who said I'm hiring you?" I raised an eyebrow.

"You need an honest, enthusiastic assistant with excellent taste."