Page 94 of Killer Love

I give him a quick nod and reach into my belt for my pistol as Nikita’s smirk grows a little wider. “Before I kill you, Thomas Bradley, I want you to do one thing… for old times’ sake.”

He flinches as I lean over to look him in the eyes.

“Hiss for me.”

* * *

Markov throws open the trunk and reaches in before I even make it out of the warehouse. He spins back around as I reach the car and shoves a black garment bag into my arms.

“Change on the way,” he says, pointing a stern finger at me.

I chuckle as he rushes toward the driver’s side, but I don’t argue. It might be a little later than I thought it was, but she’ll surely understand.

I pull the zipper down on the bag and smile at the black tuxedo hanging inside.

Yuri’s waiting on the steps when we arrive, pacing back and forth in his own tuxedo. When he sees me, he throws up his hands.

“It’s about time...”

I shrug and make one final adjustment to my cuff links. “I was busy.”

He grabs the chapel door. “Explain that to your bride.”

I squint at the sudden change in lighting as we walk inside, but everything shifts to sudden clarity when I see her waiting for me at the altar.

My bride.

My mother flashes me that scolding stare, but she keeps her smile for the bouncing boy in her arms. I offer her a kiss on the cheek as I pass by her and she tugs on my sleeve.

“Did you have somewhere more important to be today?” she murmurs for my ears only.

“Of course not, Ma…”

I take Lucian from her and balance him on my hip, looking down to admire his tiny tuxedo. He chuckles at me as I tickle his chin.

I spin away from her to stand beside Sofia.

My Sofia. Dressed in white from head to toe with a bouquet of pink roses in her hands, just as she always wanted. I can barely make out her face behind the white veil, so I use my free hand to roll it back over her head.

She smiles at me. Those beautiful eyes. Those pink lips and colorful cheeks. Everything about her shines. There’s no fear of the unknown. No malice for strict tradition. Not even a tremble of hesitation.

That frightened girl cowering behind a mangy tablecloth in the darkness is gone.

She looks at Lucian and we grin at him together. If there’s anything in this world more perfect than she is, it’s him.

“Dearly beloved…”

We turn forward as the priest begins. I reach out for her hand. She lets go of her flowers and rests her palm against mine. We steal one more glance at each other, and her attention lands on my neck.

Sofia sighs softly and drops my hand to grab the handkerchief from my breast pocket. The priest continues as she whips it free and slides it beneath my chin.

She twists her hand to show it to me. I cringe at the blood-red drops staining the white cloth.

“Did you get him?” she whispers, tossing the handkerchief to the floor behind us.

I clear my throat. “Yes.”

Her lips curl as she takes my hand again. “Good.”

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