Page 107 of Born into Sin

She pulls back and gives me a half smile. “No, it’s all right. I don’t mind it as much since you didn’t make me wear the heels.” Her smile grows when she says, “Plus, Dad may have said he’ll think about a third ear piercing because of my willingness to wear a dress.”

I look over at our dad, who’s only a few feet away. He shrugs his broad shoulders and smiles. “What? The last time I saw little witch in a dress was when she was a toddler. The moment lasted about two seconds and then she ripped it off and ran around the house naked.”

“I stand by that decision,” Mia says with a smile.

My dad laughs and pulls us both in for a hug. “Neither one of you better ever change. You’re both perfect, and I love you.”

“Love you too, Dad,” we both say, hugging him back.

“I think the Italians are getting restless,” my Uncle Roman says, looking down the hall and out the large window that faces the backyard. We decided to have the wedding at home since it’s so much easier to secure, and the place has been bustling for days. Dominic hired a catering team so Lucia could just sit back and enjoy the wedding, and as hectic as the last few weeks have been, it’s also been amazing.

“Do I look okay?” I ask, running a hand down my dress, thankful that my ribs no longer hurt and my face has fully healed.

“You look beautiful,” my dad says.

“Stunning,” Svetlana adds while my sister nods her head in agreement.

“All right, let’s go take our seats like civilized people,” Uncle Danil suggests, giving me a wink. “Show them that Russians do know how to behave.”

“Since when?” Uncle Vitaly asks with a laugh. Aunt Katya smiles at me while she drags her husband from the room. The rest slowly follow, and soon it’s just my dad and me, waiting for our cue.

Before we walk out, he looks down at me and smiles. “Someone wanted to say hi before I walk you out there.”

Before I can ask him who it is, Grigori’s standing in the doorway. He looks like he’s lost a few pounds and he’s using crutches, but he’s alive and smiling, and I quickly close the distance so I can give him a hug.

“Thank you so much,” I whisper, being careful to not hug him too tightly while he’s still healing. “I’m so sorry, Grigori.”

“Nothing to be sorry about, Natalya. I’m just glad you’re safe,” he tells me. Pulling back, he looks at me in my dress and smiles. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks. How are you feeling? Are you recovering okay?”

He laughs at my questions. “I’m fine. Stop worrying about me. I spend my days fishing and spending time with my wife.” He gives me another smile. “I think retirement suits me, and she’s thrilled to not have to worry about me all the time anymore.”

I squeeze his hand, happy that he and his wife are happy.

“Well, I better get back out there.” He nods at my dad and then gives me one last smile before leaving.

I turn back to my dad. “Thanks for sneaking him in. I’ve been worrying about him.”

“I know, and neither one of us wanted you to keep doing it. He’s happy, and he would’ve had to stop watching over you anyway since Dominic insists on having his own bodyguards around you now.”

I smile at his tone. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you, princess,” he says, squeezing my hand and placing it on his arm so he can escort me down the aisle.

He turns to me and kisses my cheek.

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but let’s go get you married, honey.”

I smile up at him and squeeze his arm, because even though I’m about to get married and be a mom, I still desperately need my dad right now. Sensing my nerves, he keeps his hand over mine, letting me know without saying a word that he will always be there to support me, no matter what.

I take a deep, shaky breath, and when I hear the music start up, I follow my dad’s lead and step outside with him. It’s because of his unwavering love and support that I feel strong enough to embrace my future and join my life to Dominic’s. My family has given me the foundation I need, and marrying into the Alessi family doesn’t mean I’ll be leaving mine behind. I’ll always be a Melnikov. It’s just that now I’ll also be an Alessi.

Chapter 19

Dominic

I’ve never been so nervous in my life. The first time I saw a man die, I was twelve years old. The first time I was pulling the trigger, I was fourteen. Neither of those moments even come close to this one. It’s not that I’m scared of joining my life to Natalya’s. It’s more that I’m terrified she’s going to come to her senses and realize she can do so much better than me.

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