Page 68 of Weeping Roses

I nod, grateful for the advice because Artem is as close to him as a brother and is reassuring me that I am making the right decision. Not that I have a choice, it seems.

His eyes are cold, ruthless and dead. They are the demonic eyes of a killer and a man who lives for his job. Yet he is offering me soft words at the time I need them the most and as we head toward the living room, I have zero doubts that I am doing the right thing.

One hour has changed everything and I no longer feel anxious about losing Valentin. For whatever reasons he has, I will be his wife and I won’t be on my own anymore. We will just work out the details of the rest of our life as we go along.

One hour can definitely change everything, and this room is no exception. I blink away the tears when I see it has been drenched in red roses. They are absolutely everywhere and it’s as if I have wandered into a rose garden that is having the best year of its life. There must be no red roses left in London because they are all here in this room.

My eyes are drawn to the floor to ceiling doors leading out to the diminishing sun kissed garden and standing before them in a black suit, his dark eyes flashing as he watches me approach is the man I am here to marry.

His devilish good looks are heightened by the smart suit and the appearance of a man who classes money as the least of his worries. He is not wearing a tie, just a black silk shirt left open to reveal that dark scripted chest and my mouth waters as he stares at me with an expression that makes me shiver inside.

It’s as if I’m a lamb to the slaughter because I should be very afraid right now. His intentions are written all over his face, and the possessive gleam in his eye isn’t lost on me. I have never been the focus of so much dark attention in my life, and it takes my breath away.

I’m grateful for Artem’s support as I stumble and as I stare at the man who is running away with my soul, I relish every minute of it. He never asked me the question, just told me the answer, and if he had, the outcome would be the same. I would still be walking toward him with a heart fluttering with nerves and yet full to the brim with happiness.

My life has become a dark fairy tale ever since he tossed a rose into my aunt’s grave and turned to stare into my eyes for the first time. I was lost then and I’m lost now as I walk toward my fate with the naivety of a fool.

CHAPTER 37

VALENTIN

It came to me as soon as I cut the call with my brother. Why wait? Since meeting Polly, it’s obvious I need someone in my life who bolsters my confidence and takes care of my soul. I’ve never met a woman like Polly before and I’m not ready to move on. In marrying her, I keep her, and it’s as simple as that.

As she walks toward me, I know I made the right choice. She is unbelievably beautiful and has the soul of an angel. She is my ideal woman and if I could have plucked her from a shelf of brides, she would always be my first choice. For a businessman, it’s all about the deal, and she is the best one for me. She is my perfect match and I will enjoy everything that brings.

She carries herself with elegance and is the perfect lady. Now my decision is walking toward me, my heart settles. In less than thirty minutes I will be a married man and can move onto business. That part will be taken care of and, like most of my staff, she will accompany me everywhere. Yes, Polly is a business deal that I’d be a fool to pass by and now I have everything I require in life, the world makes sense again.

Love will not turn my head and threaten my principles. I will not be my father and wish I was with another. There is no need to look at anyone else all the time Polly plays her part. We will be a team, like I thought my parents were, and there are no hidden ghosts in our relationship waiting to threaten that.

She reaches me with a soft smile on her face and glittering tears of joy in her eyes. She is so unbelievably perfect I still can’t believe my luck.

She is not after my money, reputation, or the trophy of calling me her husband. She is here because she wants to be. I can see that in her eyes.

I take her soft hand and hold it gently, staring into her eyes as the registrar mumbles the words that are mere formalities. As she stands before me pledging her life to mine, I experience a rush of power I wasn’t expecting. I have a wife and she is mine forever. Now she won’t leave, she can’t leave me and we can wrap up this mystery knowing it won’t destroy us.

As we repeat our vows, her eyes widen when she realizes I left in the obedience part. It makes me smile as she hesitates before saying the word clearly, although obviously against her wishes. Yes, she will obey me because what I say goes. Polly would be a fool to challenge me because it’s in her best interests to please me.

In return, I will care for her, offer her security, and keep her from harm. She will no longer be alone and has a new family to learn about. My world is a dangerous place, but it’s also a gold–lined prison. She will want for nothing except her freedom from me, and that will never happen.

My eyes glitter as I stare into hers and as the registrar declares us husband and wife, the applause from my men reminds me we’re not alone.

I step closer and note the lust flare in her eyes and as I reach for her, I wrap my hand around the back of her head and pull her sharply to me.

I grasp her chin with my other hand and hold my wife in my hands for the very first time, and raw power grips me as I take possession of my latest transaction.

Her lips find mine hungrily and I bite down softly on her lower lip, my teeth grazing the soft flesh as I sample them. My mouth fastens on hers and I invade it with a possession that isn’t lost on me because tonight Polly Romanov will discover exactly what she just signed up for.

I am drowning in raw energy. I never appreciated how invincible this would make me feel. I’ve eradicated any doubt, any fears, and any worries about leaving her and brought her to my heel, where I expect her to stay.

I kiss her with a hunger that leaves her in no doubt what she just signed up for. My wedding band is now encircling her finger and will soon be joined by the million dollar ring I have in mind. She will be dripping in my possession and leaving no doubt at all of who owns her now. My wife. Mrs. Valentin Romanov is the new lady of the house, and I have never felt more settled than I do now.

We stand in the same spot while everyone leaves. Artem was briefed well because there will be no congratulations, no celebration, and no fuss. The registrar disappears with a huge payout for turning up at such short notice and as the door closes behind them I stare at my wife and say huskily.

“Mrs. Romanov.”

Her eyes brighten and her smile almost blinds me as she whispers, “Yes, Mr. Romanov.”

“Get on your knees.”

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