Page 13 of Devil's Bride

“It’s time to say your vows,” the priest says, nabbing our attention.

I say mine first, dreading every word I echo after the priest. For better and for worse be damned, I’ll kill Alexei if I ever have the opportunity and courage. He smirks at me. Cunny bastard, I’m sure he knows that, too.

“…Till death do us part.” I slide the ring on his finger, wishing death does part us sooner rather than later. His death though, not mine. A prison wall would even be better, then I’d finally get to see him caged like the animal he is.

He doesn’t hesitate when it’s his turn to say his vows. I’d even say he’s excited about shackling me to his side, like a puppy after a treat. I feel sick when he slides the diamond ring he’s holding on my finger.

“I pronounce you Man and Wife,” the priest says, sealing the deal.

That is it. All of this is real and I cannot escape it now. I’m officially Mrs. Vadim, wife of Alexei Vadim. I prefer being a Volkov.

Alexei smiles, as if trying to tell me I am now his. He’s really rubbing it in my face. “Congratulations, Wife.”

I shudder. Wife. That is what I am to him now, and he’s my husband. Mine.

When the priest announces we should kiss, I stiffen my wobbly legs and try not to step back. Alexei’s smile widens even more as he inches closer. So close I can feel the hardness of his body against mine as he cups the back of my head and brings his lips to within a breath of mine.

The back of my neck stiffens and heat flares in my stomach. Palpitations make my heartbeat erratically as I imagine him kissing me ravenously. I’m stupidly curious about how well he kisses, and I want to taste him on my lips.

But I don’t show it. Give a dog a bone and he comes back for more.

“Don’t you dare,” I whisper harshly against his lips. “Kiss me and I’ll rip your tongue out.”

His eyes darken, as if he likes a good dare. “I’ll like to see you try.”

Lust bleeds into his eyes, as if playing hard to get is turning him on even more. He brings his lips dangerously close to mine and kisses me passionately. In an instant, I’m lost. I can’t help responding and I melt against him. My fingers fist the collar of his shirt, and my tongue dances to the rhythm of his.

A quiet moan escapes my lips as I close my eyes and kiss him back.

God, I’m not supposed to enjoy this as much as I am.

He pulls away just before I forget we’re surrounded by family, friends, and murderers, and there’s a victorious glint in his eyes. “You’re mine from this moment on, malyshka. Mine to fuck, mine to protect, and mine to torture.”

I swallow. “I’m not fucking property,” I say with a rasp.

He places two fingers beneath my chin and tilts my face to his. “Let another man touch you, and you’ll know how cruel I can be.”

I know he means every word and every threat. Men like him are possessive and would rather die than let another man touch what is theirs. Still, a part of me is clinging desperately to whatever dignity I have left.

I’ve been forced to leave my family and marry a man I hate. I won’t let him walk all over me, too. So, I look him in the eyes and say, “Let another girl touch you, and you’ll realize how quickly a bitch can lose her hands.”

Chapter Five

Alexei

Looks like I’ve gotten myself a feisty wife, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t like my women docile, I like them fierce and wild, just like the little Ms. Volkov who is now Mrs. Vadim.

I don’t like my women to cower from fear in front of me, though I’ll admit most women I’ve met can’t help it. Even most men. Everyone sees me as the ruthless Pakhan of the Bratva, it’s an identity I carefully crafted for myself.

Marriage will be no fun if she’s afraid of me, and it’s even better because she just laid her claim on me. This petite woman will have me wrapped around her pretty little fingers in no time, and I wonder if she realizes it yet.

When I look up, I see Matteo staring at me with hate and disgust in his eyes. I smile at him and he seethes even more. What good is a viper without fangs or poison? His daughter is under my care, and he knows it’s in his best interest to behave appropriately.

My attention comes back to my wife. She’s wearing a beautiful wedding dress, that’s made more of crystals than silk. It’s befitting a queen, and she’s an absolute stunner in it.

I escort her down the aisle and into the waiting SUV. The short trip to the hotel where the reception is being held is filled with weighted silence. All I can think about is getting her alone. I rein in my lust-filled thoughts. I need to hold back until we are truly alone.

Security is tight when we arrive and we are quickly ushered in.

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