Page 47 of Pike’s Redemption

Helena smiled widely as she moved down the aisle, and when she finally reached Maddox, the crowd roared. Where all the stuffy Bratva weddings I’d been to had been silent, this one was filled with joy and laughter. Maddox took her hand as he helped her onto the platform and intertwined his hands with hers before standing before the officiant.

The ceremony was short, sweet, and to the point. There were no elaborate vows or grand speeches—just two people promising to be there for each other, no matter what. It was simple and perfect, with hooting and hollering at the end.

After the ceremony, the party kicked into full gear. Music filled the air, a mix of classic rock and country that had everyone on their feet. The bar was open, and the dance floor was packed.

“Dance with me, sis?” Ronnie’s voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to see her holding out her hand, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

I laughed, taking her hand. “You’re relentless.”

“And you love me for it,” she quipped, pulling me onto the dance floor.

We spun around, the music loud in our ears, the world spinning. Everything else fell away for a moment—the last few weeks, the gifts left for her. It was just us, laughing and dancing under the stars, two sisters who’d been through hell and back but still found joy in the little things.

As the night wore on, I found myself drifting away from the dance floor, needing a moment to catch my breath. I wandered over to the edge of the patio, where the lights faded into the darkness of the surrounding desert. The breeze was a welcome relief, and I closed my eyes, letting it wash over me.

“Natasha.”

I turned to see Pike standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets, his gaze steady on mine. There was something in his expression that I couldn’t quite read, something that made my heart beat a little faster.

“Hey,” I said, my voice softer than intended.

He stepped closer, the shadows playing over his face. “You looked like you were having fun.”

I nodded, turning back to the dark horizon. “Yeah. Feels like home. I’m so glad I decided to stay.”

“Me too,” he smiled, wrapping me up in his arms. For a moment, neither of us said anything, the silence between us comfortable, filled with unspoken words.

THE END

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