Page 35 of Unbreakable Vow

“Coraline.” Sergei has a way of saying my name that speaks more than just three syllables. It’s an entire lecture rolled up into one word.

I clear my throat and brush away an imaginary piece of hair from my cheek.

“I promise to honor and…” I pause again. This is where I got stuck the first time. “And obey.” I get the words out through clenched teeth.

The tension in the room lightens once I get the vows said.

“Good girl,” Sergei whispers into my ear and my insides go soft again. I swear this man has some magical remote to my body.

The judge hurries through the rest of the ordeal and announces us married. There’s a cheer from behind us as Sergei turns me to face him.

He places a chaste kiss to each of my cheeks and then sinks his hand up into my hair at the base of my head and holds me firmly as his mouth overtakes mine.

I melt into him, moving my hand to his chest, close to his neck so I feel the warmth of him. He shifts his weight, getting even closer to me as he deepens the kiss.

My lips tingle when he ends it and pulls away. I touch them with my fingertips, sure they’re puffy.

He slips his hand out of my hair and wipes my lip with the pad of his thumb.

“You don’t wear much makeup, do you?” he says as though it’s just occurred to him.

I manage well enough with a little mascara and some eyeshadow, but I’m sure he’s used to beautiful women who know how to really make themselves gorgeous.

“No. I don’t.” I tilt my head a little to the side. What an odd thing for him to say after we’ve just been married. “Would you prefer if I did?”

“Congratulations.” Andrei stands from the couch with his wife. “Welcome, Coraline, to the family.” He pulls me into a hug. It only lasts a moment before Sergei yanks him from me.

“You don’t need to grope her,” he grumbles.

Andrei laughs, making room for Izzy to stand beside him.

“You did wonderful, considering he slipped that line in there.” Izzy eyes Sergei. “I’m not surprised though.”

Sergei makes a little grunting sound.

“I love this dress.” Marlena gestures to the summer dress I’m wearing.

“Thanks.” I press my hand to my stomach. It’s hardly a wedding gown, but it was the nicest thing I had in my things.

“Since the whole family is here, how about a photo?” Mrs. Yugov suggests, already corralling us into a line, boy, girl, boy, girl in front of the fireplace.

“Just one,” Sergei allows, pulling me closer to him and settling his hands on my hips. “Stop touching your hair, it’s perfect like it is.” He pushes my hand away when I try comb it through my hair.

“If I’d known your family was going to be here, I could have prepared a lunch or something for everyone,” I mutter to him, trying to shove his hands from my hips.

He jerks me back when I manage an inch of space.

“They weren’t supposed to be here. They are about as obedient as you.” He pinches my hip when I try to wiggle away again. “Smile for the photograph,” he orders and points to the several cameras being aimed at us. Mrs. Yugov and a few of Sergei’s men are snapping photos.

“Just Sergei and Cora now.” Marlena waves her hands and the other two couples step aside. Sergei spins me to face him.

“One more, that’s it.” He straightens his spine.

“Are you always going to be this grumpy?” I ask, earning another pinch.

Even after his demand, several more photographs are taken before he finally calls an end to it with a wave of his hand.

“I’m not grumpy.” He looks down at me when the cameras have finally been put away. “And the answer from before is no.”

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