Page 127 of Savage Reign

In a few hours, I’ll marry her again, but this time, it’s not about power or leverage. Marrying her where it all began feels fitting, like we’re closing a circle. Our story has been wild, but it’s ours.

Partnering with the Syndicate wasn’t something I expected, but this time, it’s different. Roman and I aren’t just allies—we’re brothers now.

“Do you know how proud I am of you?” I murmur, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “What you’ve built, what you’ve accomplished this year.”

The dance school she created is changing lives. Hundreds of young people in need are finding hope through dance, and the first school was such a success that it’s expanding into other regions.

Her sleepy smile feels like sunshine. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“You could have,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “But I’m damn glad you chose me.”

I’ll spend my life making sure she knows how much she’s loved and how much she means to me.

She sighs, and I press a kiss to her forehead. “You mean everything to me.”

Her voice trembles with emotion as she says, “Back at you.”

I’ve spent so much of my life hardened by the world, but she’s broken through and filled the emptiness inside me. She’s made me whole in a way I never imagined possible.

Putting a ring on her finger for the second time feels like the start of forever.

SOFIYA

Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, and honestly, I can’t think of a happier day than this.

The DJ switches tracks, and the beat picks up, drawing more people to the makeshift dance floor. Alex and Daria grab my hands and pull me into the center. We move without a care in the world—the moon above us and the sand beneath our feet.

“Seriously, Sofi,” Alex says, breathless as he spins me around. “I’ll never get over the fact that you married your bathroom hook-up. Technically, you still have never had a one-night stand.”

“And I never will!”

“I’m still recovering,” Daria jokes, smoothing her bob into place. “You disappeared, got kidnapped, and came out of it married and happier than I’ve ever seen you. My brain needs a moment to catch up.”

I laugh, holding onto them for balance. “It’s crazy, but we got our happily ever after.”

I’ve come clean to my friends about most parts of Nikolai’s and my story, but I left out the part where they were targets. No need to share that little detail now.

“Look at you,” Alex says. “Dancing on the beach with your besties and family, married to the hottest man alive, and living your best life.”

Daria tilts her head toward Nikolai, standing under the string lights, his suit jacket off, his tie loosened, talking to Roman as he holds my baby niece, Mila. “Seriously, Sofi. My ovaries will never recover after seeing Nikolai hold a baby. What are you waiting for? Get him to knock you up.”

I roll my eyes, but a grin spreads across my face. “Okay, you two are officially banned from ogling my husband.”

“Oh, please,” Alex says, waving me off. “He only has eyes for you. It’s nauseating.”

I glance at my husband again, and he gives me a saucy wink. My heart flips, and the whole world fades away.

In the weirdest of ways, everything has worked out. Alex lives in London, waiting tables, but he’s just landed a role in a major musical. Daria’s in LA just as she dreamed, splitting her time between auditions and working as a dominatrix. It’s unconventional, but it suits her.

“Excuse me, who is that?” Daria’s attention is locked on Eva, who is taking a sensuous sip of her drink at the bar, returning my friend’s interested gaze.

Well, tonight promises to end well. “Eva, Nikolai’s right hand. Go and introduce yourself. She doesn’t bite, but she can kick your ass.”

“Clearly.” Daria smooths down her dress. “I think I will.”

Alex and I watch Daria saunter off, and I elbow him in the ribs. “What about you? Have you met Mr. Right yet?”

He sighs. “I’ve only met Mr. Right Now. But that’s enough for me. Being single allows me time to jet back to Russia and support my bestie when she needs me.”

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