Page 63 of King’s Promise

I walk down the aisle, Dmitry gives me away and as he hands me to Nikolay, who carefully pulls his jacket sleeve up to expose the cuff links I had made for him. Dmitry joins Roman at the altar. Natasha and my sister stand up for me and Mum is crying in the first pew, dressed in the most expensive dress she’s ever worn. I have to say she looks fantastic for the first time in her life with a dress tailored for her and her gray hair colored expertly, making her look years younger.

My hair is coiffed in the most incredible hairdo, my French manicure is perfect and my heart beats so loudly in my ears I’m surprised no one else hears it. It’s bursting with love for the man I have now chosen to be my partner for life, and all it entails.

For now, I’m content to say ‘I do’ to Nikolay, and when we’ve sealed the deal with a passionate kiss, the church erupts with cheers and clapping. We partake in many pictures, and we let in selected paparazzi as it’s good for business, and then make our way to the hotel for a formal sit-down dinner.

We only have eyes for each other but must greet all our guests and we walk from table to table. I’m introduced to so many couples. The number of names I’ve heard makes me dizzy.

“Just a few more hours, my love, and then we’ll be alone. We fly out tomorrow for the yacht. I can’t wait to show you the sights.”

I raise a hand to his cheek and tenderly kiss his lips. He still has pain from the ribs and his arm is not one hundred percent yet, but it doesn’t prevent him from holding me tightly in his arms for our first dance.

After others join us on the dance floor, I’m allowed to sit and nibble at food and have another glass of champagne.

“I hope you’ll come visit me in Russia,” Natasha imparts on me as she has a male friend on her arm who is escorting her around.

“I look forward to it,” I say, then proceed to give her a hug. I’m happy to have her as an ally.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to the pitter patter of tiny feet either, babies bring so much happiness.”

Point taken, the informal approval to carry on the Bratva legacy has been passed down by the last matriarch who bore it. The glint of happiness in her eyes after her husband’s tragic death makes me want to leap to fulfill her request.

My gown was raved about due to the designer no doubt, but I squealed with delight when I made the cover of Vogue. I might have the picture framed and on my desk in the loft on the 4thfloor overlooking the foyer. I like the view of the entrance way for safety, and I have the added benefit whereby I can sneak to the top of the mansion and take in the panoramic view of the countryside.

26

Anya

Nikolay and I walk around naked most of the time on his yacht named Grace. I never realized it’s my name’s meaning in Russian and now I understand why his racehorse was particularly special to him, she was Gracie.

He’s had the yacht for a few years but never used it much. Subliminally he was waiting for me. He told me about the sex clubs he used to frequent and how he was lonely not knowing he longed for me all this time. He took my family leaving Russia hard, and as a young man, he took it personally.

The crew takes care of our every need and the chef prepares Michelin quality food for us. I have no desire to go home as I want to have Nikolay to myself as long as possible.

“You know, you could work for our company when you graduate.” We’re eating eggs Benedict and watching the morning sun dance on the cerulean water. I’m content, even happy. I commit this moment to memory. It’s perfection. My gorgeous husband, not only giving me a wedding I never dreamed of, but also giving me the most intense sexual workouts numerous times a day. He no longer pushes me away but instead seeks to pull me closer at every opportunity and, as a gift, he’s given all his attention to me. From shopping, boating, taking the jet skis out for fun and jumping the wakes of yachts as they pass, it’s been one thrill after another.

“Really? Would I go to prison?” I joke. Or is it really a joke?

“Why don’t you do written contracts with loopholes only we know how to break if we need to? I bet you would be good at it.”

“I can’t even strategize chess, I doubt it.”

He reaches over the table and takes my hand. “Never underestimate your potential, my love.”

His eyes are so serious I can’t dissuade him, and I agree to think about it. I have one year to go with an internship. Maybe I can change mine to contractual law and give it a go.

We finish eating and take a dip in the warm Mediterranean Sea under the summer sky. The past four days have been a gift. We both know it will be short lived.

I dress for dinner on the town. We’re taken ashore by tender along with a few bodyguards who follow us at a discreet distance. We visit the rooftop at Hotel Paris where we sip Aperol Spritz cocktails and look out at the sea.

“Are you trying to get me tipsy? You know I’m a sure thing.” I tease Nikolay as I cozy up to him and take in the sun’s fading light shimmering on the water.

“Mm, nothing is too good for my woman. But I’m here to make sure you’re safe. I never want you to feel like you need to sneak out of the house again.”

“Mm. I learned my lesson if it’s any consolation.”

“I’ll take it, but I never want to go through that again,” he kisses my forehead. “You look gorgeous in that sundress, but I’d rather stare at you without it.” His voice deepens and I’m beginning to think the man is insatiable.

“Let’s finish these drinks and make love on the beach.”

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