Page 129 of Vendetta Vows

Every atom in my body recognizes this moment for what it is. A point of no return. My heart pounds against my ribs with such force I'm certain everyone can hear it.

I'm married. To Ruslan Dragunov. Pakhan of the Dragunov Bratva. A man of power and violence and danger.

A man whose hands won't hesitate to kill.

But who kills to keep me safe.

Who touches me like I'm the most precious thing in the world.

His lips move against mine with a possessiveness that makes my knees weak. There's something in this kiss. A promise and a claiming. It transcends our original arrangement.

This doesn't feel like strategy anymore.

The sound of the crowd fades away until all I can hear is the blood rushing in my ears and all I can feel is Ruslan. His warmth, his strength, and his silent vow of protection conveyed through the pressure of his mouth against mine.

Somehow, in this moment, with his hands holding me steady and his lips pressed against mine, I don't regret it.

Not one bit.

When we finally break apart, I'm breathless and dizzy. Ruslan's eyes hold mine, and I see the same realization reflected there.

Whatever this started as, it's become something neither of us expected.

The weight of the crown on my head is nothing compared to the weight of what we've just done.

We've declared war on Semyon.

We've set events in motion that can't be undone.

Yet despite the danger swirling around us like sharks in bloodied water, I've never felt more certain of anything in my life.

33

RUSLAN

"How are you feeling,zarechka?"I whisper in Aurora's ear as we navigate through the reception crowd.

"Like everyone's staring at us," she murmurs back, her lips barely moving.

I squeeze her hand reassuringly. "They are. You're the most beautiful woman in the room."

A flush rises to her cheeks. "Flatterer."

"It's only flattery if it isn't true."

Across the room, I spot Alexei Voronin approaching with his bride Eleonora in tow. Young enough to be his daughter, she trails two steps behind him like a frightened shadow, her eyes fixed on the floor.

I can't help but notice she's wearing long sleeves and a high collar that covers her neck in spite of the warmth.

My jaw tightens reflexively.

Aurora notices my change in demeanor and when she looks over, I feel her hand tightening in mine.

"Ruslan Vitalyevich!" Alexei's voice booms as he reaches us. "I believe congratulations are in order!"

He raises his hand to clasp my shoulder, and I feel Aurora's hand squeeze mine again at the way Eleonora flinches when Alexei's hand moves.

Alexei's gaze drifts from my face to Aurora's, and his eyes slowly trails down her neck to her collarbone, then lower still as he mentally undresses her.

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