Page 80 of Vendetta Vows

She takes my hand in hers, guiding it without hesitation up the tantalizing length of her thigh until I find her delicious center. The heat of her surprises me, even after last night.

I break our kiss, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, dark with desire, challenging me. She guides my finger past the thin fabric of her panties until it slips against her slick arousal, and she bites her lower lip, stifling a moan.

Then, she pulls my hand away and brings it up to her face. Without ever taking her eyes off mine, she closes her lips around the glistening tip of my finger and swirls her tongue around the digit.

My body goes rigid, desire coursing through me like liquid fire.

When she releases my finger, her lips curve into a smile that's both innocent and wicked.

"Next time you're thinking about me, don't touch yourself." She leans forward, her lips brushing against my ear. "Just come find me instead."

21

AURORA

The office of Julia Delacroix,who has handled a number of celebrity weddings in L.A., screams elegance, all cream and gold with tasteful photos of happy couples I recognize from magazine covers.

"Mr. Dragunov! A pleasure." Julia floats toward us in a cloud of expensive perfume and professionalism. Her eyes flick to me with practiced interest. "And this must be your bride-to-be."

"Aurora." My voice comes out steadier than I expect. "Aurora Castellanos."

Ruslan's thumb traces a circle on my hand, and heat blooms beneath my skin.

"Now, I've found that it's always best to start with locations." Julia opens a sleek leather portfolio. "I understand this is happening quickly, so I've prepared a few options that can accommodate your timeline with such short notice."

Ruslan leans forward. "Let's see the options."

"Of course." She flips through photos of breathtaking cliffside venues. "I have three properties available. Exclusive, private, and with security that can be easily controlled."

I catch Ruslan nodding absentmindedly at Julia's mention of controllable security.

Of course a bratva wedding, even a wedding of convenience like ours, will have these things. Airtight security. Carefully vetted guest lists. Guards posted at every entrance.

"Now, about your guest list." Julia continues as she slides a paper toward me. "Typically, I start with family members and close friends..."

Friends.

Hannah would want to be there. My thoughts drift to her teasing smile, and how she'd squeal with excitement if I told her to come. But then I remember that this isn't a normal wedding, and that she shouldn't get involved in this world more than necessary.

"I won't be inviting friends," I say too quickly.

Julia's professional smile doesn't waver. "That's perfectly fine. We can focus on only family seating arrangements then, Ms. Castellanos. Your parents can be?—"

The word "parents" might as well have slapped me clear across the face.

Suddenly I'm staring at the wall, the metallic smell of blood everywhere, those words painted on the wall.Look what you made me do.

"I... they won't..." My voice shrinks. "My parents won't be attending either."

"That's okay, dear." Julia's voice softens with practiced sympathy. "Many couples have complicated family situations."

I feel Ruslan's eyes on me, his gaze heavy and searching. A lump forms in my throat, expanding until I can barely breathe.

Seven years of running and looking over my shoulder. Seven years of being Aurora instead of Jamie.

Not once did I ever dare to imagine a wedding day.

Now it's happening, along with the realization hitting me that I'm alone in this world.

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