Page 93 of Vendetta Vows

It wouldn't matter if he was gentle or rough with this dress. I'd love however he chose to claim me.

"Stand straight, please," Lauren instructs, circling me with pins between her lips. She tugs at the waist, marking areas that need taking in. "The bodice needs adjustment here, and here. And we'll need to hem the bottom."

I nod absently, barely hearing her. My focus remains fixed on the sliver of mirror where Ruslan watches me. His jaw is clenched tight, a muscle ticking in his cheek.

I bite my lower lip, letting my teeth drag slowly across it.

His nostrils flare in response, his posture shifting as he crosses his arms over his chest. The movement makes his shoulders look broader, more imposing.

A familiar warmth pools low in my belly. I can almost feel his hands on me again, the weight of his body pressing me against that table. The memory is so vivid I have to suppress a shiver.

"Please don't fidget," Lauren scolds, misinterpreting my reaction. "These pins are sharp."

"Sorry," I murmur, except I'm not sorry at all.

I catch Ruslan's eyes through that slender gap in the partition. His lips move silently, forming two words that send a shiver of excitement racing through me.

"Bad girl."

The thrill of being caught—of beingwatched—isn't what I expected. Instead of panic, I feel a rush of delicious power.

For once, I'm not the prey. I'm not helpless.

I'm the one in control of how much he sees, how much he wants.

I flash him a wicked smile and run my tongue over my lips, slow and deliberate.

His reaction is immediate. Even through that narrow sliver of mirror, I can see the way his body tenses, how his jaw clenches just a little tighter. His golden eyes darken to amber, tracking my every movement like a wolf tracking a deer.

But this wolf ismine.

Lauren continues adjusting the fabric at my waist, oblivious to our silent conversation. "Turn slightly, please," she murmurs, pins between her lips.

I comply, angling my body just enough to give Ruslan a better view while still maintaining eye contact through the mirror. His hand flexes at his side and Iknowhe's fighting the urge to reach for his cock.

God, I feelnaughty. Not scared, not desperate, just... wickedly, wonderfully alive.

Through Ruslan, through his desire, and through and his protection, I'm reclaiming something I thought was stolen forever.

My sexuality. My power to choose. Myrightto want and be wanted.

For seven years I've been running, hiding, erasing myself. Now I'm deliberately being seen. But only by him. Only by the man who makes me feel safe enough to be visible again.

"I think that's everything I need for now," Lauren says, stepping back to admire her work. "The adjustments will be complete in three days."

"Thank you," I say, my voice sounding huskier than intended. "Would you mind giving me some privacy while I change?"

Lauren nods, professional as ever. "Of course. Call if you need assistance."

She steps out, leaving me alone with my reflection and Ruslan's eyes through that tiny gap in the partition.

I turn fully toward the mirror now, no longer pretending I don't see him watching. A devilish smile spreads across my lips as our eyes lock and my hands slowly begin to peel off my beautiful wedding dress.

24

RUSLAN

I watchAurora in the mirror through the sliver in the partition, transfixed by each movement of her hands. The universe narrows to that small opening.

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