Page 91 of Beautiful Deception

He hesitates for just a moment. I deserve it. I deserve to have him doubt me. I have lied about who I truly am out of fear of death.

Then Viktor speaks. “I do.”

I release a heavy breath. This is happening. It’s truly happening.

“And do you, Inessa Roberts, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

It hurts me that I can’t use my actual last name but I chose this new name for myself. My father doesn’t have a claim to it any longer. I am forging a new path ahead.

“I do.”

Viktor’s smile is genuine.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

He cups my face and gives me a soft, tender kiss. It’s a tease for things to come.

Viktor and I have barely touched since Natasha kidnapped and almost murdered me. I’ve been desperate for his touch. He awoke something inside of me and I can’t push it down.

“I love you,” I whisper to him when we part. I want Viktor to know that no matter the lies I’ve told, the fact that I love him is the complete and honest truth. He makes me feel safe and seen and respected. No man has ever done that for me before.

He hasn’t disappointed me like my father has.

“I love you too,” he responds. I think he means it but I can’t read his mind. Is Viktor having doubts about me? That’s two times different men have told him I look familiar.

And that is not good.

We quickly leave the chapel in case Dante and Erik decide to come back. His guards are unconscious outside.

“We’ll leave them here,” Viktor says. “They’re fired anyway.”

The four of us drive back to Viktor’s house.

Well,myhouse now, I guess.

“Stay safe,” he tells Julia as she gets out of the car with Mrs. Green. “We’ll be back tomorrow.”

“You should have a honeymoon.”

“I don’t have time for a honeymoon. Now, get inside. Erik is watching this place. He could strike. The sooner you go back to France, Julia, the better.”

“I have a ticket for tomorrow,” she says.

“Good. Now get inside. Both of you.”

Mrs. Green offers me an encouraging smile as she follows Julia into the house.

“Where are we going?” I ask as Viktor backs out of the driveway.

“I wanted it to be a surprise. I know you didn’t plan anything for our wedding night.”

I blush. “No. I guess I forgot. There was so much to do for the wedding.”

“That’s why I planned something.” He takes me to a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. “I thought we could have our wedding night here. I want it to be special for you.”

Tears well in my eyes. “Thank you.” Guilt also stabs at my stomach but I push that to the side.

The inside of the hotel is beautiful with dark rose gold walls and diamond encrusted decorations everywhere. This is the epitome of luxury.

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