Page 32 of Bound to the Bratva
As I pledge my own vows, promising to always support and honor her, the weight of our commitment settles upon us both. We exchange rings, and our eyes bore into the other's as the priest continues to speak, saying how God has blessed this union and a whole bunch of other shit.
With each passing moment, the room seems to fade away, leaving only Aria and me in our own little world. After what feels like an eternity, the priest announces us as husband and wife.
Applause and cheers break out among the crowd and we're told we can finally kiss.
I snake an arm around Aria's waist and pull her close to me, planting my lips on hers.
I don't want to freak her out, so I make sure our kiss is soft and gentle, but filled with a fiery intensity that leaves her breathless.
It's a moment of undeniable chemistry, the same chemistry we've been trying to push away.
I don't know about her, but ever since we had sex in that alley I knew there was something deeper between us, something I wanted to explore. Even if she pushes me away, I'm not going anywhere. As of this moment, we're husband and wife, and I'm not going to be one of those pathetic men who cheat just because they don't want to put any hard work into their marriage.
As we pull away, there's a shift in the room. The applause dies down and is replaced by hushed whispers and curious glances. We ignore them, focusing only on each other.
The truth is, everyone here knows our marriage has been arranged. They know this isn't formed out of love, and I'll bet my life they're curious to see how this plays out.
Aria's eyes are bright with a mixture of surprise and something else. Something deeper.
She leans in close, her voice barely a whisper against my lips. "I never expected this," she admits, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. "But I think we can try to make the best out of this situation. What do you think?"
A flicker of hope ignites within me as I meet her gaze, happy she's willing to work at this. If she's going to be my wife, she is going to be my mafia queen. "I was thinking the same thing."
Aria smiles, but before she can say another word gunshots ring out in the church.
As soon as I realize what's happening I tackle Aria to the ground, shielding her with my body.
Chaos erupts around us, the sound of screaming and panicked footsteps filling the air. The peaceful atmosphere we just had is shattered within seconds. I hold Aria tightly, pressing her head against my chest as I try to figure out where the fuck the gunshots are coming from.
Gunshots continue to ring out, echoing through the grand church. The pews are overturned, stained glass windows begin to shatter, and dust fills the air. The unmistakable scent of gunpowder hangs heavy, and I continue to look around me, trying to identify where the shooter is.
My heart pounds in my chest, fueled by adrenaline as I mentally calculate our escape route. I have to get Aria the fuck out of here, and fast.
If we're not able to get out of here, I'll make sure we don't go down without a fight.
As our wedding attendees begin to run in different directions, there's a moment where everything is clear. I catch sight of multiple armed men in black suits wearing black masks running around the church.
Some of our wedding guests have pulled out their guns, shooting at the assailants.
Whoever these people are, they move with precision and purpose, their weapons raised and ready to strike. They have to be hit for hire assassins.
Aria clings to me tightly, her body trembling against mine. Her eyes are wide with fear, but I tug on her hand and try to get her to safety.
Without hesitation, as I tug Aria, I reach into my jacket pocket and retrieve my gun. I always have it tucked behind my back, an insurance policy in case I ever need to use it.
With one swift motion, I pull Aria behind a fallen pew, shielding her from any harm that might come her way.
Everything my father's men ever taught me comes to the forefront of my mind I take aim at one of our attackers—a gunman standing on the far left, firing at anyone in front of him. He's taking close range shots, cackling loudly as he fires bullet after bullet.
I fire, my bullet hitting him right in the head. I glance around quickly, looking for our next opponent, and find him by the door, blocking guests from leaving.
The guests begin running out of any door they can find and I notice Aria's friends are close by.
As much as I want to go after the people who are shooting, I need to get Aria and her friends out of here.
"Follow me," I holler to the group of girls, tugging Aria along with me.
I go for one of the doors that no one else is running toward and pull my wife with me. Her friends follow us and as soon as they're inside, as well as Aria's brother I shut the door, locking it.
