Page 66 of Bratva Bride

She beamed at me, her smile seeming brighter than the sun as she leaned over and kissed my cheek.

Little vixen.

She ran off to sit with our parents.

Lucian turned to skulk off but I placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. I reached down and pulled out the small blade in my ankle holster. Illayana's blade. I had planned to give it back to her eventually, why not have Lucian give it to her as a gift?

"You can give this to her as your present, okay?"

His blue eyes looked at the knife in my hand briefly before reaching forward and taking it. His little fingers curled around the hilt and he lifted it into the air.

"Do you think she'll like it?" he asked nervously.

I smiled. "I know she will. But that's a dangerous weapon, Lucian. And what does father always say about weapons?"

He stood up straighter and puffed out his chest. "That they're not toys and should always be treated with care."

I nodded and tousled his dark hair. "Good boy. Now, run along and join our sister. The ceremony will be starting any minute." I gave him a little pat on the back and nudged him towards our parents as I rose to my feet.

Vin was watching me, his green eyes studying me intently.

"What?" I snapped, straightening my tie.

He remained silent for a few moments, his eyes continuing to scrutinise me. "You'd make a great father, you know that? Some people would think handing a nine-year-old a knife is crazy, but I don't."

Stunned, I stared at him in shock.

Where the fuck did that come from?

Before I could respond, the glass sliding doors opened, the curtain was pulled back and out walked Illayana on her father's arm.

Vin let out a low whistle as she stepped into view completely and the crowd fell silent, rising to their feet. The music began to play and they started making their way down the makeshift aisle. My eyes drank in every inch of her body, from her long legs to her dark black hair. I was entranced.

Fuck. She's beautiful.

Her long dark hair was flowing down her shoulders, a few strands intricately braided up. Her ocean eyes sparkled as they landed on me and I curled my lips into that sly grin I knew she loved. My stomach tightened with each step she took, anticipation coursing through my body for what the future would bring us.

Vin's last words blared through my mind as they stopped a few paces in front of me. I wonder how she felt about children. Probably should have had the discussion earlier. Oh well.

Illayana smiled as Dimitri placed her hand in mine. Her hand was warm and steady as I led her to the priest. I leaned over to whisper into her ear, loving the feel of her body shaking at my proximity.

It's nice to know I affect you just as much as you affect me, kotenok.

"Ora sei mio."Now, you're mine.

* * *

The ceremony itself was quick and relatively painless. The usual shit was said. 'Do you, Arturo, take Illayana to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forth' blah, blah, blah.

A few oaths were given in Italian and Russian, both of us reciting them word for word. After exchanging rings, it was time to kiss the bride. It took every bit of self control I possessed not to throw her over my shoulder and march up to her bedroom when her lips touched mine. That brief contact was more intoxicating than any sex I'd had in my life. And then some. I could feel my cock harden as she moved to deepen the kiss, her body pressing up against mine. I groaned in frustration and regrettably pulled back, painfully aware of the fact we weren't alone.

The crowd jumped to their feet, roaring in congratulations, cheers and whoops ringing out all around us.

Illayana looked around at our guests and blushed, embarrassed at her public display of affection for me. I wasn't though. I picked up her hand and kissed the back of it, giving her a reassuring smile.

I led her back down the makeshift aisle, the crowd throwing confetti over us and clapping enthusiastically as we passed.

A waiter with a tray of champagne was waiting patiently for us at the end of the aisle and I grabbed two flutes, handing one to Illayana.

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