Page 13 of Til Death Do Us Part (Kornilov Bratva Duet 2)

Viktor

Ileft Molly’s late in the morning before Theo was set to arrive home with the nanny.

We slept next to each other all night and woke up together like any normal married couple— except, we weren’t married. Molly tucked her body against mine like a small spoon, nudging her hips back until I slid into her and took her gently like it was normal. Like we spend every morning this way.

Except, we don’t.

There are lots of reasons to maintain two apartments. My men won’t ask questions if we don’t give them reason to. Which is why we have to do the swearing-in ceremony.

When I told Molly about it the night before, she was hesitant.

“I thought we already said our vows,” she said.

“We did, but the ceremony is a chance for the Bratva to pledge their loyalty to you, as well.”

She frowned, a wrinkle forming between her brows. “Wasn’t the reception enough? They all seemed respectful.”

I shook my head and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, ignoring the nervous flutter of her lashes at my touch. “This is how things are done. I want my men to view you as their queen. I want them to know that your life is as important as mine or Theo’s. You will be as good as blood now.”

“Won’t they be upset with you when they find out this is fake?”

The question plays in my mind again now as I towel off my damp hair and slip into a fresh suit.

The short answer is: yes. They will be angry.

The more complicated answer is that I hope they will never find out the marriage is fake.

My secret hope is that Molly will realize this marriage is more than just protection. I hope she’ll come to enjoy my company and decide to stay. If she does, we’ll file the paperwork and have a private ceremony all to ourselves. Outwardly, nothing will change, and my men will never know I violated a sacred Bratva ritual.

I know there is a possibility Molly will leave once this war is over. I know there is a possibility I’ll have to confess everything to my men and risk losing even more of their trust. But I can’t think about that now. Right now, the only thing that matters to me is keeping Molly and Theo safe. Even my allegiance to the Bratva has to come second—another thing I hope my men never find out.

Petr knocks on the bathroom door, pulling me from my thoughts. “I have to leave to set up. Are you picking up Molly or should I have the guards bring her?”

I know the men I have posted at Molly’s apartment are trustworthy, but I still can’t bring myself to let them drive her around the city. Especially before the ceremony has been performed.

“I’ll pick her up.”

“Okay.” Petr’s voice tapers off, but I don’t hear his footsteps walking away. After half a minute, I walk over and pull the bathroom door open to find him still standing there.

“What is it?”

He looks ashamed to have been caught, but then his shoulders slump forward. “I was debating whether I should say something sentimental.”

I raise a brow. “Like?”

“Like how you are not only my leader but my family,” he says, looking down at the floor. “And as my family, I’m happy that you are happy. I know this marriage to Molly is partly out of a desire to protect her from Fedor, but I know you care for her, and I’m happy for you.”

I clear my throat. “You’re right. That was sentimental.”

Petr runs a hand over the back of his neck and takes a step back from the door. “Yeah. I think I’ve decided against saying it.”

“Probably a good idea,” I say, trying not to smile.

Petr lifts a hand and disappears down the hallway. When I close the bathroom door, my smile fades.

I’m lying to everyone. Fooling even my top advisor in order to protect Molly.

I hope, in the end, it is all worth it.

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