Page 96 of Tarnished Queen

He’s going on about the importance of marriage and our union, but I don’t need the lecture. Looking at Belle standing in front of me, her small hands wrapped in mine, I know I will do anything to make her happy. Anything to keep her safe.

Since the moment I met this woman on the plane, something deep and instinctual in me wanted to care for her. I wanted to ease her worries and help her stay calm. I wanted to help find her sister. I wanted to get her away from her sexual harasser of a boss. I wanted to rescue her from my enemies.

And now, I want to make her my wife and spend my entire life caring for and cherishing her.

Even if it means giving up my own life to do so.

So when it comes time for our vows, swearing to honor her “until death do us part” is the easiest promise I’ve ever made.

The minister tells me to kiss the bride. I pull Belle against my chest, bend her back, and cover her mouth with mine. She wraps her hand around my neck and kisses me back until I’m tempted to clear the hall and take her on this stage. Before God and everyone, this woman is my wife.

But when she gently taps my chest, I reluctantly separate myself. Her cheeks are flushed, and she squeezes my hand tightly as we turn to face the guests.

“May I present for the first time,” the minister announces, “Mr. and Mrs. Nikolai Zhukova!”

The crowd cheers, clapping and whistling. I do notice a lack of enthusiasm from the middle rows where Makar and some of his closest comrades are sitting, but nothing can bring me down today.

My men think Belle is a distraction. But soon enough, they’ll see the truth. They’ll understand that she is my motivation. That Belle makes me a better, more formidable leader.

Belle is the perfect Bratva wife.

And once they realize that, they’ll love her almost as much as I do.

We walk out of the ceremony hand-in-hand and climb into the back of a waiting limousine. “Oh my God,” Belle says the moment the doors are closed. “We’re married.”

“We are,” I agree.

She turns to me, eyes wide. “You and I aremarried, Nikolai.”

“I know. I was there,” I chuckle.

She shakes her head. “I can’t believe it.”

“Do I need to convince you?” I lean over and kiss the soft skin of her cheek and jaw. She leans her head back and I suck on her pulse point, working my way down to her collarbone.

“The reception hall is right around the corner,” she gasps, breathless. “We’ll be there in a minute.”

“Then let’s not waste a second,” I growl.

Belle arches into my touch and kisses me. She throws her leg over my lap and curls her fingers in my air. But then she pulls away. “Wait. Wait.”

I shake my head and grab handfuls of her back side. “No.”

She laughs and pulls my hands away. “We’re married, Nikolai.”

“Hence the consummation.”

“We’re married… which means we have all the time in the world.” She rubs her nose against mine. “Every night. Every morning. Every lazy Saturday afternoon. Every long lunch.”

“Having sex that often is a big ask, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

Belle laughs. It’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. I press a kiss to her chest, feeling the vibration of that laughter against my lips.

“Let’s go inside and thank our guests,” she says, sliding off of my lap.

“And then?”

“And then you take me home and claim every part of me."

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