Page 54 of Savage Hearts

The Elvis officiant patted me on the shoulder, smiling as he twisted his knees and shook his body as if he was the real deal.

“I hope so.” I blew out a deep breath, willing my nerves to stop racing inside me. “Did she say—”

My words died on my tongue when Madison stepped out from behind the closed door. She was wearing a white silk gown that fit her like a glove. She had her hair pinned to the side, leaving it to draped over her bare shoulder. My entire body tingled with a burning need that I feared was close to setting the tiny chapel on fire.

“Take a breath, my man. Don’t want you passing out before she makes it to the end.” The fake Elvis whispered to me, reminding me to take a breath.

She wasfuckingbeautiful.

The soft melodyCan’t Help Falling in Love with Youfilled the room, but I barely registered the words as she glided down the narrow aisle. She reached out and pulled my hands into hers as she stopped before me.

“Dearly beloved…”

If you had told me the officiant would practically sing our wedding ceremony, I’d have called you a liar. The only thing I focused on was her, the woman I’d hopelessly fallen in love with in what felt like a flash of lightning striking my chest. When she brushed her thumb across the top of my palm, I startled.

“What?” I glanced over at the Elvis impersonator.

“You gonna speak your vows?”

Nodding, I tightened my hold on her hands.

“Madison…” I swallowed the nerves threatening to spoil the moment. “When you walked into my office that night… it was as if my world stopped moving. My past, present, and future collided in a single moment. Without a doubt, I knew you would be mine. When I nearly fucked it all up and pushed you away, my heart stopped beating. Without you, I’m half the man I should be. You complete me in ways I never knew I needed or wanted. The world may think I’m in charge, but the truth is you are. You have my heart, my protection, and my unwavering loyalty. Without you, life means nothing.”

Tears streamed down Madison’s face, but I knew they were tears of bliss, not sadness.

“Wow. I’m not sure I can follow that.” She slipped the golden band on my finger and took a deep breath.

“When I lost my mother… then my father, I thought I’d never feel that kind of love again. And I was right… I feel something infinitely better. You show me every day what being loved and cared for feels like. I was certain I’d be alone for longer than I was. You knocked me off my feet and barreled through the iron gate I had around my heart. I can’t imagine life without you, nor do I want to. I knew being with you came with risk, but I also know you’ll do everything to ensure I’m safe and, above all else, loved. I waited my whole life for a man like you, Massimo. No, that’s not right. I waited for a family like the one you’ve given me… and continue to give me. I love you yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”

“Well… You can kiss your bride.”

The music started up again, but my focus was on the woman in my arms. Taking over as the head of my family’s empire was something I’d prepared myself to do from the time I understood what being an Anastasi meant. But nothing prepared me for the vixen I’d finally branded as mine forever.

Life was hard, but with Madison by my side, I knew nothing would stop me. She was my purpose in life, and now that she was having my baby, nothing else mattered.

“How about we go celebrate being married?” I whispered against her lips.

“Every day is a celebration with you, Massimo.” She smiled as she leaned into my embrace. “So, why don’t you just take me home and make love to me as your wife for the first time?”

“You’re pretty damn smart, Bella.” I lifted her and hurried down the aisle. “Let’s go home, Mrs. Anastasi.”

“Let’s, Mr. Anastasi.”

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