Page 15 of Lethal Hearts

“All you have to do watch from the sidelines, old man,” Mikhail told Alfonso with a smile.

Alfonso dropped his gaze first. The old man knew he had no say in Harper and his upcoming nuptials, not when they both owed everything to Mikhail’s generosity. Whether Alfonso Valenti liked it or not, Mikhail intended to make Harper his wife.

Chapter Seven

“You look beautiful, just like your mother on our wedding day,” murmured her father.

Harper stopped fixing her makeup to talk to her father. She couldn’t believe it. Here she was, standing in a small room set aside for her in the church, wearing a wedding dress.

Her stylist and makeup artist had left a few minutes ago. Harper was ready to go, she was just fussing over last-minute details. Soon, she would be Mrs. Harper Konstantin.

Hard to believe that only two weeks ago, her father had regained consciousness in the hospital. Don Juan hadn’t made any more moves toward her and Mikhail, but Mikhail suspected Garcia was still plotting something. Men like Garcia held grudges, Mikhail said, and she believed it.

For now, she put aside that impending threat. She had to focus on her wedding day. The press and public went nuts after news of their wedding was announced. Some tabloids even speculated that Harper was pregnant and that was the reason for the rushed wedding. She declined to answer any questions the paparazzi aimed at her while she was in public.

“Harper,” her father said, taking her back to the present. Alfonso took her gloved hands in his. Doubt filled his dark eyes.“We can still call this off. You don’t have to go through with this.”

“I made him a promise, Father. You were the one who taught me that a Valenti does not go back on their word,” Harper reminded him.

“I did.” Alfonso expelled a sigh. He continued,“But I can’t help thinking you’re making a mistake.”

“We’ll make this marriage work,” she reassured him.“Mikhail’s not a bad match for me.”

“I can see the two of you get along, but Harper, sometimes a man only shows his true colors after he’s tied the knot with a woman,” her father said.

“Harper knows my true colors,” added a voice. Mikhail appeared by the doorway, dressed in a well-fitted three-piece black suit.

“It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” Harper couldn’t help but point out.

Mikhail flashed her a smile which didn’t fail to make her entire body hot. Was Mikhail already picturing stripping her out of her wedding dress and having his way with her on their honeymoon bed? Her pulse raced at the looming prospect. So far, they’d shared kisses and a few touches but Mikhail had insisted on waiting for the actual day before moving any further. Mikhail told her the anticipation would be worth it. She wanted to have this ceremony done and over with.

“I make my own luck,” Mikhail answered.“I want to see you before you walk down the aisle.”

“Now you’ve seen me, go away,” she said. To her surprise, Mikhail complied, leaving her alone with her father once again.

“I still don’t trust that man,” Alfonso said.“But if you insist on going through with this, then I respect your decision.”

“Thank you, Father,” she told him. He offered her his hand and escorted her out of the tiny dressing room. It was strange, but after his rescue, they had become a little closer than before.

Of course it also didn’t hurt that her father had plenty of free time now. A few of his loyal men had returned to him after the news came out that she was marrying Mikhail, but it would take time and resources to rebuild what her father had lost. That was his burden to bear.

Harper made it clear that she no longer wanted to get involved in Valenti Familia matters now that she was going to be Mikhail’s wife. She had her own marriage to think about and maybe her own little family in the future. Mikhail made it clear he wanted an heir and Harper always wanted children of her own.

She never entertained the prospect because first, she never thought she would find a suitable husband. The prospect of kids also terrified her because their lives held so much uncertainty. Still, Mikhail had proven so far that he could protect her, unlike her father.

The music soared through the little church. The procession began. The church was filled to the brim with their important guests. Harper vaguely recognized a few faces, but her focus remained solely on the man standing by the altar.

Mikhail Konstantin. She didn’t know enough about him but instinct told Harper she wasn’t making the worst mistake in the world. Harper had to be realistic about her and her father’s situation. It also didn’t hurt they were physically attracted to each other. So what if Mikhail was a little insane? So far, Mikhail’s odd ideas had gotten them out of tough spots.

Finally, her father handed her over to her soon-to-be husband. Her wedding gown designer initially suggested a veil but Harper put her foot down and said no. She wanted to look her husband in the eyes at the ceremony. Mikhail beamed down at her like a wolf but Harper was no prey animal. She met his gaze steadily. Mikhail wanted to marry her because she was a challenge, so she intended to keep surprising him.

The priest continued speaking but neither of them paid attention. Mikhail lifted one gloved hand, peeling the fabric off to reveal skin. Her breath hitched as he did the same with her other glove. The act seemed strangely intimate but she didn’t mind. In that moment, the crowd, the priest, and the church—none of them mattered.

“I do,” she whispered.

Harper couldn’t even remember uttering her vows. Mikhail slid the wedding band on her finger. The gold ring gleamed at her, beautiful and cold on her skin. Mikhail suddenly pulled her close and kissed her without mercy.

Her nipples hardened under the stiff lace fabric of her dress. She kissed him back, all heat and bite, not caring who was watching. Mikhail pulled away, smiling at her, like a conquered prize.

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