Page 44 of Savage Beauty

Josie scowls. “Claudia,” she whispers. “Of course. Is she wearing a fucking wedding dress?”

There’s no denying it. Claudia’s outfit is meant to draw attention. The flouncy skirt and long train are ridiculously ostentatious, as is the revealing neckline. She didn’t have the guts to wear a veil, and her choice of tiara only makes her look even more like a child playing dress-up.

As I watch, Claudia glances around the room, and a sour sneer twists her face when she sees the other guests’ outfits. She can sense the stifled laughter as well as I can.

I knew Claudia would crash the wedding. I also had a hunch she’d act out in a way guaranteed to cast a shadow over the day. When Lilyana came to me with the snippet of news she’d heard, I knew what I had to do. Claudia has made a fool of herself again and only has herself to blame.

The celebrant coughs and repeats his line. “You may kiss your bride.”

Josie’s warm mouth yields to my kiss, her tongue teasing mine, and it’s all I can do not to press my body against hers and devour her. I grip her waist tighter, and Josie breaks away, sensing my loss of control. Her eyes flash mischievously, and I smile as the assembly breaks into laughter and applause. Claudia is nowhere to be seen, and I sigh in relief.

To my surprise, Lili launches into a stunning rendition of ‘Grande Amore,’ silencing everyone instantly. Her voice rings out, the piano powering her passion, and tears sting my eyes. Vlad, Arman, and Avel go to stand beside her, and as they join in with the song, the guests who know the Italian lyrics add to the chorus.

Josie grips my hand tightly. “Jesus Christ, Sasha,” she says, her voice cracking with emotion. “This song is beautiful.Everythingis beautiful.”

“It’s for you.” I kiss her forehead. “I know I’m an impulsive idiot, and I went about everything the wrong way. But the whole world sees the truth on my face,zolotse. You’re mine, but never forget—I belong to you, too.”

She rests her head on my chest as the song swells my heart, and I’m overwhelmed by gratitude.

Love terrifies me, and I’m hurling myself into the darkness of that fear. But I’m willing to fall hard and break every bone in my body if that’s the price of living in the sunshine of my wife’s love. She has changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and I dare to hope she will choose to stay with me when the drama with Tosca is finally behind us. But I will never force her. I care too deeply for Josie to make her miserable just for my sake.

My father hurt my mother beyond measure by dragging her away from her idyllic life in Italy and forcing her to be his bride. Right now, in this beautiful moment, I miss her so much. I’d give anything to see her face and hear her voice.

Love is about giving someone the freedom to choose, even if that choice leads them away from you. The revelation proves something—I’m breaking out of my self-centered, defensive fortress, ready to surrender. My mother would be proud of me.

Josie and I walk confidently back down the aisle, hand in hand, and for the first time in my life, I truly know how it feels to be a king.

All I needed was my queen.

30

Josie

We mingle as servers hand out champagne. I smile graciously, taking offered hands and accepting congratulations. I’m keeping a wary eye on the room, wondering where Claudia went. It seems entirely plausible she will reappear and make a scene; that’s her signature move.

Sasha wraps an arm around my waist. “I’m a genius,” he murmurs. “Ask me why.”

“I’m wondering more about how you’ve hidden it so well up to now.”

He slaps my ass lightly. “Don’t sass me. I’m being Mr. Bratva Bad-Ass right now, and I can do without you making me look like the idiot I am.”

I smile. “So tell me. What did you do? You didn’t invite Claudia, but you must have known she’d do something. Is that why I’m in red?”

He nods. “Claudia and Lilyana have a mutual friend. A girl at Juilliard. Claudia blabbed her plan to her, and she duly told Lili all about it. It wasn’t difficult to contact the guests and let them know about the dress code change.”

Morgana wobbles over and hands me a large glass of red wine. “I don’t want it,” I say. “I’m getting good and giggly on the fizz.”

Morgana raises an eyebrow. “It’s not for drinking. Target at two o’clock.”

I look up to see Claudia striding toward us. People are staring at her, aghast that she’s still here. As she gets nearer, I see she is wearing a full-on bridal gown, which looks utterly ridiculous.

I don’t wait for her to start yelling. With a flick of my wrist, I fling the wine over her, drenching her from head to waist. She shrieks, and for a moment, I think she might burst into tears, but I’m sick of her bullshit. This is mine and Sasha’s day, and it’s time she faced reality.

“Just get out, Claudia,” I say. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”

“I’membarrassing myself?” she cries, wiping the wine from her eyes. “You’re nothing but a cheap whore. Everyone knows it. You’ll never really matter to Sasha or to anyone.”

Sasha takes my hand but says nothing. Claudia turns on her heel and storms toward the exit, stopping to throw a weak kick at the harpist. The woman is a pro and ignores her completely. With that, the world’s most pathetic wedding crasher is gone.

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