Page 138 of Gilded in Blood

Every guest rises to their feet. The massive cathedral doors slowly begin to open.

My breath catches as Milana stands framed by the afternoon sunlight, a bouquet of flowers cradled in her hands.

For one suspended moment, the entire world disappears.

She wears an elegant off-the-shoulder wedding gown that was made just for her. The fitted bodice hugs her perfectly before flowing into layers of soft satin that trail behind her in a long, graceful train.

Delicate lace embroidered with tiny pearls climbs over the sleeves and cascades down the skirt, catching the light every time she moves.

A cathedral-length veil falls from the back of her head, drifting gently behind her with each step.

Her hair has been swept into an elegant low chignon, a few soft curls framing her face.

She’s breathtaking. No. Breathtaking doesn’t begin to describe her. She looks ethereal. Like something too beautiful to belong in the real world.

Her eyes find mine almost immediately and she smiles. That smile undoes me completely.

She begins walking down the aisle. Each step brings her closer. Each step reminds me that this is real. That in a matter of minutes, she’s going to become my wife.

By the time she reaches the altar, I don’t think I’ve taken a single proper breath. Artyom places her hand in mine, and I help her up the final steps toward the priest.

As soon as we’re standing beside each other, I lean closer. “You look beautiful.”

She smiles, her cheeks flushing softly. “So do you.”

The ceremony begins. I barely hear half of it, I’m too busy looking at my bride.

When it’s time for the vows, our eyes never leave each other. Every promise feels heavier because I know I’ll spend the rest of my life keeping it.

The rings are exchanged. Then finally, priest smiles.

“By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

A grin spreads across my face before he even finishes.

“You may kiss your bride.”

I don’t hesitate. My hand cups her face as I pull her gently toward me, and our lips meet in a soft, tender kiss.

The cathedral erupts. Applause echoes off the stone walls. Whistles, cheering, but I barely register any of them.

Only when the priest clears his throat rather pointedly do we finally part.

We sign the wedding certificate, and then we move on to the reception, held at a beautiful private estate overlooking the water. It’s perfect. Everything feels perfect.

I’ve accomplished many things in my life, but making Milana my wife, having her agree to spend the rest of her life with me, has to be the greatest one.

Having such a beautiful, strong woman willing to do life with me is something I never thought I’d have.

I barely make it through the bedroom door before my hands are on her.

My wife. The thought still sends a rush through me. I cup her face and kiss her deeply, unable to stop smiling. Every time I look at her, I remember that she’s finally mine.

My lips trail from her mouth to her jaw as I reach for the buttons running down the back of her wedding dress.

“I’ve been waiting all day to get you out of this dress,” I murmur against her skin.

A soft laugh escapes her. “I know.”