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Two mouths moving together shouldn’t redefine one’s life, but that’s exactly what’s happening. “Nothing will ever harm you. I got you.”
“For how long?” she asks quietly.
“Until you don’t need me anymore.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Lina
The stunning views of the harbor distract me from what’s about to happen, and I couldn’t be more thankful that Gianna arranged for our wedding ceremony to happen privately.
“I’m going to enjoy having a best friend with ties to the city’s criminal crème de la crème,” Stasia says as she checks my veil.
“I can’t believe we’re standing in the best suite the Encore Resort offers.”
“This is a Mafia property, not a Bratva one, right?”
“Yes.” I smooth out the front of my simple dress. “The Bianchi’s own this, and the Volkovs have the Harbor Hotel. If the ceremony could’ve waited until tomorrow, we would’ve had it at the Bratva property.” Turning to the mirror, I check my reflection. “Yuri didn’t want to delay since the will is being read in the morning.” I twist my engagement ring. “How does the cake look?”
“Perfect. It might be my best yet.” She takes my hands. “I have to ask one last time, are you sure you want to do this?”
I study the large ring on my hand and nod. “The shoe has dropped, and I think Yuri will be my best chance of surviving.”
“I agree, but I wanted to check in just in case you wanted to pull a Thelma and Loise and make a run for the border.”
“A road trip sounds really appealing, so don’t tempt me.”
“Maybe after things are settled, we can borrow Yuri’s car and head for California.”
“He would probably give me his last drop of blood before he would willingly hand over the keys to his Mustang.”
Stasia checks her lipstick in the mirror. “I think you’re right since he’s forever casting it longing looks.”
“You noticed that too?”
“It’s hard to miss. And if I were him, I would dial it back just a smidge because it’s kinda weird.”
Uncertainty spikes in my stomach. “Is this arrangement a mistake?”
“No!” She takes both my hands. “Did the car thing spook you?”
“No. Yes.” I bite my lip. “He’s never going to look at me like he does his car.”
“He already does.” She grabs a glass of champagne from the table and hands it to me. “And you need to forget about his feelings and focus on your own. You may not want to keep him. For all you know, he’s a toad with no prince potential.”
“You’re right.” I sip the cold champagne. “Yuri could turn out to be the most inconsiderate husband in all the world.”
“True. But he did have his loft painted in record time and have your things moved in so you would feel at home.”
“That’s a good point.” Perhaps he’s selfish and—”
“Heismarrying you so you won’t be taken prisoner by a Bratva brat with bad intentions.”
I drain the glass of bubbly and let my shoulders drop. “I’m going to fall for him, aren’t I?”
“Probably.” Stasia sighs. “Unless he’s a disaster in the bedroom.”
I press my hand to my mouth and think of the kiss he gave me after he slid the ring on my finger.
