Three weeks later
Alessio dragged me close to him until I was practically lying on top of him. My arms went around his waist as I buried my face into his neck. One leg was thrown over his hips as his hand burned on my thigh with its possessive hold.
I lay there, just breathing him in, listening to his heartbeat. Alessio drew random patterns on my back, and my eyes slowly closed at the calmness.
“Where do you want to go for the honeymoon?” he asked in my ear.
I moved closer into him, trying to get as close as possible. With my head over his chest, I replied quietly. “To the beach house.”
Alessio stiffened underneath me, his whole body freezing at my words. I knew he would react this way, but my decision was final.
I had to do this. I had to move on.
“No,” he snapped loudly, his fingers going impossibly tight around my hips. I winced and wiggled in his embrace.
“Alessio—” I started, but he cut me off with an angry growl.
“We aren’t going back there again,” he hissed in my ear. His tone was angry, his body tight with tension.
I knew he was trying to control himself but quickly losing it.
“But—”
He cut me off again. “I said no!”
Alessio pulled away and rolled us over until I was under his firm body. His fingers went around my wrists, pulling them over my head. “Ayla, I won’t repeat myself. We are not going back there. Ever again. Understood? It’s not even up for discussion.”
I could see the tension lines around his eyes and forehead. My heart squeezed when I saw the pain in the depth of his bluish eyes.
“Alessio,” I started again. He was already shaking his head, but I continued. “Please, let me do this. I need to do this. It’s important for me to move on. You bought the beach house for me, right?”
He didn’t answer, his jaw grinding with the effort to keep his anger in check.
“Yes,” he finally hissed.
I twisted my hands from his grip. With great reluctance, he let me go. Instead of moving away, I pulled him even closer.
My hand caressed his rough stubble as I spoke. “Well, then I want to go to my beach house. You can’t stop me. I want to do this, Alessio. I have to move on, and we can’t let what happened stop us from living. If I’m always going to cower in fear and hide behind you, how will I face my past? It hurts to think about it…our happy moments were cut short because of him. We never got a chance to enjoy it.”
I cut off as tears started to build up in eyes. My throat felt tight as I talked. “But I want to go back. I want to face it and move on, with you by my side. I know you’ll be there for me, holding me when I need you to. We have to move on, Alessio.”
My fingers danced over his cheeks as I leaned up and kissed him. “I have to fight it…my past. He’s gone, but he’s still living inside of me. Sometimes the nightmares come back. Sometimes, I fall back into the deep end. You always pull me back. But I have to fight him. This is me fighting him. I won’t let him stop me from living and enjoying my life with my husband…my family.”
Alessio’s throat moved. He looked like he wanted to speak, but his voice was stolen from him. His jaw ticked, his eyes flaring with anger and hurt.
“Please let me do this. I want to go back to the beach house. This time, it will be different. We will be happy,” I murmured against his lips.
He groaned, his forehead touching mine as he closed his eyes. I wrapped my arms around his back, holding him to me. I could almost feel his pain bleeding out to me.
Going back there…it was going to be hard for both of us.
“Angel,” he whispered so softly.
My hand caressed his back soothingly, waiting for him to agree with me. Finally, he opened his eyes, but his forehead continued to rest against mine.
His lips curled in distaste when he replied. “Fine. We will go. But I don’t want you out of my sight for even a minute. It’s going to be crazy. I will drive you insane. But for my own sanity, Ayla…for God’s sake, you can’t leave my sight.”
I knew he didn’t want to agree with me. But he didn’t have a choice. We were going to spend our honeymoon at the beach house.
“Thank you,” I replied, my heart soaring and full of love for this man. “I won’t leave your sight. You will just have to follow me to the bathroom too.”
His lips twitched, and I fought the urge to laugh too. “You are fucking impossible, Ayla.”
“You love me,” I shot back, this time a smile curving my lips.
Alessio’s lips brushed against mine as he spoke. “So fucking much.”
Then he took my lips in a deep, breathless, and senseless kiss.
***
I woke up to find the bed empty. Alessio must have left some time ago, because his spot was already cold beside me.
After freshening up, I went to find Maila. In the end, I found her in Maddie’s bedroom.
They were both sleeping on her bed, with Maddie cuddling and holding Princess close to her chest.
Such a sweet sight. One that also made my heart ache.
Maddie would have been holding her baby too. Just like this. But now…she could only hold Maila.
Tears stung my eyes as I continued to watch them. With a heavy heart, I closed the door softly, letting them have their moment.
Next stop was Lyov’s office. I knocked at the door and heard him call me in. Walking inside, I found Isaak there too.
They both looked deep in discussion, but everything stopped when I stepped in. Smiles were sent my way as I moved closer.
“Ayla,” Lyov acknowledged me.
Smiling, I nodded his way before Isaak took me in his arms. He hugged me and then stepped back, Lyov taking his place.
It was a surprise seeing Lyov change from someone harsh and hateful to loving me as a daughter.
The last few months, he had transformed into someone totally different. He and Isaak were the perfect grandfathers. I couldn’t have asked for better grandparents to lead Maila and support her.
It further proved that even ruthless killers had a heart. I would have never thought that I would find solace and a loving family with my enemies. Yet here I was, living with them. Loved by them.
“What are you doing here?” Isaak asked.
“I wanted to ask Lyov something. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind,” I started gently, watching Lyov’s reaction.
“Of course. What is it?” he asked, taking his seat behind the desk.
I opened my mouth to reply but quickly snapped it shut again. My voice couldn’t seem to come out. I had wanted to say this for such a long time, but now that I was here, I didn’t know how to start.
My throat bobbed as I swallowed several times. Nervousness coursed through me as they waited for me to speak. Their eyes were on me, watching me intensely.
After a few seconds of silence, I tried again.
“Isaak is supposed to walk me down the aisle tomorrow,” I said softly, glancing toward Isaak for a brief moment. He smiled, his chest puffing out proudly.
There was no question that Isaak would walk me down the aisle. It was his right, something I had dreamed of. A fairy tale coming true.
But there was someone else who deserved this moment too.
He would never get this chance, but I wanted him to experience this. Something that was robbed away from him so many years ago, I wanted to return him this happiness.
My eyes went back to Lyov. “But I want you to walk me down the aisle too. Both of you.”
His mouth fell open. There was silence, only the sound of us breathing could be heard in the room.
“You want me to walk you down the aisle?” he questioned, his eyes wide in shock. “But―”
I cut him off before he could continue. “It’s something that I want and I hope you would be part of, Lyov. I might not be your real daughter. I might not be your princess, but just this once, I want to give you this moment. Both Isaak and you deserve this.”
Isaak rubbed his chest, like it was hurting him. He looked down at his feet but not before I saw the raw emotion on his face. Lyov had a very similar look.
“So, will you? Walk me down the aisle with Isaak?” I asked again.
Lyov stared at me and then shook his head. My heart dropped, and my hands grew clammy. I twisted the end of my dress, trying to calm my breathing.
“Where the hell did you come from?” he asked, his lips twitching in a small smile.
Lyov stood up, pushing his chair back. He walked around the desk and wrapped me in a hug. “It would be my honor,” he whispered.
My eyes widened, and my breath was stuck in my throat. Tears blinded my vision as I hugged him back. “Thank you,” I whispered back.
As we pulled away, I went to give Isaak a hug. “And thank you for being my father and for choosing to walk me down the aisle. It is something I will forever be grateful for.”
Isaak patted my back and cleared his throat. Both men stared at me with a small smile on their faces.
I felt mine widen, and then I giggled. “Alessio would be laughing at you all if he saw you now.”
They lost their smiles, their face turning dark and serious. “Fuck no,” Lyov muttered. “If you say anything to him…”
I snapped my mouth shut, trying to keep my laughter in.
“Go. Go. Go…” Isaak shooed me away.
My feet took me out of the door as my laughter bubbled out. I heard both of them curse when the door closed behind me.
***
“Okay, close your eyes, babe. I’m going to turn you toward the mirror,” Evaline murmured.
I could hear the smile in her voice. My own smile made its appearance. I closed my eyes, and with shaky legs, I turned to face the mirror.
“Ready?” Maddie asked.
“You guys didn’t turn me into a clown, right?” I joked.
There was laughter. I giggled and then finally opened my eyes. I blinked and then gasped.
“You look gorgeous, babe,” Maddie said. From the mirror, I saw Evaline and Nina nodding.
They really did work their magic. Perfectly, I should say.
The first thing I noticed was my hair. Maddie didn’t overdo it. It was simple yet so beautiful. My hair was still down, but instead it was designed into a messy braid but with curls.
White flowers were pinned along the length, with a simple and elegant crystal tiara on top of my head.
My gaze moved down, and I was thankful to see that Nina kept my make-up light. My eyelashes were coated with mascara, and they appeared really long. My lips were painted and glossed with a light shade of red. Even my eyeshadow was a light brown, although it appeared a little sparkly. The eyeliner looked like a deep maroon. My green eyes sparkled with the colors that were chosen.
My neck held a single diamond pendant, the chain made with white pearls. My earrings were similar.
And then my dress. When I chose it, I was nervous, scared that Alessio wouldn’t like it. But now as I stared at myself in the mirror, I knew he was going to love it.
I looked beautiful. I felt beautiful.
The wedding gown was almost sleeveless. There was only a thin lace strap that went over my shoulders. My bodice was a V-cut, and the color was a light beige. White lace covered it with beads scattered all over. The dress was tight over my chest, but it became flowy around the middle of my stomach. It flared down on either side. The end of the dress was covered with the same lace design as my bodice.
I turned to my side, watching the dress trail behind me. It was long from behind, the train dragging. The dress wasn’t exactly white. The cloth underneath was a light beige, but it had white lace covering the whole dress.
My back was half covered with the lace, while the top part was backless. The dress flared at my back too, looking very flowy.
“I absolutely love this gown. It’s simple yet so elegant and beautiful,” Evaline said, her eyes on my dress.
“Thank you,” I whispered, staring at myself in the mirror.
“Here, let me get your veil on,” Maddie said. I bent down slightly so she could pin my long veil behind my tiara. It trailed behind my back, even longer than the train of my dress. The veil was made with the same lace material, covered with beads and flower designs.
Lena had it designed and made for me. It was my something new from her, representing her blessings for my happy future.
Just when I was about to whisper another thank you, there was a knock at the door. Maddie went to open it. She moved to the side as Isaak and Lyov walked inside.
They both halted in their steps at the sight of me, and I felt a smile stretching my lips.
“Look at you,” Isaak said, coming forward. “You look beautiful, Ayla.”
He hugged me, and my arms went around him, hugging him back just as tight. “You remind me so much of your mother. She would be so proud of you, Ayla,” he whispered in my ear before pulling away.
My eyes stung, but I quickly blinked the tears away. As Lyov hugged me, I tried my hardest not to cry.
“Are you ready?” he asked, pulling away. I nodded and looked down at myself.
“As ready as I can be,” I muttered. “Is Alessio ready?”
They both chuckled and raised an eyebrow. “What do you think? He has been ready for hours and getting very impatient. The guys had to lock him in the room to stop him from seeing you,” Lyov explained with a laugh.
A giggle escaped at the thought. I could only imagine. Alessio was impossible. Well, that was an understatement.
“It’s time, Ayla,” Isaak said.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded. On shaky legs, I took a step forward only to be stopped with Lyov’s hand on my arm.
“We got something for you,” he said. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I stared at him, waiting.
That was when I noticed they each held a small give box in their hands. Oh.
Isaak came forward first and opened the box for me. Inside, I found a pair of teardrop crystal earrings. “These were your mother’s. They are the only thing I have of hers. I believe they should be yours now.”
I stared at the earrings with my mouth open. “This could be your something old. If you don’t have one already.”
I shook my head, speechless. “No, I don’t have one,” I muttered, looking back up at Isaak. “Are you sure you want me to have this?”
He nodded and handed me the earrings. “Thank you,” I whispered, feeling so overwhelmed with emotion that I could barely speak.
I removed my earrings and wore the ones that Isaak gave me, my mother’s earrings. When they were in place, my heart felt heavy, and my stomach rolled with butterflies.
They were the only thing I had of my mother’s, and for the first time, I felt close to her. It felt like she was here, watching me. Closing my eyes, I imagined just that.
I imagined her in a white dress, standing behind Isaak, smiling at me, her eyes filled with so much love.
I saw her blowing me a kiss and then waving at me. I saw her glancing at Isaak, her eyes holding the same deep love. In my vision, she placed her hand over his back and kissed his lips ever so lightly.
And then she disappeared. Like she was never here. But I could still feel her presence.
Opening my eyes, I stared at Isaak with tear-filled eyes. “I wish she was here. I wish I knew her, Isaak. I wish she was here right now, holding me,” I said, my fingers whispering over the earrings.
He took a deep breath, like he was controlling his own emotions. Isaak rubbed my arms soothingly before replying. “I know. I wish she was here right now too. But Ayla, you might not see her, but she is here. I’m sure she’s watching over you. Your mother loved you so deeply. You were her everything. The light in her fucked-up world. Never forget that.”
I nodded, pressing a hand over my heart. My breathing calmed, and I sniffled, blinking away the unshed tears. Evaline silently handed me a tissue, and I mouthed a quick thank you.
When Isaak moved again, Lyov opened his box. Inside was a hair pin. “This was Alessio’s mother’s. If you don’t have a something borrowed, you can use this. I thought it was fitting for you to use Maria’s hair pin. She is my Angel, and you are Alessio’s. I would be honored if you include her in this wedding.”
I took the hair pin, feeling grateful for this. “Of course, Lyov. I’m the one who is honored. Thank you,” I replied, handing the hair pin to Maddie. She placed it in my hair and fixed my curls around it.
“She would have loved you,” Lyov continued when Maddie was done fixing my hair.
“I have no doubt that I would have loved her too. Because of her, I have Alessio. For that I am forever thankful,” I whispered, kissing his cheek in appreciation.
After pulling away, I looked down at my wrist. The bracelet that Evaline gave me sparkled in the light. “Looks like I have two something borrowed.”
Everyone smiled, the previous emotional moment breaking away.
“You have your something blue?” Isaak asked.
I nodded, smiling in the process. “Alessio’s eyes.”
My cheeks heated when both Isaak and Lyov raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in their eyes.
“It’s time, babe,” Maddie said.
My eyes went to hers as she quickly fixed her hair. All my girls were ready. Both Evaline and Nina were wearing a beige ankle-length dress. They were simple and sleeveless. The dresses weren’t tight but instead flowy around their hips and down.
Maddie’s dress was a little different. Same design and color but there were golden beads over her bodice. She was my maid of honor.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Isaak and Lyov. Their faces were serious, their backs straightened, and their chests puffed out proudly.
Maddie handed me my cascading bouquet, made with white and pink peonies. As both men presented me with their elbows, I swallowed nervously, sucked in another deep breath, and then took their arms.
I tightened my hold on their arms as we took a step forward. My heels wobbled with my first steps, but with Isaak’s and Lyov’s help, I finally steadied myself and was able to walk with no problem.
We walked out of the room and then down the stairs, which was decorated with flowers. So many flowers covered each step and the banister. We could barely see the woods. Only pink and white flowers were visible. On each step, there were two candles on either side.
We walked down the stairs effortlessly and then continued out of the house, to the back garden where the ceremony was being held.
The door opened, and we stopped. I could hear the piano playing, a melody I didn’t recognize, but it sounded just as beautiful.
“Ready?” Isaak patted my hand. I nodded, and the three of us took a step forward. Together, we walked out.
I was blasted with sunlight, warmth spreading through me. I blinked, my heart accelerating.
It beat faster at the sight in front of me. Nothing else mattered. I didn’t see anything…no one except the man standing at the end of the aisle.
My breath was stolen from me as I walked to Alessio. I couldn’t remember the walk. All I could see and feel were his eyes on me.
His bluish steel-colored eyes stared at me intensely, following my every step, my every movement.
His black suit was similar to what he always wore, except for the golden tie. His hair was sleek on his head, but he didn’t shave. I told him not to. He looked so much better with a few days of stubble.
His eyes stayed on me as I made my way to him…my husband.
My heart drummed in my chest, so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. My hands grew clammy, and I held my bouquet tighter.
I breathed through my nose, trying to act normal when all I wanted to do was run to him and jump in his arms.
I quickened my pace just a little. I heard Isaak’s low chuckle in my ear, but they matched my pace, not once complaining.
When we finally reached the end of the flowery aisle, we stopped. Lyov placed a kiss on my cheek, over my veil.
When he whispered in my ear, his voice was low, only for me to hear. “Keep smiling just like this. And keep making my son happy. He deserves it. Both of you do.”
Lyov stepped away, leaving me a tearful mess. Isaak kissed me on the other cheek before whispering in my ear too. “It is my honor to get a chance to be your father, Ayla. You were my sweet little girl and always will be. Be happy, my sweet girl. You deserve everything…all the love and happiness.”
I grabbed onto his arm, refusing to let go when he went to step away. “Thank you…Dad.”
His eyes filled with tears at the words, and he nodded, kissing my forehead. This time, I let him go.
After I handed my bouquet to Maddie, Isaak took my hand. Alessio was already reaching forward, and Isaak placed my hand in his.
When my palm made contact with Alessio’s, he instinctively wrapped his fingers around mine, holding my hand firmly and tightly in his.
Isaak held our hands together. “I’m giving my daughter away to you, Alessio Ivanshov. You make her cry, just once, and I will come after your heart. This is not a joke. I have more than a decade of experience on you. You are nothing compared to me.”
Alessio raised his eyebrow. “The arrogance doesn’t suit you, old man. But know that Ayla will never cry a tear of pain as long as she is mine. As long as I am breathing, she will only know happiness.”
Isaak nodded. “Good. I wish you both many years of happiness.”
With that, he stepped away, letting our hands go.
It was only Alessio and me. Just us, standing, staring at each other. Holding each other’s hand.
His grip tightened, and he pulled me closer. Someone cleared their throat, but Alessio didn’t care. I didn’t either. I was lost in his eyes.
Alessio brought my other hand up too, holding both close to his chest. He stepped forward until our bodies were touching. So deliciously close.
I could feel his breath close to my lips, my veil the only barrier between us. Alessio let go of my hands and pulled my veil over my head.
A smile stretched my lips as he leaned closer, as if to kiss me.
“You look so beautiful, Angel. Took my breath away when you walked out of those doors,” he murmured, moving even closer. “But you will look more beautiful with the dress off.”
“Boss, you can’t…” Mark, one of Alessio’s man and our minister for today, said.
“Fuck off, Mark. You don’t want to die,” Alessio growled.
A second later, his lips touched mine in the sweetest kiss. It was only for a moment, though, because he pressed harder, more demanding. My lips parted, giving him access. His tongue slipped inside, dancing with me.
We kissed, both lost in each other when Alessio was suddenly pulled away from me. I gasped, my eyes going wide.
“Okay, I think one kiss is enough. You can do the dirty in private. Damn it!” Viktor snapped, holding Alessio back.
I could feel my cheeks burning under everyone’s stares. There was laughter, and I looked down, suddenly shy and nervous. Way to go, Ayla.
Alessio glared and shrugged off Viktor’s hold before moving closer again. This time, he didn’t make a move to kiss me. Thank God.
Instead, he pulled me closer, holding my hands to his chest. “Do you stuff, Mark. And hurry the fuck up.”
Pinching his nipple, I hissed quietly. “Stop it.”
He snapped his mouth shut but looked restless. I knew how much he didn’t want to be here right now, doing this. But well…he had to stick with it.
At the thought, I smiled. He was going to love it in the end. It was going to be a day he would remember forever. I was going to make sure of it.
“Friends and family of the bride and groom, welcome and thank you for being here on this important day. Today, we are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between Ayla Abandonato—”
“Ivanshov,” Alessio growled, breaking Mark off.
“—and Alessio Ivanshov by joining them in marriage,” he continued over Alessio.
I smiled, feeling the happiest in that moment. My heart overflowed with love for the man standing in front of me.
As Mark continued with his speech, I tuned him out. I thought of everything, from the very beginning and to this moment.
The time when I was scared and running away from home. The moment when I hid in Alessio’s car and under his bed. And then when he found me.
The first look, the first touch, the first word, when blue met green…the beginning of our love story.
How he changed me…and helped me with my past. His undeniable love made me alive.
How I changed him. From someone heartless, from someone who only wanted me as a plaything to someone loving me unconditionally.
We were both broken. Two broken halves making a whole.
We learned to love together, taking baby steps. Such small steps that it would have looked impossible for us to be standing right here in this moment. But here we were, getting married in front of our friends and family.
In front of our daughter.
My mind traveled back and then to this moment. I stared in his blue eyes as his fingers rubbed back and forth over the back of my hands.
He stared back at me, his eyes holding the same amount of love, if not more.
Mark’s voice broke through my thoughts, and my heart drummed. “You fell in love by chance, but you’re here today because you’re making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You’ve chosen to be with someone who makes you smile and laugh. Someone who lifts you up and makes you into a better someone. You’re about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. Your vows are sacred, something you’ll hold till your last breath.”
He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “So, Alessio Lyov Ivanshov, do you take Ayla Abandonato as your wife, to love, honor, comfort, and cherish her from this day forth? Do you vow to hold her, be her strength, and wipe her tears, cherishing every single moment with her? Do you vow to share all that you are and all that you have with her, and promise to continue loving her and supporting her through sickness and health? Pain and happiness?”
Alessio opened his mouth, his grip tightening around my hands.
“I do,” he said. His voice rang loud and clear, holding every ounce of seriousness.
In that moment, I realized that this meant as much to him as it meant to me.
My heart tripped, and my stomach cramped with too many butterflies at his words. Two simple words, uttered in front of hundreds of people. His love for me…it was my undoing.
Mark turned to me. “Do you Ayla Abandonato…”
“No,” I quickly said.
Alessio’s eyes widened, and he sucked in a harsh breath. There was utter silence.
Realizing that I just messed this up, I cleared my throat. “I mean wait.”
I glanced at Mark, and he too was staring at me with wide eyes. Smiling convincingly at him, I quickly finished. “I want to say my own vows, if that’s okay.”
I felt Alessio’s tensed muscles relax under my palm, and I rolled my eyes internally. Silly man. Did he really think I would stop our wedding?
“Of course, you can,” Mark replied, smiling kindly.
When he gave me a nod, I looked back at Alessio. He stared at me intensely, his blue eyes growing darker with need.
Feeling suddenly nervous, I swallowed and licked my lips. “Well, I had this memorized, but now I’m a little nervous. I hope I don’t mess this up,” I started.
People chuckled in the crowd, and I saw Alessio’s lip twitching. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
Opening them again, I stared at Alessio and finally found the courage to speak. “When we first met, I didn’t think we would be standing right here in this moment. It seemed impossible back then. You were mean and rude. And I was scared of everything. We were both scared of taking this step. But when we did, we found out how beautiful love really is.”
He smiled then. A breathtaking smile that stole my breath away. His hands released mine and wrapped around my hips, anchoring me to him.
“You taught me how to love, Alessio. You taught me how to live. How to be myself. You gave me a chance at seeing this world. When everything seemed impossible, you made it possible. You made the sun shine brighter for me. You were the little light in my darkness, pulling me forward, telling me that it was okay to leave the darkness behind and embrace the light, our love.”
I heard sniffling behind me, and I knew it was Maddie. Or even Evaline. From behind Alessio, I saw his men…his most trusted men, looking just as deeply affected.
My eyes went back to my husband. My voice rang clear for everyone to hear as I continued. “When I gave up on everything…on us, you still didn’t give up. You fought and told me to fight for us. You saved me and brought me back. Alessio, you held me closer every day, and every moment, your love made me forget the pain. I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for loving me and for fighting for us. But all I know is that I will never leave you. I will forever be at your side, just like we were meant to be. From the very beginning, we were fated.”
Looking up at him, my fingers whispered over his chest, his wildly beating heart. “So this is my vow to you. Alessio Ivanshov, your love is my anchor. You are my strength. I promise to give you all my love from now until eternity ends. I vow to care for you, trust your love, be what you need, to make sure your feelings are always considered. I vow to show my love and respect. I want to live out the days of my life with you. I, Ayla Abandonato, vows to take you as my husband, to love, honor, comfort, and cherish you from this day forth. We are one and always will be.”
Licking my lips, I said my final words. “I make this vow because my heart is yours.”
“Can we have the rings, please?” Mark said.
I turned around to see Lena walking down the aisle, holding Maila in her arms. My sweet baby was wearing the cutest white tutu dress, with a flower headband on her head.
Our rings were exchanged, and I couldn’t help the way my heart fluttered.
Finally, I palmed Alessio’s cheeks, holding him to me. “I love you, Alessio Ivanshov. I love you so much.”
The tears slid down my cheeks unashamedly. Those words…I have longed to say them, and I knew this day was perfect.
I felt Alessio sucking a harsh breath, and then he was kissing me, devouring me in front of all our friends and families.
He had no care in the world as his lips met mine in a hard, bruising kiss. Alessio nipped at my lips, and I kissed him back with the same passion.
My hands went to his neck, pulling me closer to me. “I love you, Angel. I fucking love you so damn much.”
His breath mingled with mine, his tongue sliding along mine. My lips felt swollen, but I still didn’t let him go.
Mark cleared his throat, but Alessio still didn’t let me go. He tried again and again, but there was no success. Alessio and I were lost in each other.
“Boss,” he said, trying to get Alessio’s attention.
Another clearing of a throat. “Well…emm…by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may continue kissing the bride.”
Laughter could be heard, and I felt my own smile. Alessio was smirking against my lips.
“You are mine now,” he whispered against my lips.
“Always have been and always will be. Only yours, Alessio,” I whispered back.
We finally pulled away, both of us breathless. My cheeks felt warm, my lips swollen.…and my heart…well, it was wild.
Alessio grabbed my hand, and we turned to face the audience. Mark stood behind us, and I could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke again.
“It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Alessio Ivanshov.”
Everyone stood up and clapped. There were shouts and roars of happiness.
Alessio bent down and swept me off my feet, cradling me to his chest as he stepped off the platform. My hands went around his neck, and he walked us back.
“I love you, Alessio,” I said to him. Placing a kiss on his cheek, I let my lips linger there. “I promise to continue loving you until I take my last breath.”
His hold tightened around me, and I smiled.
My husband. My king. My love. My savior. My monster. My made man.
And I, his Angel.