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Jesus knew that doing the right thing would bring Him pain and death, and He accepted it, but it was only His blood that would be sacrificed. If I could guarantee it would be me alone that suffered, I’d fight the world for Lilyana, but there’s nothing like love to teach you that there are things far worse than death. My instincts have never steered me wrong, and I’m unsettled, but I can’t understand why.
Vlad, Sasha, and Avel stayed at the Kislev house overnight. No good-luck drink or a pat on the back for me; Vlad was determined to treat this wedding as a transaction, so until the ceremony, there was to be no celebratory atmosphere. He wanted us to remember that it’s not for real.
I’ve been at Vlad’s side through some bad times; I know when he’s tormented. He’s devoted to his little sister but fears the world too much. His father’s influence is still there; part of Vlad cannot relinquish control over Lilyana because he holds himself responsible for her wellbeing, and he barely trusts himself with that task, let alone anyone else. He doesn’t want to see her as the woman she’s become, with hopes, dreams, and a heart that could be as easily broken as loved. Today, Vlad has to give her away, and the symbolic gesture represents a trust in me that he does not feel.
The closeness growing between Lilyana and me is not sudden or new; it’s been there all along, reaching for the light and getting stronger. The marriage has expedited the process, but she claimed my heart long ago.
The heavy wooden doors of the church swing open, and Vlad strides in, his expression stony. He beckons me to him, and all heads turn our way as we meet in the center of the aisle.
“Arman.” Vlad’s voice is low. “Lilyana won’t come in from the car.”
My heart sinks. “She’s backing out now, in front of everyone? You’ll never live it down if she doesn’t do it.”
Vlad’s jaw tightens. “Morgana almost talked me round, you know. She got me thinking that your fixation on my little sister was more than a possessive need to be the first to—I can’t even say it.” His mouth twists into a sneer. “You disgust me.”
“Fuck you, Vlad.” My anger flares, and I clench my fists. “She’s everything to me. I’ll do anything to make this work.”
When angry, Vlad resembles his father, making me want to punch him. “What the fuck am I gonna tell these people?” he seethes. “I can’t drag her inside and make her—”
Without another word, I turn and walk out of the church. Outside, Morgana stands beside the car with Josie and Heidi, and all three look nervous. Vlad, Sasha, and Avel are hot on my heels.
“Arman, you asshole!” Avel cries behind me. “Leave her alone!”
I’m in the driver’s seat a second before Vlad catches up. I lock the doors, and he bangs on the window.
“Get out of there!”
“Calm the fuck down.” I look Vlad in the eye, grateful to be out of reach of his fists. “I gotta talk to Lilyana. You know damn well I won’t hurt her.”
Morgana takes his arm. “Vladi. It’s okay. There are things you don’t understand, alright? Step back.”
Vlad retreats, and I turn around in the seat.
Lilyana is ethereally beautiful in a delicate sheath of pleated ivory satin, her Bardot neckline revealing her shoulders. Her hair is a shimmering curtain of pale gold, and she holds a bunch of lilies in her shaking hands, already wilting.
The sight of her like this, trembling and terrified, reminds me of that night with Seb when her fear and vulnerability were laid bare. It tears at my heart.
“Tsvetok,” I say gently. “I’m not mad at you. Tell me what you need me to do.”
“You locked me in?” she says, raising her eyes to mine. “To Hell with you, Arman! I won’t do this. You’re as bad as Seb. All that time, I thought you were protecting me, but here you are, ruining my life.”
Outside the car, Morgana and Josie try to keep their enraged husbands at bay, but I ignore the commotion. My Lilyana needs me now more than ever.
I move fast, clambering into the back seat beside her, and she brings her knees up, kicking out at me. It’s pointless; she hasn’t got a fraction of the strength she’d need to stop me, and as I land on the seat beside her, I wrap her in my arms, holding her tightly to my chest.
“I love that you feel safe enough to yell in my face, baby girl.” She pushes ineffectually against me, but I envelop her arms in mine, and she can only wriggle. “But I don’t believe a word you’re saying. Only last night, you wanted me to stay with you.” Her cheek is hot under my palm. “Deep breaths, baby.”
Her frantic movements ease, and she sighs deeply, the tension draining from her muscles.
“Lilyana,” I whisper, my voice soft but filled with urgency. “Look at me.”
She lifts her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Help me. Please.” Her words reach me on the softest breath. “I can’t have them all looking at me, Arman. I c—c—can’t—”
“You don’t have to be scared. I’m here with you. I’ll protect you, just like always.” I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly as her panic ebbs away. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
I hear Vlad’s furious voice, demanding I open the door and let his sister go. But I can’t do that. Not now.
Lilyana’s shuddering sobs have stopped, and she leans against me, her hands digging into my arms. I take her chin and tilt her head so I can drop a gentle kiss on her perfect lips.
