Page 15 of Lord of Justice

"Well, Andrey said he was busy," she beams. "But he told my assistant what you'd like."

Yeah, he was busy bailing me out of jail on attempted murder charges,I think. Though it doesn't seem wise to say that out loud. Still, seeing the flowers in my favorite colors is making my heart unclench. Just a little.

"Well, if you'd take your places in front of me," Tamara claps her hands briskly, "we can get started."

Andrey takes my hand and pulls me closer as she arranges her judge's robes. His hand is cool, and dry.

"We are gathered here today to witness the joining of Andrey Yuri Morozov and Iris Petunia Monroe in matrimony."

Andrey's lips quirk slightly. "Your mother did have a theme, didn't she?" he murmurs.

"Rose's middle name is Gladiola," I whisper back.

There is a quick chuckle before our judge composes herself. "Marriage is a serious and honorable commitment, entered into not lightly, but thoughtfully and with mutual respect…"

The words start fading in and out like a bad phone connection as I stare at the pretty enameled brooch on Tamara's judicial robe. Did someone who loved her give it to her? Her mom, maybe? Our mother never gave Rose and me anything but an attempt to force us into a hellish future.

Before you close this book, leave room for the next one.

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Don't you cry!I angrily lecture myself.He doesn't get your tears.

My brain snaps back into awareness when the assistant tactfully takes my bouquet and I'm facing Andrey.

"Andrey, do you take Iris to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her from this day forward?"

Why does Tamara look so happy? Can't she see what bullshit this is?

"I do." Andrey's deep voice is clear and certain.

"And Iris, do you take Andrey to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish him from this day forward?"

My Catholic school roots come surging back and I'm waiting for a bolt of lightning to strike me dead. "I… Do." My voice is creaky.

He gracefully slips a ring on my finger. Thediamond is very large with a square cut. It's very pretty, elegant, actually. He hands me a plain black band. It takes my shaking hand three tries before I get the damn thing on his finger.

"Andrey and Iris, having exchanged vows and rings before this witness -" Her assistant smiles and gives me a little wave. She looks so happy, why isshehappy? "And by the authority vested in me by the laws of the state of New York, I now pronounce you legally married."

Then, the words I'm dreading.

"You may now kiss the bride."

This man is gigantic. He leans way down, tilting my head up with a finger under my chin. I can smell him, standing so close, expensive aftershave, cold and crisp like how snow would feel. Something underneath. Gunpowder? Whiskey and gunpowder and violence. His cool lips slide over mine in a chaste, impersonal kiss and he straightens up again.

"Now, you're mine," he whispers.

Tamara claps happily, and I see a flash out of the corner of my eye. I didn't notice the photographer when we first came in. He rapidly takes a couple dozen pictures. Of that non-kiss. Of us signing the marriage license, then with Judge Tamara standing between us.

Finally,finally,Andrey says, "I must take my bride home."

Tamara's gaze lands on me, suddenly sharp. "Yes, Iris looks exhausted. It may be a happy day, but most likely overwhelming, eh?"

"Oh, you have no idea," I blurt.

Andrey pulls me toward the door before I can say anything else.

Back in his Mercedes-Benz G-Class, I stare at the wedding ring on my hand. The weight of it is alien.