Page 90 of Savage Little War

They probably think I’m nervous about the wedding, but I’m pretty sure it’s just lingering morning sickness that was supposed to disappear weeks ago.

“You look beautiful, dear,” the makeup artist tells me as she steps back to admire her work. “Absolutely beautiful.”

The hairdresser adds one more carefully placed pin in the elegant, complicated bun that she worked my hair into before fixing my veil. “I think we’re ready. What do you think?”

I take a deep breath before turning toward the standing mirror in the corner of the dressing room.

“Oh, wow,” I breathe as my eyes sweep over my reflection in the wedding dress. Now, it’s complete with my grandmother’s necklace and my veil.

I’ve never seen myself look like this before. It’s almost…magical.

“She’s ready!” the makeup artist says in a sing-song voice when the dressing room door opens.

Our venue’s event planner sticks her head in and smiles. “It’s time!”

My heart hammers against my chest as I nod and make my way out of the room and down the hallway toward the front of the grand hall where our ceremony will take place. And by God, it will take place.

A little past midnight, Dmitri texted to say his bachelor party went very well.

I can only assume that means he killed all the Council members and called off their hitman.

I haven’t seen him since he left for his bachelor party last night, and it’s driving me insane. Not letting the groom see the bride on the wedding day is ridiculous.

I spot my father waiting in front of the closed double doors leading to the hall.

The moment he sees me, his eyes widen. “Cara…you look beautiful. And you’re wearing your grandmother’s necklace.”

I smile as I head over to him. I had to think about it for a little while, but I ultimately decided to let him walk me down the aisle. This day wouldn’t be happening without him, and I want him beside me on the best day of my life.

“Have you seen Dmitri? Is he really okay?” I ask him.

Dad chuckles a little. “He’s fine. His hand is a little bruised up, but nothing’s broken.”

I grind my teeth together in annoyance. “I told him to use weapons. Not fists.”

“An argument for another time,” Sean suggests as music starts playing inside of the hall.

Right. I’m about to get married to the man I love, who went on a murder spree last night.

Granted, he did it to protect us.

“I’m ready,” I say once I take another deep breath to quell the fluttering in my stomach.

Sean extends his arm out for me to take before the doors open, revealing a large hall and rows of wedding guests.

I knew that there were a lot of people coming from both sides, but actually seeing the number of people with my own eyes nearly makes my legs weak. I grip Dad’s arm tighter as we walk forward, hoping that I don’t trip over my dress or twist my ankle in my heels.

“It’s okay,” my father murmurs quietly so that only I can hear. “Everyone was patted down at the door. Nobody will be stupid enough to try anything.”

Hoping he’s right, I lift my chin and finally find Dmitri standing at the back of the room with the officiant. Warmth blooms in my chest at the sight of him in a black tux with a little white rose boutonniere attached to the lapel.

He looks perfect.

My eyes begin to sting, but I fight the tears back. Not right now. Not when pictures are being taken and everyone is looking at me as I walk down the aisle.

When we reach Dmitri, Sean kisses me on the cheek and nods to Dmitri before stepping away to take a seat.

Dmitri takes my hand and guides me closer to him in front of the officiant, his eyes not leaving mine. “You’re gorgeous, milaya.”