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As soon as I’m done, the priest launches into another speech. I zone out once more, my mind drifting back to those happier days. My awareness only returns when the priest declares us man and wife in a hearty resounding voice that reminds me of a gameshow host announcing the winning prize.

It’s done.

My heart sinks deeper into darkness. We just got married. I just got married and Lev Karsavin is now my husband. Everything changes now.

My legs tremble at the thought and that breathless feeling hits me all over again.

My entire world has been flipped in every direction in the space of two short days, pushing me from one devil to another.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest chants merrily.

My husband’s eyes become a vibrant blue, twinkling with malice and the promise of corruption.

He snatches my waist with one firm, possessive hand and pulls me flush against him. Smiling, he gazes down at me with a wild look in his eyes, then he crushes his lips to mine.

Heat courses from the kiss, straight into my nerves, then it spirals down my body in fiery waves.

The wild sensation unsettles me more than the other night when he first kissed me. This time, something sinks deep into my bones, taking root inside me and refusing to let go.

The guests cheer, a chorus of claps and vigorous voices filling the hall. It feels so ordinary. So normal. Until we pull apart and I take in the sullen faces of my mother, father, and Danillo.

He’s giving Lev the death glare. It, however, has no effect whatsoever on my husband.

The cheers rise louder as Lev leads me back down the aisle. He slips an arm around me in that possessive grip again, steering me on the path to my new hell.

The day drags slower than watching paint dry.

I made the mistake of thinking we’d wrap things up after the official ceremony, but I was so wrong. A full day was scheduled into the night, just like you’d expect with a normal wedding.

My only saving grace is Lev allowed me to stay with my parents after we signed the marriage license, and left to mingle with the guests.

The Bellandis and the other guests from my side practically fled straight after the ceremony. That left us with everyone else.

Thankfully, Lev is away for the next few hours. I can’t imagine him sitting with us. We’d have absolutely nothing to talk about, and it’s clear he has gone out of his way to make us feel as uncomfortable as possible.

After the speeches, we’re all moved to the garden. There, my parents and I remain seated under the gazebo.

I try to find comfort in my mother’s presence, but being around her and Papa when they have nothing to do but watch the day unfold in misery cuts deep. I realize quickly that this is another punishment for my father, having to sit and watch the hours slip by in a sea full of Bratva sharks.

I’d always thought the men in the Italian mafia were scary, but the Bratva men around us make them look like choirboys.

Mama tries to talk to me about the Valentini Foundation, the charitable arm of her family’s company.

It’s her best attempt to cheer me up and distract me. It works to some degree. I’ve been volunteering in the foundation’s fundraising department for the last two years. I mainly design postcards to sell in the gift shop and for its fundraising events. It’s the one thing Papa has allowed me to do with my art.

Danillo never mentioned whether I’d be allowed to continue going there. I assumed not because the women in his family don’t work—not even on a voluntary basis.

I think Lev will be the same. I imagine being trapped in his fortress with nothing to do but sulk. I haven’t even come to terms with any of that yet.

As it gets later, a small relief settles over me that the day will soon be over.

But the relief is short-lived. At nine thirty, Konstantin comes over to inform my parents it’s time for them to leave.

Tears fill Mama’s eyes and she grabs my hand, lacing her fingers through mine. Papa, on the other hand, looks relieved. No surprise there.

I’d give him the benefit of the doubt, but this is all his fault. He’s only getting what he deserves.

Mama leans over and hugs me tightly. I hold her with the same fierceness, wishing she could take me with her.