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Vlad
My father sits in the front pew. I haven't spoken to him yet today—I don't want his poisonous words rolling around in my mind.
I'm grateful to have my brothers at my side. Sasha nudges me, and I turn to see Lilyana and Josie gliding gracefully down the aisle.
"Bellissimi angeli,” Sasha murmurs. He rarely speaks Italian, so the sight must have moved him.
Lili lets go of Josie's hand and stops walking, her shoulders shaking as she freezes. Josie reaches for her, but she won't move, and a ripple of disquiet moves through the congregation.
My father glares at Lili, but I dare not look at him. I will break his jaw here and now if I see that mocking look of hatred on his sick old face. Instead, I descend the altar steps and go to my sister, taking her hand gently.
"It's okay. Come, be here with us."
Lili falls into step beside me, clinging to my arm. I put her between Arman and Avel, and her twin puts his arm around her shoulder.
"Hush now, Lili," Avel says. "You're alright." He flashes me a grin and winces as the movement stretches his injured lip.
A collective gasp fills the church, and I see Morgana arm in arm with her father.
She isn't wearing the dress she brought home from the boutique.
This gown is everything I told hernotto wear. Deeply décolleté, with a beaded bodice and the slimmest of shoulder straps, kicking into floaty layers of tulle. The veil is more of a cape, embellished with more beading that matches the dress. Her hair is piled on her head, an emerald comb holding it in place. But none of that is why my father's friends are having conniptions.
Morgana's gown is black. Deep, true ebony, shimmering with pearls of jet and smoky Swarovski crystals.
My gaze settles on her face, seeking the defiance that fuelled her decision to trick me. But all I see is concern. Her eyes shimmer, and her smile isn't genuine.
She looks stunning, but something is bothering her. Has her bravado deserted her? Is she afraid of my reaction?
They reach the altar, and George sits beside David. I turn to face Morgana, my expression stony. The music is still playing.
"Are you angry?" she asks, drawing nearer so she can lower her voice. "I didn't know what you'd done for my parents or that you'd invite them today. You said nothing about that wonderful camera, either. If I'd thought for a second—"
"You're testing my patience,lisichka."
Morgana bites her lip, and I feel a rush of pleasure. It's almost a shame to put her out of her misery, but I can't bear to let her suffer for too long.
"God help me." I take her hand. "You look fucking incredible. I'm the luckiest bastard alive."
She flushes with relief, giving me a broad smile. The music fades, and the priest takes his position before us.
"I never promised to be obedient," Morgana whispers.
I squeeze her fingers. "Oh yeah? Well, you'reaboutto promise exactly that. It's in the vows. And you won't get off the hook this easily next time."
The priest does his bit, and we do ours. We promise to love, honor, obey, cherish, and protect one another, come what may. Unsurprisingly, it feels hollow, but not because it's fake. It's because I wish it wasreal, and that's a punch to the gut I didn't expect.
The nondescript wedding rings I bought yesterday are in Sasha's pocket, and when the time comes, he hands them to us. Morgana slides my ring onto my finger.
I wish I'd brought Mama's wedding ring with me. Maybe I knew deep down that I'd feel this way and didn't want to risk making a rash decision. As it is, I have no choice, and I push the standard diamond band past Morgana's knuckle without looking at her.
"I now pronounce you man and wife," the priest says. "You may kiss your bride."
My eyes meet Morgana's for the first time since the ceremony began. They sparkle in the candlelight.
Fuck. I've been so caught up in my bullshit that I never stopped to think how she might be feeling. What an asshole I am.
I put a hand on her waist and pull her close. The sudden movement startles her, and she loses her footing, placing her palms on my chest as she stumbles. My other hand slides to the back of her neck, and I breathe in her perfume as our lips meet.
