Page 50 of The Bratva Sinner

“You forged my signature.”

“I expedited the process.”

I want to be angry about it, but what’s the point? This whole thing is already insane. What’s a little forgery in the grand scheme of things?

Damien appears in the doorway, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. He nods at Maksim but doesn’t look at me.

“Cinder and Damien will be our witnesses,” Maksim says.

Cinder crosses her arms. If that glare is one of jealousy, it's almost funny. She probably wants him, and now, she has to watch him marry me.

I don’t know where that thought comes from, but I lean into it. If she wants to hate me, I’ll give her a reason.

Mrs. Clark opens the license and begins reading in a monotone voice. “Do you, Maksim Sokolov, take Lila Marie Reynolds to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.”

“Do you, Lila Marie Reynolds, take Maksim Sokolov to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

For the first time, I stop fighting the memory and take him in. Dark hair falling across his forehead. Pale blue eyes watching me. Strong jaw. Broad shoulders. The man who pulled me out of hell.

The man who has decided that it’s his job to keep me alive.

I roll my eyes. “I suppose I do.”

Cinder holds something out. Maksim holds out his hand. Cinder slaps his. When he opens his palm, I see two rings. Maksim thought of everything.

The ring he slides onto my finger is like nothing I’ve ever seen. It’s… black. Gorgeous, but it feels ominous. The stone in the middle is black, surrounded by sparkling diamonds. His ring is black with black diamonds around the band.

He slides the ring on my finger as Mrs. Clark finishes marrying us.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Maksim steps closer. His hand cups my jaw, tilting my face up to his. I’m very aware of Cinder’s glare burning into the side of my head.

When his lips touch mine, I kiss him back. Hard. I grab his shirt and pull him closer, opening my mouth to his tongue. I pour everything into it, making sure anyone watching can see the passion.

He wraps his arms around me and slides one hand into my hair. He kisses me like we’re alone.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing hard.

“Well,” Mrs. Clark says dryly. “Congratulations.”

She has us sign the license. My hand is still shaking as I write my name, Lila Reynolds, for the last time. Tomorrow, I’ll be Lila Sokolova.

Mrs. Sokolova.

Then, Cinder and Damien sign as witnesses. The whole thing takes maybe ten minutes. Ten minutes, and my life has changed.

Mrs. Clark packs up her things. “I’ll file this first thing in the morning. It’ll be official by the end of business tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Maksim hands her an envelope full of cash.

She leaves, and Damien follows without saying goodbye. Cinder lingers, still glaring.

“Congratulations.” Her word drips with sarcasm.

“Thanks,” I reply sweetly.