Page 92 of Savage Pakhan

I take a step forward just as the beautiful hand-carved cathedral doors open and the evening sun pours through the windows, shining on her as if an angel has awakened.

“I’m a lucky man,” I say breathlessly, staring at the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.

She stands in the doorway, a veil covering her beautiful face, the sunlight casting through the sheer lace. Her dream dress hugs her curves, those bell sleeves dragging on the ground as she walks towards me.

The light catches the beads sewn into her dress. Every step another part of her gleams. The sweetheart neckline revealing an elegant amount of cleavage.

Harmonious, beautiful strings reverberate in the room, a sweet song I don’t know the title of. I don’t care.

The world could be burning and surround me in flames, and I still wouldn’t care if the fire consumed me as long as Mia says ‘I do.’

I hold out my hand for her to take. The moment her fingers slide against my palm, I squeeze my hand around hers so she can’t run away from me. She’s mine now and it’s too late for her to turn around.

Mia stands in front of me, and my hands shake when I reach for her veil. I pull it over her head, revealing a sight that robs the air from my lungs.

“You are gorgeous, Lyubimaya,” I say, drinking her in.

I’ve never seen such a perfect person before. Her big brown eyes are on mine, the gold flecks around his pupils more pronounced today than usual.

“You look very handsome yourself,” she says as her gaze roams me up and down.

I’m wearing a simple tuxedo. Nothing too special. I wanted to keep it classy and all focused on Mia. I didn’t want to take away from the moment she deserves more than anyone.

She’s the star of the show. I’m only along for the ride.

“Are you ready?” Nikolai stands in front of us, his hands still folded in front of him as if he’s answering to authority. He leans to me and whispers, “We are keeping this short and sweet, right?”

My gaze doesn’t leave Mia’s. One day, I’ll give her the wedding of her dreams, but right now, selfishly, I’m glad it’s just us. I want this moment to be about her and I, not everyone else.

“Good. I’m not great with flowery language,” Nikolai grunts.

Mia giggles and Nikolai lifts a brow at her, not understanding why what he said was so funny.

“Get the rings out,” Nikolai orders.

This is the only time where that will work on me.

Mia slips a gold ring from one of the flowers in her bouquet while I dig into my pocket for hers.

“Take her hand, Alek.”

He really isn’t good at this.

I do as he says, brushing my thumb over her knuckles.

“Say your vows to Mia.”

I hold in a laugh. Nikolai isn’t great at making a moment romantic. He’s trying his best.

Keeping a hold of her hand while the other holds her bouquet, I take a deep breath to try to make this moment one she will remember.

“Mia, I’m not typically a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Emotions are only something I’m familiar with when you are around. Loving you was never part of my plan. We know that as you weren’t supposed to be meant for me, but you are. I started seeing you differently around three years ago and I can remember the exact second my heart and mind decided that I love you.”

She smiles, a tear falling from her lower lashes.

“You were wearing a sundress, and it had the flowy sleeves you seemed to love so much. It was red and bright just like you. I forgot where we were but next to us was a giant wildflower field. The flowers had just bloomed, and you were so happy. I mean, the kind of happiness that infects other people and they have no choice but to be happy with you. That’s what I love most about you. Your happiness. It’s an energy. An invisible bubble. You allow anyone step inside of it because you want everyone to be happy.”

I clear my throat when emotion bubbles free. “I’m not a happy man. At least, I’ve never been as happy as when I’m with you, walking side by side, being in that bubble that reminds me there is so much more to life than anger. That day in the wildflower field, I knew I’d love you until I took my last breath. You looked so free. Like nothing could touch you while at the same time, I knew my son was sucking the life out you.”