Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33162 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33162 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
“I think I have to go over there,” Chloe said.
“No, you’re not leaving my side.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and made her sit with him.
“Roman?”
“Chloe, I know you didn’t want to come to this, but I won’t allow you to leave.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “And no one is going to make you.”
She was tense in his arms, clearly waiting for someone to have a word, or order her to the bride’s section. No one did. Chloe wasn’t the only woman in the groom’s section. There were a few women who stayed by their man’s side. Roman didn’t let her go.
The music sounded and Roman wasn’t interested in the event. He was much more distracted by his woman’s scent and the feel of her body against his.
“She’s beautiful,” Chloe said.
The bride would always look stunning on her wedding day, but no one else would even compare to his bride. Chloe was stunning. Even when she’d been a little terrified and shocked, she was utterly breathtaking. Roman didn’t regret marrying his woman.
The bride gave her flowers to one of the women, and then turned toward her groom. The priest cleared his throat, and then for Roman came the boring procedure. He’d hated listening to the priest at his own wedding. He’d wanted it to be done with, just as he wanted it to be over now.
It wasn’t over. The bridge and groom had vows. Very long, wordy vows.
Roman felt like he was going to throw up, but then he heard the sniffle and looked down at his wife.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“It’s just so beautiful. They love each other.”
Roman looked up to the altar. That wasn’t entirely accurate. The bride was playing a part, because he was pretty sure there was a price tag on today being successful.
Love matches didn’t occur in the Zaitsev Bratva. Business. Money. The transition of different kinds of power. But never love.
Zaitsev had given him an ultimatum when it came to Chloe. Either kill her or marry her, because he was getting bored with him taking too long to decide.
He wasn’t going to kill her. Marrying her was the easiest option. Roman wasn’t going to tell Chloe those finer details.
The couple turned around and he had no choice but to clap as the rest of them did. Always going through the motions. They all stood and he placed a hand on Chloe’s hip, keeping her close.
He knew there were a lot of vultures circling at this wedding. Many of them would like to make his life difficult. Some weren’t happy about not being invited to his wedding, and he didn’t give a fuck. They were not going to hurt his woman. He wouldn’t allow it.
****
Chloe didn’t know what Roman was hiding, or why he was being so domineering. Part of her loved it, another wanted to just ask him to stop.
She loved his hands on her, the fact he didn’t leave her side, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but wonder why. If he was so worried about her coming, why allow her to in the first place? It made no sense to her. The wedding had been such a beautiful affair. Throughout the drive, she’d been worried that Roman was going to make her look like a careless fool for wearing white. She was so thankful to see all the women wearing the same color.
The ceremony had been beautiful. Afterward, everyone had to have a photograph, including herself and Roman.
They didn’t have to travel to another venue. She saw the staff quickly rush out to set up the chairs.
Roman didn’t leave her side, his hands on her waist. The couple did the rounds, shaking hands, hugging.
“Do you know them?” Chloe asked.
“Yes, I know him.”
“Will he be a good husband?” she asked.
Roman shook his head and she couldn’t help but smile.
“What?”
“This isn’t about love, Chloe. This is all business.”
She highly doubted that, but she didn’t have time to question as they once again went back outside to be seated.
She and Roman were close to the main couple. Several men approached Roman, shook his hand, and then looked toward her, giving Roman no choice but to introduce her. She offered her smile. Her mother had always taught her the value of manners. Even though she hadn’t been happy to be part of the Zaitsev Bratva, and he’d manipulated her into being his wife, she wasn’t going to embarrass him.
“You know you can go and mingle,” Chloe said. “I don’t mind.”
Roman had a curl of her hair wrapped around his finger. “There will be time for that.”
She rolled her eyes. “Please don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
He cupped her cheek and pulled her close. “You’re right.” He pressed a kiss to her lips.
The waiters brought out plates of food and Chloe picked at it while listening to the speeches. Then there was time for the first dance, and the couple were so sweet together. Her wedding would have been just as magical if it hadn’t been for the revelation of who her husband really was. It had come as a complete and total surprise to her, and not one she’d been expecting.