Page 93 of Devil’s Reign
He nods. “I’ve never been in love before, so I’m probably going to fuck up a few times. But one thing is non-negotiable: your safety. I wouldn’t survive losing you, Milani. So, I’m sorry to say, but even knowing how that meeting turned out—and your little escape attempt—I still wouldn’t have taken you with me.”
I take a moment to reflect, and I realize I don’t resent him for it. “Knowing what I know now,” I say quietly, “I wouldn't have let you go to that meeting either.”
He chuckles and finally wraps his arm around my shoulder, pulling me in against his side. “And what did you mean, don’t punish the men? They lost you. They failed at their job. They’re going to get punished soon.”
I sigh, running my hand over his chest. “Can you not, please? I think Boris might hate me a little now. Punishing him would just make the situation worse.”
“He can’t hate you. And if he does, he’s losing his life.”
“Vanya!” I gasp up at him. Sometimes I forget the ruthless enforcer he really is. “You can’t just say things like that.”
He shrugs, unrepentant. “I almost lost you because of their damn incompetence. I let it slide the first time. Don’t ask me to let it slide again, Milani.”
“Just–just go easy on them, okay?”
He squeezes my waist in answer, which isn’t a yes, but it’s something. “I have news from Aleksei.” I push away from him, my stomach squirming, heart pounding as I brace for the verdict. “Luciano isn’t among the men in their facility. The workers were interrogated, and they swore everyone they kidnapped is accounted for.”
So he wasn’t kidnapped. Relief hits, but worry claws right behind it. If he’s not there… then where the hell is he? How could he just disappear without a word? Without looking back? Is he even okay?
“I’m sure he’s fine,” Vanya says as if he can read my mind. He tries to sit up, but I press him back down. He frowns, then gives in when I slide back into his arms.
“I hope so.”
“I’ll use every resource my brothers and I have to track him down,” he promises, and I drop a kiss on his smoke-scented neck in gratitude. “In the meantime,” he continues, “we’re getting married. As soon as I can walk without that fucking wheelchair. I’m making your stay here legal—yours and your family’s. I won’t risk you being taken away from me by the government or any other fucker.”
“How romantic,” I say dryly, and he pinches my waist.
“Just you wait, I’ll give you romance.”
EPILOGUE
MELANI
Three weeks later…
The bridal room hums with the voices of my team—my stylist, makeup artist, and the designer Vanya insisted on hiring. One of the best in the city, even though we’re keeping the ceremony small.
Mamma circles me again for what has to be the third time, tugging at lace that doesn’t need adjusting, smoothing fabric that doesn’t need smoothing.
“Stand still,” she urges, but her hands are trembling. She fusses with my veil, then my hair, then the necklace at my throat. When she finally steps back, her eyes are glassy. “Perfect.”
I swallow hard. “Mamma…”
She waves me off, dabbing at her face with the corner of a handkerchief. “Don’t start. You’ll ruin your makeup.”
The door creaks open, and one of Vanya’s men peeks in. “It’s time.”
My heart flutters. I take a deep breath to steady myself, then let it out slowly.
Mamma clasps my hands in hers, squeezing tight. “I didn’t think a man like him could possess the ability to… but he loves you,” she says in a low whisper so no one overhears her, voice breaking a little. “That’s all I ever wanted for you.”
I nod because if I try to speak, it will be over for both of us. She presses a kiss to my cheek, then lets me go.
The walk down the aisle feels endless, and I'm painfully aware that I'm walking alone.
Luciano should be here. I blink back my tears. Mamma, Dima—even Aleksei—offered to walk me, but I refused. If my brother can't be here to do it, then I'll do it alone. I'm not replacing him with anyone.
Every eye in the crowd follows me, but I fix my gaze on Vanya standing at the front of the makeshift altar, sharp and clean-shaven in his tux, his brothers at his side.
