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His teeth skim the surface of his lower lip as his attention is fixated on my neck, right where his initial is branded against my skin.

"Are you pleased with how everything looks?" he purrs, never once taking his eyes off me.

"Yes," I breathe out, the sudden nearness getting to my head and making me dizzy with want.

Damn it.

Even now, of all days, I can't seem to control myself around him, so lost in his aura, his energy enveloping me and swallowing me whole.

"It's exactly like I wanted it," I tell him, which earns me a grin from him.

The idea of a formal wedding celebration had come to me after I'd found the perfect wedding dress online. I was simply browsing the internet when I'd come across this stunning off white gown with a tight bodice and a flaring skirt reminiscent of a Victorian ballgown. I'd been so struck by it, that one day I found myself blurting out to Vlad that I wanted a real wedding.

He'd been surprised at first, since I hadn't mentioned that before, but he'd quickly adapted, calling everyone and putting things in motion for me to have my perfect wedding.

He's been so sweet, taking care of absolutely everything, making sure everything had my approval before the big day.

Now, I find myself wearing my dream dress, at my dream wedding, with my dream man. And I can't help the giddiness that forms inside of me.

"Shall we then?"

"We shall." I smile.

The ceremony is short but sweet, and compared to my first attempt at a wedding, I actually listen to all the words.

My hand in his, the warmth that seeps from his skin is the only comfort I need to know that we are in this not only till death do us apart—but beyond.

The ceremony nears its end as the minister urges us to exchange rings.

"I knew I missed something the first time," Vlad mutters amused as he slides a gorgeous silver band over my finger.

"I was so mad at you I didn't even realize it," I admit, as I take my turn at placing the ring on his finger.

We'd had them custom made, and we'd engraved two phrases very dear to our hearts on the inside of the bands. The same phrases that we utter now, when we are pronounced husband and wife.

"There's no Vlad without Sisi," he's the first to say, bringing my fingers to his mouth for a sensual kiss.

"And no Sisi without Vlad," I complete the phrase, my pulse speeding up the more he lingers with his lips on my flesh.

In this moment, no matter how much I'd wanted a fully organized wedding with everyone in attendance, I only want him—to ravish me, mark me, sear himself in my soul.

But alas, we cannot have that.

Not when we're suddenly interrupted by everyone as they come to congratulate us on the nuptials.

"Congratulations, Aunt Sisi," Claudia gives me a big hug.

"Thank you, love." I kiss her cheeks, happy to know we're now welcomed in Marcello's home and I can see her any time I want.

Everyone comes to me for kisses and a hug. One look to the right and I notice Vlad in a similar situation as men come to shake hands with him, congratulating him for the wedding and for finally getting himself a woman.

I almost blush as I hear some of the conversations they are having, but the girls are quick to take me aside, the gossip and chatter going strong.

We'd turned the entire back garden into a venue for the wedding, and with its front view toward the ocean, it really is the dream wedding.

"I always wanted to ask you." Bianca comes to my side, a glass of nonalcoholic champagne in her hand. "How did you tame him?"

"Tame him?" I raise an eyebrow.