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She’ll also be stuck with me.

Then comes the reminder that sayingI doto her tonight could ultimately lead me to my death.

Yaroslav or Dima could kill me for voiding the contract.

Antonio could for my bringing danger onto the family for not fulfilling my word or asking for permission.

But unlike other men who serve Antonio Lombardi, I’m not afraid to suffer the consequences of my actions. I also have my own fucking mind and won’t kneel to any man, mob boss or not.

All for a woman, some may say.

To which I’d probably say yes and shoot them in the face.

Genesis deserves a safe home and a husband who cares about her, not some fucking abusive Russian prick. Hell, she deserves better than me, but I’m the hand of cards she was dealt.

I bet she didn’t count these cards.

Father Jerome clears his throat when we reach him.

Genesis’s hand grows clammy in mine, and I give it a tight squeeze.

“Father,” I say with a slow nod, dropping Genesis’s hand and turning to face her.

He peers at Genesis, noticing her outfit is not one of a typical bride, and looks at me skeptically. “She’s agreed to this, correct?” He straightens his clerical collar, as if suddenly questioning telling me yes to this.

Genesis’s attention sweeps from me to the priest. She wrinkles her nose, puzzled at his comment.

“The last wedding he did for the Lombardis was forced,” I explain, as if no big deal.

“Gigi’s?” Genesis asks Father Jerome.

The priest nods, his eyes looking at the floor before rising back to hers. “I swore I wouldn’t do another, uh”—he clears his throat, as if he’s struggling to finish his sentence—“weddingfor them, but for Julian, I’ll do this.” He gives me a respectful nod. “I was there when we buried your family. You’re a good man.”

A good man?

I have to hold myself back from laughing.

If he knew the horrors I could confess in his confessional, I doubt he’d say that. He’d probably pour a bucket of holy water on me, then set me on fire.

But, hey, if he wants to think my heart is pure, then have at it.

Genesis gives Father Jerome a red-lipped smile. “I want this, Father.” Her beautiful smile moves to me, growing, and nearly takes over her entire face. “I want to be his wife.”

I lick my lips, giving her a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes, but is still bigger than one I’ve given in years.

I gulp, tapping my pocket as reality seeps inside me.

I’ve lied to myself all night.

I’m not marrying Genesis to save her or because I want her to have my baby.

I’m marrying Genesis so she’ll be mine forever.

35

I don’t carewhat anyone says.

This is romantic.