Page 20 of Darkest Sin

“I just had to be safe.” What he really means is that he knew I’d say yes. He knew he’d be a part of my life before I even knew what was going on.

We walk into the church together.

“It’s not the most conventional wedding,” he says. “I would much prefer to have a whole group of guests here to watch you walk down the aisle but I can’t risk your uncle finding us and stopping this. I am going to marry you today, Natalya.”

He keeps my arm under his, holding me close, like he’s worried I’m going to run. I’m not going to run. Not at this point. I have made my decision to save my family and I believe this is how I’ll be able to achieve it.

A priest is already waiting for us. There’s a man seated in the front pew. Otherwise, the church is empty. It is early in the morning so I know there’s a reasonable explanation but it’s still eerie. I really do feel like I’m a lamb going to be slaughtered.

“We are gathered here today…”

The priest’s voice makes me jump. He didn’t even ask for my name. Mikhail must have told him everything already. It’s sort of comforting how take charge Mikhail is. I like not having to make every decision myself. As the oldest of four, I’ve had to be in charge when my mom couldn’t be.

But Mikhail is taking that from me and I’m not mad at it. In a way, it’s sort of nice to have him do things for me. This way, I can follow, instead of lead for once.

Mikhail’s eyes bore into mine. He’s not looking away for anything and neither am I. He’s still a stranger and yet, I feel more close to him than I have any other man.

“Do you, Mikhail Novikoff, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

Mikhail smiles. “I do.”

I can’t help but shiver and it’s not just because it’s cold in here.

“And do you, Natalya Petrov, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

I have no other choice. “I do.”

There. It’s done. I’ve finished signing the devil’s contract.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Mikahil cups my face and lowers his lips to mine. I hold still. His lips brush mine so tenderly, I could almost cry. It lasts just a second before he pulls back. I’m glad he didn’t full on kiss me. I’ve never kissed anyone before and to have it be before other people wouldn’t have sat right with me.

He smiles down at me, but there’s a dangerous tint to it.

With that kiss, my fate has been sealed.

Mikhail takes me back to his house – well, I guess it’s my house now too – and carries me over the threshold bridal style. His hands on my body feel good. That scares me. That a stranger’s touch could be so electric.

He sets me down once we reach the master bedroom. “This will be your room now too.”

I stare at the bed. It’s large and encompassing.

Mikhail stands behind me. His presence is felt all over my body. “Don’t worry,” he says, bending down to say in my ear. I jump a little. “I won’t take you right now. But I do want to take this wedding dress off you. I bought clothes for you. Take a look.”

I’m grateful to walk into the closet – it means I get a moment to myself. Mikhail really did buy clothes for me. The large closet is filled with dresses and blouses and skirts. No pants, I notice. High heels of all different lengths. Some ballet flats. Beautiful clothes and shoes that must have cost thousands of dollars. All the clothing is designer brand.

“How much did it cost?” I ask, coming back out to him.

“Around forty grand for the whole wardrobe.”

I stumble in my heels. I have spent my fair share of money on clothes but never that much. Or at least, not all at once. Mikhail really does havemoneymoney.

“You didn’t need to spend that much on me.”

He approaches me until we’re so close, I can smell his cologne. It’s a subtle scent. Masculine but not overpowering. “I want to. You’re my wife now, Natalya. I want to make you feel at home here.”

“Thank you. Can I talk to my sisters? Call them? I’m sure they’re wondering where I am.”