Page 28 of Forced plus-size Bride of the Bratva

She shifts beside me, nerves coiled like wires under her skin. I can feel her fear bleeding into the space between us, soaking into the air like smoke. But she doesn’t run.

God, she’s brave.

Or stupid.

Maybe both.

The elder turns to me first. I give my vow without hesitation.

“Da,” I say. “Yes. I take her.”

There’s a murmur behind us. Lukin. Kaz. Zalar.

Then the elder turns to her.

Jennie blinks, startled. She barely hears him until I nudge her hand.

She swallows, voice trembling as she echoes back, “Yes. I take him.”

It’s done.

But I don’t reach for her.

I don’t kiss her.

Instead, I step in close enough for only her to hear and say, low and cold:

“You are mine now.”

No flourish. No tenderness. Just truth. Just victory. Her breath catches again. I don’t care if it’s from fear, hatred, or regret.

The ceremony ends here. No applause. No music.

Just a heavy silence broken by the rustle of movement as people begin to file out.

Zoe and Violet appear like shadows, sweeping Jennie away before she even has a chance to glance back. She hesitates for a moment, like she might, but then Violet links their arms, and they disappear down the side aisle.

I don’t follow.

I just watch.

Her dark brown hair swings against the velvet of her dress. Her shoulders are tense. Her spine’s still straight.

Good girl.

“Can’t take your eyes off her for a second, huh?” Lukin murmurs beside me, voice low, amused.

Kaz chuckles on my other side. “He looks like he’s in love. I can’t tell. Could also be gas.”

I shoot him a look that would make most men piss themselves.

Kaz just winks.

Lukin smirks. “Relax. We’re happy for you. Sort of.”

“I’m not in the mood for lectures from either of you,” I mutter, adjusting my cuff. “I should take my bride home.”

“To chain her up or fuck her stupid?” Kaz says, deadpan.