Page 91 of The Pakhan's Forced Bride

“Mom,” Belle gasps in horror. “Stop that.” She chases her mother away from me, laughing.

At least everyone seems to have benefited from our relationship. Her family isn’t holding any grudges against me for kidnapping her in the first place, thank goodness.

Her mother is happy her daughter found a rich man. Her brother has a new ally, and her sister-in-law has a place to stay when she comes to visit Los Angeles on shopping trips.

Benedikt comes to greet us, handing me a beer right away. “How was the flight?”

“Easy. How are things on this side?”

“I have a few pieces of information to discuss with you after dinner.”

“No business,” Ulyana and Belle say at the same time.

The men chuckle.

“Alright, we’ll leave it for Monday.”

“My sisters should be arriving soon,” I say. “They’re looking forward to meeting everyone.”

“Why didn’t they fly in with you?” Ulyana asks.

Belle laughs. “They both wanted to come a few days early to explore Vegas. I gave them a must-see list of all the good places.”

***

When Kira and Alya arrive, they only bring more energy to an already great evening.

We’re sitting at the table outside in the cool evening air, watching the sun set over the horizon, turning the sky red and purple as it sinks lower. Dinner is over, but Benedikt and I are still chatting quietly about business so the girls can’t hear us.

Ulyana, Aly, and Kira are on the sun loungers around the pool, in a deep discussion with Belle. All of the girls are laughing, enjoying cocktails, and time together.

I love watching her with my family and with hers.

I didn’t realize when I fell in love with her that I would get more than a wife, but a whole new life filled with good people.

In a quiet moment, I stand up and make my way to Belle. She stands up and wraps her arms around me. “Do you want to help me bring dessert out?” she asks.

“Of course, what are we having?”

“Salted caramel tart with ice cream and strawberries. Ulyana made it. She’s really good.”

“Can’t wait to taste it.”

I let her take my hand and lead me to the kitchen.

Before she has a chance to start organizing dessert, I lift her onto the kitchen counter and stand between her legs.

“Ardalion,” she scolds me, a beautiful smile on her face.

“I’ve been missing my wife all evening. I don’t like to share you this much,” I grin, tilting her chin up to my face and leaning down to kiss her.

My lips move over hers, and she threads her arms around my waist, pulling me closer against her.

My heart beats in time with hers as we kiss. My body belongs to her. My soul belongs to her.

She is my everything.

“I love you, little bunny,” I whisper against her mouth.