Page 14 of Thorns of Love

The second we stepped into the cabin, Tatiana’s eyes landed on the priest with Boris and Nikita by his side.

It was hard to miss a Russian Orthodox priest in their elaborate priest clothing. Why he needed to parade in those clothes, I had no idea. No matter though. The only thing that mattered was that he was here and he’d perform the service.

“No, Illias.” Tatiana’s eyes stayed glued on the priest while shaking her head. “No, no, no.” Then her gaze darted my way. The shocked expression in her eyes didn’t sit right with me, but I still intended to proceed with it. “Absolutely not. I mean it, Illias. We’re over.”

Gripping her chin, I pulled her closer to me. “You and I,moya luna… We’ll never be over.”

I closed the distance and sealed my words with a fleeting kiss. Her body was tense but her mouth molded to mine. Her response to me was exhilarating. I’d never understood addiction until I crossed paths with this woman.

“You can start the ceremony,” I told the priest. “As soon as you wed us, one of my men will take you back to your rectory.”

“And the check?”

A sardonic breath left me. The priests loved their checks. “And the check.”

His eyes flickered to the bride-to-be. “Do you wish to change into a wedding dress?”

“Fuck no,” Tatiana hissed, glaring at him. “Are you deaf? I’m not marrying him.”

The priest chuckled. He heard her but he didn’t care. “With that little bun in the oven, you have to marry. You don’t want your baby burning in hell, do you?”

Tatiana’s eyes flashed like blue flames and she took a step towards the priest. “Married or not, my child will not burn in hell,” she hissed, glowering. “But you might, if you don’t take those words back.”

“The Bible says–”

“That’s enough,” I cut the bullshit. “Tatiana there is a dress in the back of the cabin.” My eyes traveled over her. She looked beautiful in her dress, but I wanted her to have a special dress for this day.

She folded her arms in front of her chest, pushing her boobs up. “I’m not putting it on.”

“Either you put it on yourself or I will put it on you,” I said coldly. Her jaw clenched and daggers shot from her eyes. If expressions could kill, I’d be dead. “Think of your brothers as you change. If you refuse to marry me for our child, do it for your brothers.”

I’d make hermine. Both the mother and child. This was where we should have been seven years ago. I could see her pulse beat quickly, her eyes stubborn on me. I took a step forward and wrapped my hand around her slender neck.

“Last time, Tatiana. Don’t fucking push me. Go put that dress on or I’m going to do it for you. And I won’t be so nice about it.”

“That is not how you treat your baby mama,” she retorted in a boring tone, but at least her feet started moving towards the back of the cabin where the bedroom was. At least she admitted she was pregnant.Baby mama.

It sounded fucking perfect.

“Two minutes, then I’m coming tohelpyou,” I drawled after her. She flipped me a middle finger over her shoulder, then shut the door of the bedroom.

“The bride seems willing,” the priest remarked.

I gave him a cold look, knowing exactly what he was hinting at. More money. Greedy motherfuckers.

“How much?” I asked in a chilled tone.

“Two hundred thousand.”Motherfucker.That made his check four hundred thousand just to read a few paragraphs from some scripture and proclaim us as husband and wife. The door from the back of the cabin opened and I swore she stole my fucking breath.

My gaze coasted over her long, blonde hair, smooth pale skin, and ruby red lips. There was even a hint of a smile there. Her hands smoothed down over the soft silk threads of her dress.

“It’s the Oscar de la Renta,” she murmured softly, her eyes lowering to the dress as if she wanted to ensure it was real. The dress fit her perfectly. It was elegant but simple. Yet, unforgettable.

The strapless dress was made of white, Italian silk faille and delicate silk poppy buds that cascaded across the bodice and skirt. Individual petals and stamens lifted up and off the dress here and there to add dimension, while the strapless top resembled a full scalloped flower.

“The material is so soft and elegant.” Her voice was almost reverent and my lips curved. Tatiana Nikolaev had expensive taste. One just had to look at her.

“I thought you’d like it.” She rolled her eyes, but her smile was still there as she kept touching the fabric. “Now, let’s get married. I’m eager to get to the wedding night.”