Page 156 of Villainous Kingpin

Uncle nodded. “She insisted on being here.”

Surprise washed over me. “Really?”

He couldn’t blame me for doubting him. After twenty-one years of refusal to even visit the east coast, all it took was a wedding for her to come.

“Yes. She refuses to miss any more moments. Her words; not mine.”

Oh.

“Congratulations, Wyn.” Davina hugged me, little Aiden in her arms sleeping peacefully. “You look beautiful.”

She held her newborn with so much love, it brought tears to my eyes.

“He’s so small,” I whispered, scared to wake up my nephew in her arms. I brushed my fingers lightly over his cheek and little Aiden never stirred. “He’s my nephew, right?”

Uncle pulled me into a hug. “Yes, your nephew.” Then he whispered into my ear, “You want to be a widow?”

I pulled away and shook my head, hoping he was joking. Though you never could be sure with a crazy family in the underworld.

The Ashfords were next in line. “Wonderful wedding,” Byron congratulated, then turned to Bas. “You got your woman. I’ll expect that contact.”

My eyes curiously ping-ponged between the two. “What contact?” I asked hesitantly.

Bas shrugged. “My cousin here has a half-brother he wants to make peace with.”

“I’d never seen such a ceremony,” Royce Ashford announced. “And I’ve been to quite a few. That priest probably put in for his retirement right after marrying you two. Though that kiss at the end… yeah, smoochy, smoochy.”

I blinked at his odd comment. Bas flipped him the bird while the former grinned, mouthingpsychopathic fuckerright back at Basilio. Royce and Bas were the closest in age so maybe they understood each other better.

“Ignore him,” Kingston grumbled, the look in his eyes frightening. Of the four brothers, he made me feel the most uncomfortable. He gave off Alexei vibes and you knew he’d kill you without losing any sleep. “Congratulations.”

I nodded my thanks but remained quiet. It wasn’t like they’d believe me if I beamed like a gushing, over-the-moon bride.

The next guests were Aurora and Alexei with their little one. Honestly, I was surprised that families with little ones didn’t disperse. Especially after that fiasco in the church.

My eyes searched behind them but Sasha was nowhere to be found. For a moment, I met Alexei’s eyes but his unmoving gaze portrayed nothing.

“You look lovely,” Aurora said, then leaned over to kiss me on the cheek. “Sasha had to go cool off for a bit.”

“Ah, okay,” I muttered. It might be for the best, though I regretted not seeing him.

Kostya’s hand reached out. “Mine,” he wailed.

“Jesus, he’s already possessive,” Aurora mused “Must be the genes.”

Surprising all of us, Bas chuckled. “Ah no little buddy. She’s mine. You find your own princess.”

Aurora’s eyes flashed to him in surprise. “I didn’t know you joked, cousin,” she muttered.

Taking a step closer to her, I took Kostya’s little hands. “When I’m done with this charade,” I murmured into his hair, then kissed his forehead. “I’ll come and get you.”

The never ending line of guests took a lot longer than I thought.

* * *

I had no idea how we ended up with so many guests with such short notice. My cheeks ached from the fake smile I held for so long.

Every so often, I risked a glance up at Bas. He’d meet my eyes every time. Darkness and flames burned deep in his gaze. He was my love, lust, and happiness… despite it all. I couldn’t fight it. He was my flame and without him I wouldn’t live. I’d just exist.