Chapter 20 #2
For a moment, he simply stares at me, and I can't stop the smile tugging at my lips. Hiding the dress from him all this time makes this reaction even sweeter.
The priest clears his throat gently. “Shall we begin?”
Maxim’s eyes never leave mine. “Yes,” he says. “We’re ready.”
The ceremony itself passes in a beautiful, almost surreal blur.
We stand facing each other under the flower-covered arch. Maxim’s voice is steady and deep when he recited his vows, promising to protect me, to stand by me, and to honor our union.
I speak my own vows with a slightly trembling voice, promising loyalty and partnership, even if love wasn’t part of the bargain.
When the priest pronounces us husband and wife, Maxim pulls me close and kisses me, slow, deep, and possessive in front of everyone.
The small gathering claps politely, but all I can feel is the heat of his mouth on mine.
We sign the certificate under the warm island sun. Artyom and Viktor stand as witnesses, Artyom’s expressions tight but resigned. Then it is official.
I’m now Calina Orlova.
The reception is intimate, just like the ceremony, it's being held right on the beach under a large white canopy decorated with flowing fabrics and soft lighting.
Tables are arranged in a semi-circle facing the ocean, with fresh flowers and candlelight creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
With only thirty guests, it feels private, almost family-like. Soft music plays in the background as servers move around with champagne and appetizers.
After the toasts and the cutting of the cake, it’s time for our first dance as husband and wife.
Maxim takes my hand and leads me to the cleared space on the sand. The music shifts to something slow and sensual.
He pulls me close, one hand on my waist, the other holding mine. We sway together under the string lights and stars, the ocean breeze playing with my veil.
“You look so beautiful,” he murmurs for the hundredth time today, his voice low against my ear. “I can’t stop looking at you.”
His words warm me from the inside. Every time he says them, my confidence grows a little stronger. I feel beautiful in this dress, but the way he's looked at me all day, like he wants to devour me, makes my stomach flutter with both nerves and something hotter.
From the corner of my eye, I see my brothers watching us. They still look like they want to kill Maxim, even now that he’s officially their brother-in-law. Their protective glares haven’t softened one bit.
Then my gaze shifted further.
Dmitri is talking to Milana near one of the tables. He's smiling that charming, easy smile of his, leaning in a little too close, clearly flirting. Again.
I had warned him the last time my sister visited the house and he tried flirting with her, but it seemed the warning hadn’t stuck.
Maxim must have felt the change in my posture because he twirls me smoothly and asks, “What’s wrong?”
I look up at him as we continue to dance. “It’s Dimitri. He keeps flirting with my sister. He tried it the other day when she came over for wedding planning, and now he’s doing it again.”
Maxim’s brow furrows slightly. “Dimitri means no harm. He flirts with almost everyone. It’s just how he is.”
“Exactly,” I said. “That’s the problem. I don’t want him using those charms on my sister. She can be naive sometimes. I know he’s a good person, but he has that whole playboy vibe. Milana might not see it coming, and I don’t want her getting her heart broken.”
He's quiet for a moment, then nods. “If it’ll put your mind at ease, I’ll talk to him. Tell him to tone it down with my sister-in-law.”
I smile up at him, genuinely grateful. “Thank you.”
He pulls me a little closer as the music continues, his hand warm on my back.
I tilt my head up to look at Maxim. “Can I ask you something?”
Before I can get the question out, I catch a quick frown crossing his features. I open my mouth to ask what’s wrong, but the words never leave me.
Gunshots erupt.
“Get down!” Maxim screams as a gunshot rings through the air.
In a split second, Maxim’s body slams into mine, pushing me down. We hit the sand hard. He covers me completely with his larger frame, shielding me as bullets fly overhead.
One arm wrapped around my head, the other holding a gun he pulled from somewhere.
“Stay down!” he barks, voice sharp with command.
I can’t move. I can barely breathe. All I can do is cling to his shirt as more shots ring out. Glass shatters. People shout. Somewhere nearby, I hear my sister scream my name.
“Milana!” I cry out, trying to lift my head. “My sister, my brothers, Kira, Irina—”
Maxim doesn’t answer. He’s already moving, keeping his body between me and the danger. He fires back twice, the sound deafening so close to my ear.
Then he hauls me up, one arm locked around my waist, half-carrying, half-dragging me toward the edge of the beach.
“Maxim, wait, my family!” I scream, struggling against his hold. “We can’t just leave them!”
“They’ll handle themselves,” he growls, not slowing down. “Right now, you are my priority.”
We reach one of the waiting SUVs. He practically throws me into the back seat and climbs in after me, slamming the door.
The driver floors it before I can even sit up properly. Bullets ping off the armored vehicle as we speed away from the beach.
I twist around, trying to see through the rear window. More cars are chasing us, men leaning out and firing. Maxim is beside me, reloading his gun with calm efficiency.
“Get down!” Maxim orders, pushing my head below the seat.
I stay low, heart pounding, but my mind is screaming. My sister. My brothers. Kira and Irina. Are they okay? Did they get out?
The car races along the island roads, tires screeching. Another vehicle behind us crashes violently, I hear the metal crunch and glass shattering. Maxim keeps firing out the window.
“We lost them,” he mutters to the driver. “Drive faster, we need to be out of here before they send more.”
“Who are they? Who is coming after us?” I manage to say as Maxim helps me back on my seat.
“I have no idea, but I'm going to find out. Are you alright?” He scans me for injuries.
“I'm fine. What about my family?”
Maxim doesn't respond to my question as his phone starts ringing and he answers, firing off in rapid Russian, I can barely make out anything he's saying to whoever is on the other line.
He remains on the phone until we reach a private airstrip. A jet is waiting on the tarmac, engines already running. It was the jet that brought Maxim and I to the island this morning. Maxim pulls me out of the car and rushes me up the stairs into the plane.
“Maxim, please,” I beg as soon as we’re inside, tears streaming down my face. “My family, I can’t just leave without knowing they’re safe!”
He cups my face with both hands, forcing me to look at him. “Your brothers will protect them. They’re already moving. I’ve got men heading to extract them right now. We have to move before more of those guys arrive. I need to keep you safe. Don't worry, your family is safe.”
I search his eyes, desperate for truth. “You swear?”
“I swear,” he says firmly. “Your family is my family now. I won’t let anything happen to them.”
The plane starts moving. I collapse into one of the leather seats, trembling. Maxim sits beside me, pulling me against his side. I let him, too exhausted and scared to fight it.
As the jet lifts into the sky, I close my eyes and pray that everyone I love makes it out alive.
Because if they don’t… I don’t know what I’ll do.