Chapter 34
ISABELLA
If someone told me that I’d be standing in a wedding dress, about to walk down the aisle, at twenty-one, I’d have called them crazy.
I literally lost my virginity, like, less than two months ago and now I’m about to get married.
The days that have been leading up to this have been very nerve-racking.
I’ve been feeling like the end is coming but it’s just my wedding.
I’m getting married to a murderer and trapping myself in an organization I can never leave.
Slade is involved in something way bigger than I’ve ever experienced in my life. I don’t belong in his world. I can’t just be okay with people killing other people.
I know Slade has been through a lot and I wish I could help him through his issues but he doesn’t want help, he wants me.
He slept in a separate room last night because he thinks that the wedding traditions are fun, and even though it’s not the wedding I’d hoped and dreamed for, he still wants to make it somewhat special for me.
I think it’s sweet but I’m still wary of him.
I don’t know how to act with him.
He is so consuming it’s hard not to want him or do whatever he says.
I need to be careful or else I’ll be in trouble.
He’s going to rip my heart out and make it his.
The bridal processional song starts playing. I look to my side and see no one, because I have no one.
My parents are dead, my grandfather is also dead, Becky and Grams are in the U.S., and I have no other family.
It’s just me.
I have spoken with Grams and Becky a little bit since I first got here, just so they know I’m okay.
Slade told everyone I was away on a writing retreat and when I called my Grams she tried to get as much information out of me as possible.
When she asked about Slade and when she can meet him, I made up some lie, but in reality I have no clue.
I don’t know what my future will hold.
I used to think it would be calm and sane with no drama or issues but since Slade, life has been hectic.
I start walking down the aisle while I take in my surroundings.
We are in a castle-like venue and Slade let me choose the decorations I thought would look best at the very last minute.
I mentioned to him what food I like and what I want at the reception.
I kept trying to tell him to forget about it and that I don’t want to do this and that I’m not ready but he didn’t care.
There are a bunch of guests here which is surprising since it was such a last minute wedding.
Almost everyone here is part of Slade’s family.
His mom, sister, and Ryker are sitting in the front.
There is a gentleman next to Slade’s mom. He looks to be around Slade’s age, maybe a little bit older.
Is that the other brother?
My eyes finally catch Slade’s.
He has a clean haircut going on and he also shaved his scruff.
He appears very put together and not like your day to day scary murderer but it’s those dark eyes that always get me.
When you stare into his eyes, you know trouble is coming.
He holds out his hand to me which I take. I stand in front of him and give him a nervous smile while he stares at me intensely, admiring my natural makeup, my curled hair, and my dress.
“Ty samaya krasivaya zhenshchina v mire,” he whispers and I blush.
I don’t understand him but I know it’s all good things.
His mom is slowly trying to teach me Russian.
She said since I’m joining the family it’s a must that I understand their language and I don’t disagree.
I want to eavesdrop and understand what everyone is saying. I feel left out whenever they talk to each other.
The priest starts speaking in Russian and I don’t understand a thing he is saying so I don’t pay attention. I just observe all the people in the room that Slade surrounds himself with and all of the decorations and flowers.
“You look perfect, Isabella,” Slade whispers.
I turn my head to him and smile. “You look like you don’t kill people in your spare time.”
He smirks. “I haven’t killed anyone since we left New York, avtor.”
“Why?”
“Because you don’t like it. I’m trying to make this all as easy as possible for you. And even if I do kill someone I won’t be telling you.”
“Why did you have to do all this? You still never told me.”
Slade grabs my hand and he strokes my skin with his thumb. “Because I need to keep you safe. This is the only way to do so.”
I stay quiet, knowing that if I ask him to let me go, he’ll get mad.
“Have you guessed what your wedding gift is?”
“No. I have no clue what it could possibly be.”
“You’ll like it.” He nods as if he’s sure.
“Give me a hint.” I smile.
“It’s something that every bookworm would want,” Slade says before paying attention to the priest.
“What he’s saying?” I raise an eyebrow at him. I’m the only person here who can’t speak Russian and he knows that.
“He’s talking about what should be expected of you as a wife and me as a husband.”
“We never talked about what we’re even doing after the wedding.”
“You’ll see, avtor. Be patient.”
“Beresh' li ty, Slade Rykov, Isabella Rossi v zakonnyye zheny?” the priest asks, staring at Slade.
Slade nods. “Da.”
When the priest moves his eyes to me, my anxiety starts up again and I feel like I’m going to faint or fall into Slade’s arms.
“A ty, Isabella Rossi, beresh' li Slade Rykov v zakonnyye muzh'ya?” he asks me.
I freeze, not knowing what to say.
I know what he is asking me and what I’m supposed to say but am I even ready to answer that and basically sign my life away?
“Say, yes,” Slade says.
I lock eyes with him and he looks at me, desperate for me to say yes.
Like he’ll do anything in the world to make me.
I lick my lips and take a deep breath before glancing back at the priest.
I nod and push out a shaky, “Y-Yes.”
The priest’s gaze pauses on me as he raises an eyebrow.
He’s probably wondering if I’m doing this against my will.
Which I both am and am not.
He looks away from me and back at Slade. “Slade, mozhesh' potselovat' nevestu.”
Slade doesn’t waste any time before taking one step towards me and pressing his hard and demanding lips on mine. He moves his lips, deepening the kiss in front of a good fifty people but Slade doesn’t care.
He ravishes me, claiming me as his.
Forever.
Till death do us part.