Epilogue Lindsey
ONE YEAR LATER
My heart slams against my ribs as I stand at the closed doors of the nave, my bouquet of light-blue delphinium, white roses, peach chrysanthemum, and blush astilbe fills my hands. It’s funny to think how nervous I was, standing in this same spot a year ago, how I needed Liam to walk me down the aisle just to keep me upright. Today, I’m too full of joy and excitement for any other emotions to creep in.
I hear the organ start the opening notes of the wedding march, and my stomach flutters as the doors swing open. Maks stands at the altar, waiting for me, the smile on his face stealing my breath away. It seemed only fitting to use the same church we got married in to renew our vows, and now, as I make my way slowly down the aisle, carrying my chin high as I walk to him by myself, it feels right. It’s me showing Maks that I choose him every step of the way, that my place is by his side and in his arms. I want to be there so desperately, it’s hard not to run to him, but after gathering all our family and friends, that seems like a poor way to start the ceremony.
Soft murmurs and gasps follow me up the aisle, and I catch sight of my work friends occupying several pews near the front on the left side of the aisle. Claire looks positively giddy for me, while Annie and Mirabelle radiate affection. But I only have eyes for the man waiting for me in his crisp black tux—until I catch sight of Kira in the front row, her arms wrapped around my precious baby girl. Natalia wears a heart-melting smile as she giggles happily to Kira bouncing her on one knee. A low rumble of amusement ahead of me draws my eyes back to Maks, and I know that he saw her, too, because the love in his eyes shakes me to my core. And when he looks at me, his gratitude nearly buckles my knees.
When I finally reach him, I set my bouquet aside so I can take his hands.
“You look beautiful,” he murmurs, the pad of his thumbs brushing across my knuckles and melting me into a puddle.
“Welcome, everyone!” the minister says, spreading his hands to greet the gathered congregation. It’s the same officiant Maks found for us last time, and the familiarity of his presence on this special day fills me with an almost nostalgic warmth. Maks and I have been through so much together this past year. What with forging a life together and building trust between us to learning how to raise our beautiful little girl, it feels like a lifetime ago since we stood at this altar, and I love that, even if we want to do it right this time, Maks still cherishes the day we got married enough to honor it by making it a part of this day.
“We’re gathered here today to celebrate the lives of Lindsey and Maksim Yashkov as they renew their wedding vows,” the minister says. “Today is a celebration of the love between them that has grown deeper and stronger over time. Whether you were there when they first said ‘I do’ or you’ve only just recently gotten to know them, your presence means the world. I believe they’ve chosen to write their own vows this time, so, Lindsey, why don’t you take it away?”
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I let all my emotions flood from me toward the man I love. “For much of my life, I wondered if there was such a thing as a perfect, lasting kind of love. Now, I know. True love is rare and difficult to find, but I have found it in you. My life has changed because of you. You’ve challenged me to do things that I didn’t think possible. You have a drive that inspires me and a loyalty that never falters. Because of this, I find myself falling more deeply in love with you each day. You are my best friend, my protector, and the only man I could ever trust with my heart. Today, I want to thank you for loving me unconditionally. I vow to support you and to stay by your side no matter what challenges we face. I vow to continue loving you now, always, and forever.”
My stomach quivers as Maks’s gaze darkens with desire, and excitement floods me as his hold on me tightens, pulling me a step closer until I can feel the warmth of his body washing across my skin.
“Lindsey, I took you as my wife—knowing in my heart that you were the only woman I could ever want by my side. I fell in love with you before I even believed in love. You’re my reason for breathing, the sunshine in my life, and you gave me the most precious gift any man could ever hope for the day you gave birth to our daughter. I never want to spend another day without you. I vow to love you without reservation, to honor and respect you. I will continue to support you and protect you from harm. With my whole heart, I promise to remain devoted to you, to continue to grow with you in mind and spirit, and to practice patience, kindness, and understanding. I vow to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”
A knot forms in my throat, emotion thick enough to trap the air in my lungs, and it feels like my heart is going to burst from my chest. As I gaze deep into Maks’s molten blue eyes, the world around us falls away.
“Now, let’s reaffirm your commitment with the exchange of rings,” the minister says, dragging me back to reality.
Heat floods my cheeks as I release a shaky breath, consumed by my need for Maks, and as he unleashes a wolfish smile, I know he can see how much I want him.
“Let this moment take you back to your wedding day,” the officiant says, “when you exchanged rings for the first time. Lindsey, please take Maks’s hand, place the ring on his finger, and repeat after me: ‘With this ring, I renew my promise to love and cherish you. Let it be a reminder of my commitment and the love we share.’”
I repeat the words, my voice breathy enough I doubt anyone can hear, and my skin tingles as I slide the gold band back onto Maks’s ring finger—this time, without needing his hand to steady me.
“Maks, please take Lindsey’s hand, place the ring on her finger, and repeat after me,” the minister says.
Maks does, his blue eyes deep wells of emotion as he slides his mother’s beautiful diamond ring back onto my finger. It settles into place with a soft click, and when I glance down, confused by the sound, I find a second, delicate band of diamonds nestled against the first—a wedding band that fits together perfectly with the original setting. “With this ring, I renew my promise to love and cherish you. Let it be a reminder of my commitment and the love we share.”
“Lindsey and Maks, today you have renewed your vows and reaffirmed your commitment to one another. It is my great honor and pleasure to once again pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”
Maks’s arm snakes around my waist, pulling me firmly against his broad, powerful chest, and I melt into him as our lips meet. Back bowed, I throw my arms around his shoulders, soaking up the searing affection as the crowd erupts in raucous cheers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to present to you once again, Lindsey and Maksim Yashkov!”
The applause keeps going as Maks sets me back on my feet and we turn to face our audience. More than half of them are Maks’s friends and family, but the people who are here to support me—all my friends from Keen Edge Strategies, along with a handful of others I’ve met along the way—look overjoyed for me. And in the front row, Kira beams up at us as she presses her cheek to Natalia’s, holding our little girl on her lap as she helps her clap.
Natalia looks more overwhelmed by the noise than happy, and as her face reddens, squishing into that look that says she’s just about to cry, Maks leads me down the stairs to her—as if sensing the impending meltdown.
“Thank you, Kira,” I say, holding my arms out to take my baby girl.
“Anytime, I’m happy to hold her as much as you want to give you some private time. This is your special day.” She hands Natalia over, and I cradle her against my chest as Maks wraps his arms around me to lead us back down the aisle.
The applause doesn’t stop even as we exit the nave, but as soon as we do, a sense of deep, radiant happiness sweeps through me. Maks leads me into the small office just off the entryway—where the minister let me wait while guests were arriving. In the quiet space, I turn to face him as I rock Natalia gently, and her teary face calms as he leans in to whisper softly to her in Russian. The sight of him soothing her so tenderly melts me completely, and my heart flutters with the giddy kind of love and appreciation only Maks brings out in me. His fingers swirl softly against the back of Natalia’s head, and as she starts to coo contentedly, he looks up to meet my eyes.
“I love you so much,” I whisper.
“I love you, too,” he says, his deep voice rich and inviting, and I can’t wait until I have a moment completely alone with him. “Do you want to feed her here before we head to the reception?”
My chest aches with the need to breastfeed, and I groan. “Yes, but I didn’t think to bring the bag.”
Maks chuckles, releasing me to reach behind the modest imitation wood desk, and he pulls out the baby bag of burp cloths and diapers. He’s thought of everything. I love what a natural father he is, how he seems to know what we need without me even asking. “I’ll wait outside to make sure no one comes in,” he promises, pressing his lips to my forehead.
I don’t know what I ever did to deserve him, and as I settle into the chair, positioning Natalia, I’m overcome by how perfect my new life is. I picked a more flowy white wrap dress for our vow renewals, one with sheer sleeves that button at my wrists but with a deep enough neckline that I could feed Natalia without immense difficulty, and I take the few quiet minutes alone with her to marvel at how much I love my baby girl.
After I’m done, we ride to the reception in the back of Maks’s Escalade, Natalia strapped in her carseat between us. Then it’s a parade of well-wishers and wedding guests as the celebration starts.
One of the first to approach us is a beautiful couple, a tall man with dark blond hair swept away from his face and mischievous blue eyes. The woman on his arm has long dark curls that cascade around her shoulders and ruby painted lips. She’s wearing a stunningly fashioned yet understated green silk dress, and the little boy on her hip completing the image of their picture-perfect family.
“Congratulations, cousin,” the man says, clapping Maks warmly on the shoulder.
“Lindsey, this is my cousin Dimitri, his wife, Evelyn, and their son, Sergei.”
The name rings with familiarity, and as Dimitri takes my hand, I realize this is the cousin from New York that Maks spoke about—the one he intended to have watch over me if I left.
“It’s wonderful to put a face to the name. I’ve heard only good things about you,” I say.
Dimitri chuckles. “Now I know you’re lying. But I’ll forgive you, since you clearly make my cousin happy.”
Evelyn gives my hand a warm squeeze, offering her congratulations as well, then they step aside as the next person intercepts us to say hello.
“I’m happy to see everything worked out for you two.” Lucian’s light tone is laced with humor as his lips curve into a grin, and he gives me a nod of acknowledgment. “I’d like to think I could take at least a little credit in that regard.”
“I’m glad you could make it,” Maks says, shaking the don’s hand. Rumor has it, Lucian’s had a challenging year of taking over the Family, but he looks as perfectly at ease as ever.
“I have to say, the invitation was a pleasant surprise.”
“It wouldn’t have felt right without you,” I quip, quirking an eyebrow at him.
Lucian gives an amused hum. “You’re lucky, Yashkov. You found a good one.”
Maks’s eyes narrow in silent warning. “I like to think so.”
With a wink, Lucian turns. “Congrats, lovebirds,” he says over his shoulder as he fades back into the crowd.
“You want me to take her for a bit?” Kira offers as I shift Natalia from one hip to the other.
“Do you mind?” I ask, because our baby girl is getting heavy, and my arms are starting to ache.
“Not at all. Come here, my little pumpkin,” Kira says, turning her attention to Natalia as she holds out her hands.
Natalia goes to her with a happy giggle, and I can’t help but smile as Kira cradles her in her arms.
“Would it be rude to take off while no one’s looking?” Maks asks under his breath, and when I look up to meet his eyes, fire ignites deep in my belly.
“You know, I think I saw signs for a bathroom,” I tease, my pulse quickening as I think about the last time I went looking down hallways for one.
“Glad to hear you know to look for signage now. I’d hate to have to make you my prisoner again.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” I warn, narrowing my eyes at him as I slowly back toward the powder room.
“Hmm. I have a pair of handcuffs that say otherwise,” he warns darkly, his eyes darkening as he steps toward me.
Glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one is watching, I back up slowly—and as soon as the wall hides me from view, I turn and run. My heart races as adrenaline surges through me at the thought of a chase, and when Maks’s heavy steps start to narrow the distance between us, it skips a beat. I know he’s right behind me as I round the corner, and I barely have time to wrench open the bathroom door before he’s on me, hot breath tickling the back of my neck as his strong arm snakes around my waist.
I gasp, my skin tingling as heat rushes through me, and then he’s turning me to pin me against the back of the door.
“Where do you think you’re going, little rabbit?” he growls, trapping my arms above my head with one hand as he throws the door’s deadbolt with the other. “You can’t get away from me.”
Hot excitement pools in my belly, and I squirm against him as the chase makes my excitement almost unbearable. “What are you going to do about it?” I ask, tipping my chin up defiantly and bringing our lips dangerously close.
“I’ll show you what happens when you try to run from me,” he warns, his hand following the curves of my body over the swell of my full breasts and down to the high slit in my flowy wedding dress. Brushing my skirt aside, he boldly puts his hand between my thighs and releases an agonized groan. “You’re not wearing any panties?” he hisses.
I wanted to surprise him with it, and my core throbs with anticipation as his fingers brush between my folds. I’m already so wet for him I can feel the slickness as he runs it over my clit.
“ Fuck, ” he breathes. “You are so fucking perfect.”
My breaths quicken at the sound of his buckle coming undone and his zipper lowering, then he releases my arms, letting them fall across his shoulders as he grasps my thighs. Lifting me effortlessly, he wraps my legs around him as he pins me to the door with his hips. I feel the hot pulse of his arousal as he lines up with my entrance and plunges inside of me, bare, his cock filling me to the hilt as I clench around him. I cry out, the pleasure blasting through me with such force it wipes my mind blank. He holds my gaze, and desire pulses through me, every stroke making me gasp. Nothing has ever felt this good, and I want it to go on forever, but I know we should make it quick. We have guests waiting for us—and a first dance I’ve been looking forward to for months.
“You’re mine, zaya , now and forever,” Maks rasps, his eyes intense as he claims me with a passion that sets my soul on fire. “ Say it, ” he growls.
“I’m yours! Only yours,” I whimper, rippling around him.
“Come for me, little rabbit,” he commands as he pounds into my depths. “Come on my cock while I fill you up with my cum.”
One more deep thrust, and I’m falling over the edge, clenching around him as he groans and sinks into me. The hot rush of his cum filling me makes my orgasm that much more intense, and a thrill races up my spine as I cling to him. His lips find mine as his hips rock against me, and I feel his cock twitch inside of me as he seals it with a searing kiss.
“I love you, Lindsey,” he breathes as he slowly lowers me back to my feet.
“I love you, too, Maks,” I say, my body pulsing at the feel of his cum mingling with mine as it coats the insides of my thighs. Our little secret to keep me aching for more until we can finally go home.
“Thank you for staying,” he murmurs. “After everything I put you through at the beginning—” He shakes his head. “I honestly don’t know how I got so lucky.”
My lips twitch with a playful smile. “You can chalk it up to the handcuffs,” I tease, but the truth is I’m the lucky one. This is a forever that’s better than anything I could have dreamed.
“Prisoner or not, you’ve captivated me completely,” he says, eyes soft as he brushes the backs of his knuckles across my cheek.
“I’m yours, always,” I promise, rising onto my toes to steal one last kiss, and I know there’s nowhere else on earth I would rather be.
Ready for what’s next? Meet Nicci Armand and Savio Valenti from my next dark mafia standalone, Owning Nicci .