Bratva Beast (Bravikov Bratva #1)

Chapter 11

THANKSGIVING - SIX WEEKS LATER

ISABELLA

I stare at myself in the mirror. The last week has been a whirlwind of quick planning. Papa arranged for me to take time off for Thanksgiving week. We’re at Hugo’s vineyard in Northwest New York. My dress gives the impression that it was made especially for me. Irina brought six dresses for me to try, and this one was perfect. The warm off-white shows off my skin and my hair. The A-line with a fitted bodice covered in intricate lace sitting atop a cascade of material in a full skirt. I can’t wait to walk out and see Cynric dressed in his dark suit. Thane will be absent from the festivities. Cynric hasn’t forgiven him yet.

Tap, Tap. I turn to the door as it opens. Papa strolls in, dressed in a dark suit and light blue tie. “Ready?”

I nod, watching a smile blossom on the devil’s face. “You’re perfect.”

My mind scrambles to remember a time where Papa offered a compliment that didn’t carry a string or an obligation. “Thanks.”

“Cynric is pacing.”

I can’t fight the silly smile creeping up my mouth. “Really?”

“Yeah. He reminds me of me and his mother. You’ll be careful.”

I nod, instinctively running my hand across my small bump. “I will.”

“Let’s get out there.”

I grab my bouquet of roses and take his arm. “Thank you for bringing me into your family.”

Papa leans down and kisses my forehead. “Our family.”

Stepping out of the room, he walks me to a sturdy, authentic wooden set of doors. The wedding march plays on the other side of the door as it opens. The two hundred guests stand as we enter the large barn. Cynric turns, and I wish I had a camera to catch the look of adoration across his face.

Papa growls. “He should know better than showing his heart out in the open. If everyone didn’t know you meant everything before, they do now.”

I grip his arm. “It just made you stronger.”

He smiles. “You’re right. We built an empire.” He nods to the judge as he hands my hand to Cynric. He puts his hand on Cynric’s shoulder. “Create your legacy.”

Cynric nods as the judge shifts the bible in his hand.

Papa sits in the front row behind me.

The judge clears his throat. “Cynric made me promise to do this quickly. So, without further ado. Cynric, do you take Isabella Reeves as your wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for better, or worse, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live?”

Cynric nods. “I do.”

The judge changes his focus to me. “Do you Isabella take Cynric Bravikov to be your husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Are there rings?” Wystan hands the judge the velvet box. The judge opens the top of the box and selects the rings, handing the container back to Wystan. “Rings are a visible sign of your marriage. They share fidelity with the world and possession to each other. Do you have vows to share with each other?”

Cynric nods. He takes the ring offered by the judge and slides it on my finger. He leans in, making sure to not be heard by others. “Isochka. You are the light in my darkness and the melody in my heart. Your beauty, both inside and out, has enchanted me. I’m forever grateful for the love you’ve given me and the family you’re going to share with me. I love you.”

My heart could burst with the love I feel for this man. The judge hands me the ring I chose for Cynric. It’s black and thick, a definitive piece to symbolize he’s taken. I slide it on his finger. “Cynric. I never wanted a life in the bratva, and then I fell in love with you. I never expected to love anyone and yet I love you with my entire being. You complete me in a way I could never have imagined. Thank you for the life inside me and the future we’re going to have. I love you.”

The audience remains silent, trying to hear our private words. The judge raises his bible like an old-time pastor preaching to his congregation. “I now pronounce you Cynric and Isabella Bravikov.”

Forty minutes later, the photographer snaps his last photo, and Cynric leads me from the room. He told his brothers to keep the champagne flowing, we were going to change into our reception clothes. What he really wants is to strip me out of my pretty dress and make me his all over again. My body tingles with anticipation. Sex has become an obsession for both of us. Moments after entering our room, we’re naked. He’s worshiping my body with soft kisses and gentle caresses. His rough hands pleasure me with gentle touches as he utters sweet words. I’m lost in his assault on my senses.

“I love you.”

My eyes snap open. The man before me stares at me with a love I never knew I wanted. He takes my mouth as he enters me. After all these months, I can’t get enough of him. He plays my body like a violin strumming me higher and higher. I can’t catch my breath before he shifts his lips against my ear. “Come for me.”

I don’t have a moment to think before I explode with an earth-shattering climax, feeling Cynric join me with his. He rests on top of me as we catch our breath. He stands and pulls me to my feet, leading me to clean up in the bathroom before we dress in fresh clothes and return to our guests. I giggle. “Thanks for the quickie, hubby.”

He stops moving with a scowl. “Behave or I’ll take you again after I spank you.”

I chuckle as we get into the bathroom. “Promises, promises.”