Crave (Beneath The Secrets #3)

89. Alexei

CHAPTER 89

ALEXEI

“I cannot believe you dressed up your flamingos and brought them to your wedding. You’re lucky we own this place.”

I stroke the top of Sheila’s head and she rests against my bicep.

“They love me and Lara. They are our babies, I couldn’t leave them at home.”

Jax takes a wary step past Bruce.

“I swear that thing hissed at me.” He scratches the back of his head, eyeing the bird.

I shrug.

“Maybe I’m training him up to be security at one of Enzo’s clubs.”

Enzo rolls his eyes.

“Why not. If he can scare Jax, he’s doing something right.”

“Hey! I’m not scared. I’m just not sure about his intentions.”

Nikolai bursts out laughing and winks at Mila, who’s waddling like a penguin as she strokes her baby bump.

“Can I have your gun, I need the bathroom.” She smiles sweetly at her husband, who leans in and kisses her cheek.

We have extra security in place today, even though it’s a small wedding, we don’t trust Ivan. Especially if word starts to go out about Mikhail’s disappearance.

We refuse to say his death.

We won’t accept it.

Once he hands her the weapon, he turns his attention to me.

“I never thought I'd see the day. Alexei, married. To my sister.”

“Like we didn’t all see it coming,” Jax jokes and Nikolai raises an eyebrow.

Enzo shrugs.

“It’s true. It was obvious from the outside. We were all just waiting to see how long it would take for the donkey to realize.”

“Really? Even on my special day, I’m the donkey.”

Bruce steps forward and Enzo points at the bird.

“That thing tries to bite me, I'll shoot it. Don’t test me.”

I stand between them and tap Bruce on the beak.

“You shoot my Bruce, I’ll return the favor.” I give Enzo my best unhinged smile.

“Now, now, play nice. You need me,” Enzo replies smugly.

He’s right.

Ushering Bruce back to Sheila, I readjust his bowtie and she lays her head on his.

“Awww, look.” Elena points to the birds from her seat.

Yea, they are kind of cute.

The priest clears his throat from behind us and my heart almost skips a beat.

“If we could all take our seats, the ceremony is about to begin.”

I shuffle over to stand underneath the pink flower arch and tug on my collar.

Fuck. It’s hot in here.

I turn to Jax in the front row.

“Can we open a window or something, I’m on fire.”

He laughs and shakes his head.

“Have you never been nervous before?”

I frown.

“No. I don’t think so.”

The main doors open up and I swear time stands still. Her eyes instantly lock onto me and she smiles.

It lights up the whole room. Just like it always has.

She brightens my life, she breathes life into my soul. When she blows me a kiss, clutching onto her pink bouquet of roses in her right hand, I pretend to catch it.

It’s like time moves in slow motion with each step she takes.

I want her to be my wife, right this second.

I launch myself down the aisle and pick her up into my arms, holding her close and darting back to the spot.

“Honestly, Alexei. Sixty seconds and you couldn’t wait?” she says with an amused grin.

I lean in and kiss her cheek.

“No. I want forever now.”