Page 44 of Bratva Hunter

I cock my head, holding a small bouquet of roses with baby’s breath in a pale lavender dress and white satin shoes. “Are you really a judge?”

He laughs with his eyes lighting up. “Yes.” He fumbles on the side of his robe and pulls out his wallet. Handing me his license, he nods to Roric. “Search my name.”

Roric takes out his phone and hands it to me. I search the man’s name and his photo pops up with a caption: Federaldistrict judge retires. I hand Roric his phone and nod to the judge. “Fine.”

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to marry Roric and Rosa.” He dips his head to Roric. “Do you Roric take Rosa to be your wedded wife?

“I do.” He stares at me like I’m a cupcake, and he’s been on a diet for months.

The judge pivots to me. “Do you, Rosa, take Roric to be your wedded husband?”

I chew on my lip as the judge stands motionless. Thoughts jumble around my brain. I could just walk out. My uncle’s face flashes before my eyes as I nod. “Yes. I mean, I do.”

“Excellent. Where are the rings?”

Roric pulls out two velvet boxes from his suit pocket and hands me one. “Here.” I flip open the top to find a simple men’s platinum band.

The judge motions to Roric. “The ring.”

Roric places a massive solitaire on my finger. The stone sits in a flower setting with platinum petals so it looks like a rose. Oohs and ahhs echo from the women around the room. He leans in. “I know you don’t trust me, but I love you. I won’t disappoint you again.”

“Whatever.” I scoff as I shove the ring on his finger.

The judge smirks as he announces. “You’re married.”

Roric gently kisses my lips as Melanie squeals and claps like a trained seal. “Yay!” She pulls me into her embrace. “Your guy must be rich. He got a judge to waive the waiting period, and that ring. Wow!”

“Yeah. I’m lucky.” Sarcasm drips from my words, but she’s too shallow to notice. I miss my mother. She should have been here.

Roric hands me a computer tablet, and my mother’s face appears on the screen. “Congratulations.”

“Mama.”

“Roric explained. We’ll have a reception in a few days to celebrate. I can’t wait to see you. I’m grateful to your new husband for keeping you safe.”

Anger gurgles in the pit of my stomach. Safe indeed. His smile annoys me further as I turn my attention back to my mother.

Chapter 12

ROSA

Nine hours later, we pull onto a drive leading under a building, into a garage. Roric parks next to the elevator and walks around my side, though I’ve already opened my door. I refold my arms and grit my teeth as his hand wraps around my waist. “You don’t need to touch me.”

“I’m going to touch you. You’re mine. I would have thought that ring on your finger clued you in.”

I mumble, “fuck you,” as he swings his head to offer his killer smile. Shit.

A little while later, we arrive at a condo penthouse door with two men standing on both sides of the double door. It opens to a white-haired woman with an apron and an infant on her shoulder at the door. “Roric?” She smiles and casts her eyes to me. I can only imagine what she’s heard about me. Her face shifts to a concerned frown. “Hi. I’m Mrs. Belova. Cynric and Isabella are in the living room.” We step inside a home. The floorto ceiling glass gives a spectacular view of the city. It’s breath-taking. A slight woman with beautiful red hair steps around a long sectional with a rough-looking, scarred man on her heels.

“Oh.” All eyes move to me with curious stares. It’s the man that murdered my father. He nods as we approach. “Hi. I’m Rosa.”

Her hand extends. “I’m Isabella.” She motions for me to follow. “I hope you’re hungry. Oh. That’s Cynric. Ignore the frown. I do.”

My stomach grumbles at just that moment, raising my blush.

She leans in. “Mrs. Belova is a phenomenal cook. She’s made a huge spread.” Our walk ends at an expansive dining room and a large, light wood table with twelve chairs. Eight sets of eyes scrutinize me.

I feel like a rabbit who’s been spotted by a pack of wolves. The only woman seated is a stunning dark redhead with a pregnant belly. The man sitting next to her could be Roric’s twin. His arm lays over her seat, and she’s basking in his attention. He kisses her head and whispers something to make her blush. My stomach rolls. I want that. My little voice answers with a smug lilt, telling me I could have that if I wasn’t so damn stubborn.

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