Page 35 of Hostage with Benefits'

And as he bent to kiss me, I realized it was true. I saw him, both the darkness and the light, the danger and the tenderness. And as impossible as it seemed, I was choosing him, with my eyes wide open.

CHAPTER 8

I was marriedby an Elvis impersonator in Vegas on a Sunday. I was watching my new husband slip a wedding band next to the engagement ring he'd given me less than twenty-four hours earlier.

“By the power vested in me by the great state of Nevada,” the impersonator drawled, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Mikhail's lips found mine with surprising tenderness, his hands cradling my face.

“I love you,” I whispered as we pulled apart. It was the first time I’d vocalized it, and fuck… I could see that it nearly brought my husband to tears.

“Mrs. Volkov,” his lips brushed mine.

“That's going to take some getting used to,” I replied, but found myself smiling despite my best efforts to maintain my cynicism.

Dmitri, who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere to serve as our witness, looked distinctly uncomfortable in the chapel. He handed Mikhail the paperwork to sign.

“Congratulations, boss,” he said stiffly. “Mrs. Volkov.”

“Thank you for the heartfelt sentiment, Dmitri,” I said dryly.

The corners of Mikhail's mouth twitched. “You're dismissed, Dmitri. Ensure we're not disturbed for the remainder of the evening.”

The implications of that order sent a rush of heat through me. Dmitri nodded once and disappeared, leaving us alone with the Elvis officiant, who was already preparing for his next ceremony.

“So,” I said as we exited the chapel into the neon-lit Vegas night. “That was... efficient.”

“I told you Vegas was going to be practical.” Mikhail guided me toward the waiting car, his hand possessive at the small of my back. “One-stop shopping.”

“I can't believe I just married you. I got engaged and then married in the span of twenty-four hours.”

He pulled me closer, his lips brushing my temple.

The suite Mikhail had arranged was obscenely luxurious, with views of the Strip stretching out below like a river of light. Champagne waited on ice, alongside a spread of food I was too keyed up to consider.

“Does Galina know we did this?” I asked, kicking off the heels I'd bought specifically for the occasion.

“She's already planning a proper reception,” Mikhail confirmed, loosening his tie. “She called me several colorful names in Russian when I told her our plans.”

“I bet she did.” I moved to the window, taking in the view. “Your family?”

His reflection in the glass darkened slightly. “They've been informed. We'll deal with them when necessary.”

“That sounds ominous.”

He came up behind me, arms encircling my waist, chin resting on top of my head.

“Nothing you need to worry about tonight.”

“You know, for a criminal mastermind, you're surprisingly evasive about your family.”

His chuckle vibrated against my back.

“Should I be concerned?” I asked more directly.

“No.” His arms tightened around me. “You're mine now. Legally and officially. No one will challenge that, not even my family.”

“I look forward to meeting them, then.”

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