Page 136 of Sadistic

"Hi," she whispers.

"Hi."

The officiant begins, but I barely hear the words.

Something about love and commitment, about the journey we're embarking on.

Generic phrases that don't capture what this is—two people bound by violence and choice, trying to build something real from an arrangement.

"The rings," the officiant prompts.

Mikhail produces them.

Simple bands, platinum.

Hers has diamonds embedded around the circumference because I couldn't help myself.

"Do you, Doran, take this woman..."

"I do." The words come out before he finishes, making some guests chuckle.

Revna's lips twitch.

"Do you, Revna, take this man..."

She pauses. Just for a heartbeat, but long enough that my chest tightens. "I do."

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I don't wait for him to finish.

My hands cup her face, pulling her in.

The kiss is supposed to be chaste, appropriate for the audience.

It's not.

I kiss her like I'm drowning and she's air.

Like I've been waiting my whole life for this moment.

She makes a small sound of surprise before melting into me, hands fisting in my jacket.

Someone wolf-whistles—probably from the MC side. I don't care.

When we finally break apart, her lipstick is smudged and her eyes are dark.

"Husband," she murmurs.

"Wife," I respond, and the word feels like a victory.

We turn to face our guests as the recessional plays.

Married. After five years of waiting, she's finally, legally, completely mine.

The walk back up the aisle is a blur of faces.

My parents beaming, Rhiannon giving a thumbs up, Fern wiping tears.

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