Page 121 of Touch Me Not: Anniversary Edition

“I think about that bastard who took her and how he got bail while he’s waiting on his trial, and it’s all I can do to keep from screaming some days.”

“He got bail?” Conner’s eyes hardened, and a darkness slithered through them.

“He got a new lawyer, and he was able to reverse the previous judge’s decision. I haven’t told Lily. I didn’t want to upset her. That’s why I’m so nervous about her being late. Greggory took her once, and he might try again.”

“Don’t you worry,brat. The fucker won’t get near her again. I swear it.”

Nikoli paused at the dark promise in his brother’s voice. Conner had changed since he’d returned home from the Marines. He wasn’t the fun-loving person he’d been. Nikoli hadn’t seen much of him since he came home, but the few times he had, he noticed the change. It was more evident now than ever. His brother looked deadly, almost cruel.

Before Nikoli could say anything, Viktor appeared.

“You can’t be cussing like that in front of a church,” he whispered. “Mama andBabbyare around. If they hear you saying ‘fucker,’ they’ll…”

Whap!

“Owwwee!” Viktor squealed when the wooden spoon smacked him.

“Did I no teach you better manners, Viktor? It is church!”

The tiny woman looked fierce as she glared at her grandson. Theirbabushkacould be downright funny, but when it came to religion, she was hardcore.

“I was telling them not to say ‘fuckers,’Babby, not…”

Whap! Whap! Whap!

“Stop whacking me!”

“What is going on here?” Ronin Kincaid had on his drill sergeant face. Their father was taller than most of them, except for Dimitri, who had a good two inches on their father. His raven hair now was streaked with gray, but his onyx eyes were still as sharp as they were when the boys were little.

“I was telling them not to be cussing, andBabbyis whacking me!”

“You were the one who said the bad word!”

“Viktor, I am disappointed.”

Viktor hung his head at his mother’s words. Nik kept his mouth shut about his own cuss words, as did Conner. Neither of them wanted to disappoint their mother.

“I think we should move this along into the church.” Dimitri stood behind them watching with a grin. He winked atBabby. “The limo is rounding the corner, and the groom cannot see the bride before the wedding. It’s bad luck.”

“Inside!”Babbywaved her wooden spoon at Nikoli, and he took off up the steps before she could whack him. That damn spoon hurt like the devil. How Mama had let her bring it was beyond him.

He was just grateful Lily was here, and she was safe.

And she was soon gonna be his.

~*~

Lily stood before the mirror, speechless.

“You’re beautiful, baby girl.”

Her mother smiled at her, but Lily couldn’t take her eyes off the girl in the mirror. The mermaid-style wedding dress hugged her curves and made her look innocent, but a little sexy at the same time. The beaded bodice had real diamonds on it. The gown was satin and lace. She loved lace.

Nikoli refused to let her get a dress from David’s Bridal that cost a couple hundred dollars. He’d given Angel his credit card and sent them to the fanciest shop in Boston. When Lily tried on the dress, she’d loved it. Angel never told her the price of the dress, and she was glad. She’d have probably passed out.

Her fingers touched her hair. It was done in some kind of fancy braid that circled her head like a crown. The rest of her hair was piled up in curls with a lace ribbon running through it. It was beautiful. Her makeup was light, but perfect. She really did look beautiful.

“Don’t you dare cry,” Janet warned her. “The makeup lady just left, and I don’t think I can do what she did.”

---