Stolen Beauty: A forced marriage enemies-to-lovers mafia romance (Angels & Brutes Book 3) by Cara Bianchi

Author:Cara Bianchi [Bianchi, Cara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

28

Five hours later…

Arman

Ifiddle with my cufflinks and stare at the ornate crucifix on the wall. Only a Catholic church could have such a graphic scene of torture presiding over something as tender as a wedding, but maybe it’s an omen.

Jesus knew that doing the right thing would bring Him pain and death, and He accepted it, but it was only His blood that would be sacrificed. If I could guarantee it would be me alone that suffered, I’d fight the world for Lilyana, but there’s nothing like love to teach you that there are things far worse than death. My instincts have never steered me wrong, and I’m unsettled, but I can’t understand why.

Vlad, Sasha, and Avel stayed at the Kislev house overnight. No good-luck drink or a pat on the back for me; Vlad was determined to treat this wedding as a transaction, so until the ceremony, there was to be no celebratory atmosphere. He wanted us to remember that it’s not for real.

I’ve been at Vlad’s side through some bad times; I know when he’s tormented. He’s devoted to his little sister but fears the world too much. His father’s influence is still there; part of Vlad cannot relinquish control over Lilyana because he holds himself responsible for her wellbeing, and he barely trusts himself with that task, let alone anyone else. He doesn’t want to see her as the woman she’s become, with hopes, dreams, and a heart that could be as easily broken as loved. Today, Vlad has to give her away, and the symbolic gesture represents a trust in me that he does not feel.

The closeness growing between Lilyana and me is not sudden or new; it’s been there all along, reaching for the light and getting stronger. The marriage has expedited the process, but she claimed my heart long ago.

The heavy wooden doors of the church swing open, and Vlad strides in, his expression stony. He beckons me to him, and all heads turn our way as we meet in the center of the aisle.

“Arman.” Vlad’s voice is low. “Lilyana won’t come in from the car.”

My heart sinks. “She’s backing out now, in front of everyone? You’ll never live it down if she doesn’t do it.”

Vlad’s jaw tightens. “Morgana almost talked me round, you know. She got me thinking that your fixation on my little sister was more than a possessive need to be the first to—I can’t even say it.” His mouth twists into a sneer. “You disgust me.”

“Fuck you, Vlad.” My anger flares, and I clench my fists. “She’s everything to me. I’ll do anything to make this work.”

When angry, Vlad resembles his father, making me want to punch him. “What the fuck am I gonna tell these people?” he seethes. “I can’t drag her inside and make her—”

Without another word, I turn and walk out of the church. Outside, Morgana stands beside the car with Josie and Heidi, and all three look nervous. Vlad, Sasha, and Avel are hot on my heels.

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