The Final Hour (Volkov Bratva #3)(36)

“Trying to make sure I didn’t run away?” Mishca asked softly when it was just the two of them, him on the other side of the door.

“This is, everything is, overwhelming and I just wanted to hear your voice,” She said, wishing she could see through the door to read his expression.

Even if he was upset by that, she knew he would never tell her. She was partially to blame for why he might feel that way, especially with everything they had been through together. But in just a short while, all of those doubts would be put to rest.

“I’m not going anywhere, Lauren, you should know this first. But there is no need for panic, everything is fine.”

She wanted to believe that, but fear of the unknown was crippling.

“In just a few hours, this will be over, and tomorrow we’ll be off on our honeymoon. Three weeks of absolutely nothing but the two of us, yes?”

She smiled. “Yes.”

He reached around the door, the familiar sight of his hand easing some of her fear. She laced her fingers with his, just long enough for that residual panic to fade.

“Finish getting ready and come marry me. I’m getting restless.”



“Jesus, mom. You’re going to make me start crying again.”

For once, Lauren couldn’t fault Susan for it. This day and everything it stood for was a lot to take in, and while neither of them could have imagined who she would have pledged her life to, she could not regret a single thing that had brought Mishca into her life.

“I’m fine,” Susan said sniffling, always the eye for detail as she swept a loose curl behind Lauren’s ear. “You just look so beautiful.”

And just like that, Lauren’s eyes welled up again. She tried to wipe at her eyes before the tears fell, but it was no use, one still slipped past her fingers.

“What are the two of you crying about?” Ross asked as he slipped into the room looking concerned.

“It’s not her fault. I’m being emotional.”

Chuckling knowingly, Ross kissed her briefly. “I think it’s your turn to get out there.”

Composing herself as best she could, Susan gave Lauren a thumbs up, promising to see her shortly. Lauren picked up her bridal bouquet, turning the roses around in her hands.

“I’m the lucky one,” Ross said as she took his arm, allowing him to lead the way. “You make me look good.

Laughing softly, she shook her head. “I’m the lucky one. I don’t know if I’ve told you, but I’m glad you’re here walking me down the aisle.”

“My job is to support you, no matter what. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to remind you every now and then the type of man you’re tying yourself to.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

They weren’t far from where they would be walking out into the courtyard, and as they stopped in front of the doors waiting for her cue, Lauren could just see them through the glass, everyone seated staring ahead as the bridesmaids and groomsmen went down the aisle. Luka was with Alex and despite his pension for jeans and a tee, he looked good in his black tuxedo, his hair slicked back. He was like the light version to Mishca’s dark. Amber and Tristan were already waiting at the front too.

“There’s still time,” Ross whispered, glancing down at her out the corner of his eye.

Squeezing his arm, she shook her head. “Not a chance.”

“Can’t blame a man for trying. Come on then, it’s time.”

As the bridal song began playing and the audience stood, two attendants pulled the doors open, the glow of the sun beaming too brightly for a second until her eyes adjusted. Lauren could feel everyone’s eyes on her as she and Ross started down the aisle, the train of her dress sweeping over the rose petals on the runner, but she didn’t care.

The only thing she saw in those precious moments before she made it to the front was Mishca’s smile. He had been nervous at first, fidgeting with his bow-tie, but as soon as he saw her coming towards him, his arms dropped to his side, his eyes lighting up, and she knew without a doubt, she was the luckiest girl in the world.

He turned his entire body towards her, extending his hand when Lauren and Ross stopped.

Ross kept his glare strong even as he placed Lauren’s hand in Mishca’s. He leaned forward to whisper in Mishca’s ear and as Mishca grimaced briefly, Ross stepped back with a smug grin, moving back to his seat.

As they turned to face the preacher, Lauren whispered, “What did he say to you?”

“If I hurt you, he’ll remove my balls.” Glancing over at Lauren, his mouth twitching, Mishca said, “I believe him.”

They quieted as the officiator began.

“We are gathered here today for the union of Mishca Mikhailovich Volkov and Lauren Delilah Thompson.”

Lauren tried to focus on his voice, but Mishca was distracting her, rubbing circles along the back of her hand with his thumb. He wasn’t even looking at her, bright blue eyes focused in front of him, but she knew all too well that he could probably still see her.

Either the officiator had given the shortest speech ever, or she had been too caught up in Mishca to notice how much time had passed. “And now, for the vows.”

Mishca turned to her, twining their hands together. She could tell, just from the look in his eyes, that by the time he was finished, she would be sobbing.