BONUS SCENE

Six months later

Amy

The wedding was supposed to be a simple, elegant affair.

That was the plan…

But when you’re marrying into the Morozov family and allying with the Murphys and the Kavanaghs, simplicity isn’t in the vocabulary.

I stood in the bridal suite, the silk of my dress brushing against my legs as I stared at my reflection. The off-white gown was classic with just a hint of modern flair—a clean silhouette with lace details that Ada had insisted would make me ‘impossible to ignore.’

“You look stunning,” Zoey said from the corner, sipping on a mimosa like it was the most casual day in the world. “Aleksei’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

“Hopefully he doesn’t think I’ve already lost mine,” I replied, turning to look at her. “Do you think this will work? Bringing everyone together like this?”

Zoey grinned. “Oh, no way. It’s going to be a complete disaster. But it’s your day, so who cares?”

Her answer wasn’t exactly comforting, but it wasn’t wrong either. The guest list alone read like a who’s-who of organized crime. The Morozovs, the Murphys, the Kavanaghs—all under one roof. Add in a sprinkling of art-world elite for good measure, and I’d practically invited absolute chaos to RSVP to my own wedding.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and Nikolai’s voice called through the wood. “You ready in there, Amy? Or are you having second thoughts?”

“Give her a minute, would you?” Zoey shouted, rolling her eyes.

The door opened slightly, and Nikolai poked his head in. “Time’s up. Aleksei’s about to break into the bridal suite himself if you don’t get moving.”

I laughed despite myself, smoothing down the front of my dress. “I’m ready.”

The ceremony itself was everything I’d dreamed of—and so much more. The gallery, a place that already felt like home to me, had been transformed into a wonderland of soft candlelight and vibrant flowers. The warm golden glow from hundreds of flickering candles reflected off the polished marble floors, creating a magical, shimmering effect that seemed to dance with the evening light filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The flowers were breathtaking. Roses, peonies, and sprigs of eucalyptus cascaded down the aisle, filling the air with a heady, intoxicating fragrance that blended perfectly with the faint aroma of the candles.

Each chair was draped with delicate silks in shades of ivory and gold, and the aisle itself was lined with petals, creating a soft, romantic path leading to the altar. At the front, a massive floral arch stood like a crown jewel, its blooms woven so intricately it looked as if nature itself had reclaimed the space.

Strings of tiny twinkling lights crisscrossed the ceiling, adding a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to the room.

The art displayed on the walls had been carefully selected by both Aleksei and me, each piece holding a special meaning to us. A vibrant abstract painting from one of our first gallery acquisitions together. A delicate watercolor that reminded me of our trip to Moscow. Even the centerpiece—a striking portrait of a woman standing confidently against a storm—felt like a reflection of our story.

Aleksei stood beneath the arch, his sharp suit tailored to perfection, the deep black of the fabric contrasting beautifully with the snowy white of his dress shirt and the subtle glint of a silver tie pin.

Then there were those eyes…

They locked onto mine the moment I stepped into the room, and everything else fell away.

For a heartbeat, the candles, the flowers, the guests—they all disappeared. It was just him and me, connected by a thread I couldn’t see but could feel with every beat of my heart.

My steps were slow, deliberate, as I moved down the aisle toward him, my hand clutching my bouquet tightly.

This was it. This was forever.

And judging by the way Aleksei’s gaze never wavered, I knew he felt the same.

When I reached him, he took my hand, his grip warm and steady.

“You look perfect,” he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

“So do you,” I whispered back, my heart pounding.

The officiant’s voice broke the spell, but Aleksei’s eyes never left mine. His thumb brushed over my hand, a subtle, comforting motion that sent waves of reassurance through me.

We exchanged vows in front of the people who mattered most—our friends, our families, even our unlikely allies. Aleksei’s voice was steady, his words filled with promises that I knew he would keep. When it was my turn, I felt a pang of nervousness, but the intensity in his gaze gave me the courage to speak.

“Aleksei,” I began, my voice soft but sure, “I never thought I’d find someone who could see me the way you do. You challenge me, you protect me, and you make me feel like I can take on the world. Today, I promise to stand by your side, not just as your wife but as your equal, your partner in everything. Always.”

His lips curved into the faintest smile, and when he slipped the ring onto my finger, I felt the tears well up.

“You’re mine,” he murmured, the words carrying a promise meant only for me.

“And you’re mine,” I whispered back.

The transition to the reception was seamless. As Aleksei and I walked hand in hand into the main gallery space, the lights had been dimmed just enough to give the room a warm, celebratory glow.

The same care and detail that had transformed the ceremony into a dream were reflected here. Tables draped in ivory linens were dotted with small arrangements of flowers, their soft hues tying everything together. Candles flickered at every table, while delicate fairy lights strung across the ceiling gave the room a magical quality.

Guests mingled throughout the room, their laughter and clinking glasses filling the space with life. In one corner, Nikolai had already commandeered the bar, charming a small group of bridesmaids. At another table, Sergei stood quietly, his knowing green eyes scanning the room with a protective intensity that never seemed to waver.

Maxim was near the center of the room, deep in conversation with Shane Kavanagh and Kieran Murphy. The two men looked like they were negotiating a treaty between empires. The rest of the Murphy brothers were drinking Irish whiskey at the bar, including a set of twins who were definitely the life of the party.

Ivan, on the other hand, sat at a table off to the side, his fingers drumming idly against the rim of his glass as he watched the crowd. Ever the observer, he looked both amused and calculating, his mind no doubt already working on strategies for whatever came next.

Ada approached Aleksei and me with two glasses of champagne, her signature red lipstick as flawless as ever.

“Congratulations,” she said, pressing a kiss to my cheek before handing me one of the flutes.

The moment the speeches started, Nikolai grabbed the microphone, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “I was going to say something sweet,” he began, his voice carrying over the crowd. “But then I remembered this is Aleksei we’re talking about.”

Laughter rippled through the room, and Aleksei rolled his eyes, his hand tightening around mine.

Nikolai continued, “In all seriousness, Amy, welcome to the family. You’ve already proven you’re brave enough to survive us, and I respect that. And Aleksei—good luck keeping up with her. You’re going to need it.”

The room erupted into applause, and I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head at the ridiculousness of it all.

By the time Ada took the microphone, I was already bracing myself.

“First of all,” she began, her red lips curving into a sly smile, “Amy, you’re a saint for putting up with the Morozovs.”

“Ada,” Aleksei warned, though there was no real heat in his voice.

“But seriously,” she continued, her tone softening slightly. “I’ve seen a lot of things in this business, and not much surprises me anymore. But the way Aleksei looks at you? That’s rare. And it’s real. You’re good for him. And knowing you, you’re probably already running the show.”

The crowd laughed, and I felt Aleksei’s hand squeeze mine again.

My daddy…

After Ada finished her speech and the partying truly began, Nikolai somehow ended up leading a group of guests in a rowdy drinking game, while Shane and Sergei had a spirited debate over the best way to deal with a ‘problem.’ Zoey hit it off with one of Aleksei’s cousins, and I caught her giggling in the corner, clearly smitten.

Amidst the noise and laughter, Aleksei pulled me aside, his hands settling on my waist as he guided me to a quieter corner of the room.

“You’re handling this well, but really I didn’t expect anything less,” he said, his lips brushing my temple.

“I’ve survived you, haven’t I?” I teased, wrapping my arms around his neck.

His laugh was soft, his eyes warm as they met mine. “You’ve survived the Morozovs, the Murphys, the Kavanaghs, and even the Orlovs. That makes you the most dangerous woman in this room.”

I smirked, leaning into him. “Dangerous? You’re the one making shady deals in the shadows.”

He tilted his head, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement.

“And yet you still said yes. What does that say about you, baby girl?”

“That I’ve got questionable taste,” I quipped, earning a low chuckle from him.

“Or that you crave adventure,” he countered, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “Even the kind that comes with risks.”

“Risks,” I repeated, rolling my eyes. “Like being married to a man who might have to deal with a mafia ambush at any given moment?”

His lips curved into a smug smile, his hand sliding to the small of my back.

“Or a woman who could outsmart me when I least expect it?”

“Someone has to keep you on your toes,” I said, grinning.

He leaned closer, his lips brushing mine. “Then we’re the perfect match.”

The End