Maxim (Carolina Reapers 10)

Maxim was still a Reaper, and even McKittrick and Brogan had flown down from Bangor where they’d been playing. It was wonderful to see Fiona and Skye again. To have them here for this important day.

“You ready?” Mila asked as we paused, the music swelling from around the corner. The music telling me it was time to go marry the man of my dreams.

“Without a doubt,” I said, and I meant that. I wasn’t lying when I’d said I’d dreamed of this day since I was a girl. I’d pictured Maxim in a tux waiting for me at the end of an aisle more times than I could count, and now it was finally happening.

“I love you,” Mila said, propelling us around the corner.

“I love you too.”

The breath caught in my lungs as we came into full view of the ballroom that had been transformed into a winter wonderland theme, complete with champagne snowflakes and white flowers filling the space with a light and crisp fragrance. Rows and rows of seats housed family and friends, Reapers and their dates.

And right in the middle of it all, waiting for me, his brothers at his side, was Maxim.

I couldn’t contain my grin as I walked down the aisle, couldn’t help but feel my heart swell as I noted the look of pure love and admiration on his face—and the promise of what was to come in his eyes.

My Maxim.

Mila stood by my side as we said our vows, and I swear the roof of the building shook when we kissed, the eruption of cheers from our family and friends reaching glass-breaking levels.

“Can I have this dance, Mrs. Zolotov?” Maxim asked me when I’d stepped away from Fiona and Bristol and London after thanking them for being genuinely amazing.

Chills erupted along my skin at the use of my new title. “Always,” I said, sliding my hand in as he guided us to the dance floor in the reception hall.

We’d been going strong for a good two hours after the wedding, and from the looks of the party, no one had any intention of stopping any time soon.

Maxim gently tugged me against him, our bodies flush as he swayed us to the beat, the melody slow and sensuous.

“Was it everything you pictured?” Maxim asked after he’d dipped me and brought me back against his chest.

I grinned up at him. “In every way possible,” I answered.

“I have to be honest,” he said, spinning us among our friends as they danced too. “I figured there was a two percent chance you might back out.” He shrugged as I gaped at him. “Not everyone wants to wear the Zolotov name.”

He tried to pass it off as a joke, but I knew Maxim well enough to see the painful truth in that comment.

I reached up and cupped his cheek, never taking my eyes off his even as we danced. “I’ll wear it proudly,” I said. “Because it belongs to you. To the man who makes me feel more alive and beautiful than I ever have before. Belongs to the man who turns me into a puddle with a simple touch, can make me laugh without effort. Belongs to the man who rented out an entire bookstore for me and then fucked me senseless inside it.”

Maxim grinned, leaning down to brush his lips over mine. “That mouth,” he said, and I shivered at the way his grip tightened on me.

“I’m serious, Maxim,” I said. “I’ll get your named inked on my skin if you want me to. I’m yours. Now. Forever. Always.”

Maxim visibly swallowed, then slanted his mouth over mine, claiming me in a kiss that left me shaking with need. “God, I love you,” he said, drawing back enough to look at me. “How did I get so lucky?”

I grinned up at him. “It’s me,” I said. “I’m the lucky one.”

And that was the truth. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect match, perfect partner.

“Is it time for our honeymoon yet?” he whispered in my ear, sliding one hand down my spine in that signature way of his that promised pleasure.

“Way past time,” I said, drawing him closer.

“Then let's get out of here,” he said, tugging me off the dance floor.

I glanced back at our friends, still enjoying the reception, and blinked away happy tears.

We weren’t just lucky in love, we were lucky in family and friendships too. And I couldn’t wait to see what happened for each of them.

“You think they’ll notice we left?” I asked after I’d changed into a simple silk dress to travel in and Maxim had tucked me into the back seat of the limo.

“Nah,” he said, sliding close to me as the limo took off toward the airport. “They’re having too much fun.” He leaned down, kissing the line of my jaw.