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"We're all damaged in one way,
shape, or form, my friend."

- Aleksandr
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Chapter 35 - To The Altar

▪️S E R G E Y▪️

It had been hard to keep a straight face when I had seen Natasha in her dress earlier.

Fuck me, she was beautiful.

It was a good thing that Jade had started to harass me, giving me something else to focus on otherwise I probably would have made a fool of myself while also blowing our cover. In the days leading up to the wedding, I was finding it harder and harder to keep my expressions in check, especially around Aleksandr, who was way too perceptive for my liking.

Speaking of the purple demon, I could hear Jade shouting from down the hall and I felt sorry for whomever was on the receiving end.

"Better them than me," I muttered.

Aleksandr had been on the opposite side of the villa from Litizia in one of the upstairs bedrooms getting ready. As I stood behind my best friend, I could not help but smile as I studied our reflection in the large mirror in front of us.

"What's that look on your face about?" Aleksandr asked, our eyes locking.

Running my hands over his shoulders, I answered, "Oh nothing, it's just that I never would have thought that you of all people would be looking forward to getting married."

"As if you're one to talk! We both know that you are no different where–" Aleksandr stopped himself as the bedroom door suddenly opened.

We did not need to look to know that Jade had entered; she was probably the only person who would have dared to enter without knocking. The audacity of this woman never ceased to amaze me, but as annoying as she could be, I could not picture her being any other way.

Jade walked over, letting us know that everything for the wedding was in order and that we should head down to the altar within the next thirty minutes or so. After exchanging a few more words, Jade went towards the window to look out at the ceremony space.

Turning his attention back to me, Aleksandr narrowed his eyes and whispered, "This discussion isn't over..."

Feigning ignorance, I grinned, "I don't know what you're talking about, all I was trying to say was that marriage is a big commitment. I mean, they don't call it the old ball and chain for nothing."

Aleksandr mumbled something inaudible.

"Although, as much as I joke around, I know that your marriage won't be a prison, unlike that one over there. I feel so sorry for Dominic, poor bastard," I said with a tsk.

Jade huffed, "Excuse me, I'm standing right here you know?"

"Yes, and?" I retorted, still annoyed that she had barged in without knocking.

Aleksandr simply shook his head, not wanting to get in between the two of us. He knew that I could more than handle myself where Jade was concerned, but he always kept an eye on us either way in case we took things too far.

Ignoring Jade, I continued to tease Aleksandr, "Looks like your dog days are really over now," I grinned while helping him into his dark grey jacket.

With a scoff, Jade commented, "Who are you fooling? Those days were over the minute he laid eyes on our girl Zia."

I agreed, but I would not give Jade the satisfaction of voicing such.

Frowning slightly at being called out, Aleksandr tried changing the subject, "Speaking of her, shouldn't you be with the bride?"

"Don't worry, I'm heading back now. I just came in to check on you, make sure that Sergey here didn't convince you to do anything stupid," she answered starkly.

"Excuse you, I like Litizia a lot! I'd never do anything to jeopardise today! Besides, I don't need that Cupid woman on my ass any more than she is!" I stated then grumbled, "Fuck, I thought you were a nightmare..."

Jade eyed me from head to toe before replying, "Uh huh..."

We heard her mutter something about Natasha before she turned on her heel and left the room. The smooth fabric of her light grey dress was the last thing we saw before the sound of her slamming the door caused us to cringe.

"Fuck, she's intense..." I grumbled.

"Try not to cause a scene today, will you?" Aleksandr joked though from the way he looked at me I could tell that he was slightly serious.

Dusting at my shoulders, I replied, "Me? Why don't you talk to Jade? I don't know why she can't just stay out of my business. She's the one who's been causing trouble these last few days, even managing to rope Litizia in! Trying to sort out my love life as they call it, pfft, as if I need help in that department."

Looking away from the mirror, Aleksandr raised an eyebrow at me.

"Don't you dare start on that again! I told you both that Natasha and I will never work, she's too damaged. I don't know how to deal with that," I said while fixing my black jacket.

Saying the words felt like having ash in my mouth.

I did not miss the way my best friend's face slightly winced at my 'damage' comment. Natasha was anything but, she was a warrior in my eyes. Nevertheless, I could not really voice my true feelings where she was concerned.

At least not yet.

Aleksandr seemed to surrender for now as he said, "We're all damaged in one way, shape, or form, my friend," before looking back at his reflection.

That we are, I silently agreed.

If anything, these last few days had taught me that Natasha was perfect for me whether I liked it or not. Similarly, to Aleksandr, the idea of marriage had never been something I had given much thought to, but with Natasha, I could see it.

Words that I never thought I would say.

It was funny how life had a way of taking us on a journey we never thought we would experience.

For if there was ever a woman I could see myself settling down with forever, it would be Natasha. Hell, I was already picturing her belly growing round with my children every time I saw my cum dripping out of her.

But now was not the time to think of such things, I scolded myself.

Refocusing on the attractive man in front of me, my eyes trailed over the dark grey tuxedo, black shirt, and matching grey tie he wore. I inhaled deeply while watching him run a hand over his neatly trimmed beard. Aleksandr knew that he looked good and he really did, but there was just something about today that made him seem extra handsome.

"Alright, stop eye-fucking yourself. Want me to take a picture for Litizia?" I winked then smirked at him.

Scowling, Aleksandr ignored me while he continued to stare at himself. From the glazed look that seemed to come over his face, there was no doubt in my mind he was thinking about Litizia as his pupils began to dilate.

Not to mention from the way his erection began to tent the front of his trousers, it was obvious that he was thinking something naughty. If I had to guess, it probably involved what would happen on their wedding night. Unfortunately, we did not have much time to day dream as we would be needed downstairs soon.

"As interesting as the view might be, you might want to get rid of that anaconda in your pants before we head downstairs." I said while gesturing to his groin area.

Seeming to clear his thoughts, Aleksandr cursed me in Russian as we left the room.

The walk to the altar was a silent one.

The evening sun was hidden behind the villa, keeping the ceremony area shaded while casting light on the rest of the garden. Aleksandr nodded as he passed the various pews, silently greeting the guests. A few of his cousins had flown in from Russia, and I knew that he was happy to have them here, for he always enjoyed seeing family for occasions other than business.

When he made it to the altar, Aleksandr stood proud.

From my own experiences with Natasha, I could now understand the transformation my best friend had undergone in such a short amount of time. This wedding, which initially started out as a business transaction, ended up becoming a union of love and from the way Aleksandr's hand fisted in front of him, I knew that he could not wait to see Litizia walk down the aisle.

This wedding, unlike many other mafia weddings, would be a celebration of the love that had quickly developed between the two of them. I was proud to stand next to my best friend while he officially solidified his love for Litizia.

I could say with confidence that this was one ball and chain that Aleksandr would not mind wearing for life.

Shifting my feet, I kept a straight face as I stood next to Dominic, James, and Da'mon who were Aleksandr's groomsmen. We all wore the same outfit, a black suit and tie, and grey shirts matching the shade of the groom's tuxedo.

Unable to help myself, I stole a glance across the aisle.

Standing opposite me, I saw Jade hurrying to fit herself next to Natasha. I had to do my best not to eye Natasha more than usual, loving the way the light grey V-neck halter dress fit her. The exposed skin of her shoulder called to me as I thought about sinking my teeth into the delicate flesh there, leaving yet another mark on her.

When the sudden sound of the cellos and violin beginning to play filled the air, I found myself scrambling to refocus my thoughts.

The bride was coming!

Everyone seemed to focus on the large patio doors of the villa behind them. Within the next few seconds, I saw Litizia emerge, with Carlo at her side.

The corner of my top lip curled as I observed the elderly man. From the way Aleksandr tensed beside me, I knew that he wanted nothing more than to pull out his gun and shoot Carlo, but he then took a deep breath and calmed himself, knowing that he could not do such a thing.

At least not right in this instant. If I knew my best friend– and I did–he had probably already planned to have a few words with dear old Uncle Carlo later tonight.

I knew the exact moment when the bride and groom locked eyes. Litizia broke out into a big smile while I heard Aleksandr whisper 'fuck' and I failed to conceal the small smirk that pulled at my mouth.

Those two were perfect for each other, I thought.

As Carlo walked her down the aisle, Litizia's eyes remained locked with Aleksandr's. It was as though everything around them ceased to exist as they continued to stare longingly at each other.

Upon reaching the altar, Litizia gave Jade her bouquet which was made of dark grey and white roses, with sprays of clear crystals in between the flowers. When she turned to face Aleksandr, Litizia could barely contain her excitement.

Taking her hands his, I watched them talk quietly to each other before the catholic priest began the address everyone.

The ceremony was a simple one, blending their faiths.

Litizia was a Roman Catholic while Aleksandr, like myself, belonged to the Russian Orthodox Church. They were both very traditional, given their family backgrounds. As recommended, they had both priests present. Since Litizia was Roman Catholic, Aleksandr had felt that the officiating priest should be Catholic. The Russian Orthodox priest was dressed in a black cassock robe and would greet them and offer a prayer towards the end of the ceremony.

It was a good ceremony. The priest had known Litizia since she was a baby and had kept the atmosphere light and cheery, often making jokes in-between. He had married her parents and Aleksandr had told me how happy he was to have the same priest marry them, as it made their union all the more special.

For their vows, they had chosen traditional ones. Aleksandr and Litizia said the exact same oaths, though they chose different lines and added them together to come up with something more personalised that suited them both.

When it was time for their kiss, even I felt my cheeks warm.

Aleksandr did not hold back as he eagerly pulled Litizia into his arms and kissed her soundly. It was a kiss filled with so much love and passion that anyone looking at the two of them would not be able to deny how they felt about each other.

The guests stood and cheered loudly, while the couple lost themselves in their embrace.

I could feel Natasha looking at me and my eyes immediately found hers, my breath hitching slightly. I would be lying if I did not admit that I felt my heart begin to race.

In that moment, I allowed myself to acknowledge that Natasha was everything that I did not realise I had needed. If you asked me how I knew such a thing, honestly, I would not be able to give you a straight answer.

All I knew was that, some things did not need an explanation and being with Natasha felt right.

Did I deserve her?

Fuck no, but she wanted me and that was all that mattered.

Safe to say, it was obvious that I was in love with her and from the look on her beautiful face, it would seem that she felt the same way as well.

I could feel the tips of my ears getting hot as we continued to stare at each other.

There on her face, Natasha's emotions were visible for anyone to see and I silently prayed that I was doing a better job at keeping my own expressions hidden otherwise we would have just exposed ourselves to the world.

But I figured that everyone else was too busy looking at the bride and groom, who by the way, were now slowly ending their kiss with large smiles on their faces.

Pulling my gaze back to Aleksandr and Litizia, I watched as they continued to hold hands while walking down the aisle, heading towards the garden area by the waterfall. This was where some quick photos would be taken while the rest of the guests would proceed to have some cocktails in the reception area.

The photographer was efficient and since Litizia was not a fussy bride, we were able to get a lot done within a short amount of time.

Once I had taken the photos that I needed to be in, I made my way towards the reception. Thankfully, Jade was not about to let the wedding dampen her matchmaking crusade. She insisted that I get a drink for Natasha and keep her company while we waited for Aleksandr and Litizia to finish up their photos.

"You two have fun!" Jade instructed with a smile before leaving us alone in a secluded corner.

Even though my face had a sour look, I was anything but annoyed.

With Jade's meddling, it gave Natasha and I an excuse to spend time together without seeming suspicious. The hardest part honestly, was having to keep my hands to myself, I wanted to put my arm around her waist and pull her closer to me.

Fuck, it was taking everything I had not to grab Natasha by the throat and kiss her until she was a quivering mess in my arms.

"You shouldn't look at me like that," Natasha whispered with a ragged swallow.

The visible gulp pulled my eyes to the column of her neck and the tips of my fingers ached to reach out and touch her smooth skin. I yearned to fuck her throat just so that I could see the bulge that would form there.

God, this woman drove me crazy!

Just remembering her tear-stained face with her lipstick smeared all over my cock had me hardening in my pants.

I hated how unhinged she could make me feel and yet, as I stared at her, I still indulged in the memory of last night. One that involved me covering her with my seed. I had taken great pleasure in painting her face and chest with my release.

In fact, I was close to dragging her out of the reception to somewhere secluded.

I wanted to hate fuck her for making me feel this way and I yearned to claim every single one of her holes until she was so full of my cum that it dripped out of her. Truth be told, there was nothing sexier than seeing my semen run down her inner thighs while her body trembled from her own release.

Letting out a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down while proceeding to refocus as I resumed talking to Natasha who was still attentively looking at me.

With our backs turned to most of the room, I asked in a soft teasing voice, "Like what?"

"Like you have bad thoughts..."

Daring to stand as close to her as possible, my voice lowered even more, "I just had my tongue inside of you last night, don't go all shy on me now..."

The flush on her cheeks intensified as she stammered, "Sergey!"

"What? You know I don't have any behaviour, don't act so surprised..." I taunted before continuing in a more serious tone, "Speaking of surprises, what did you think of the building specs that I had sent you?"

Her hands fiddled with the champagne glass as she answered, "It's perfect, but unfortunately even with the discount that you could get me, I wouldn't be able to afford it right now."

I frowned slightly, seeing the disappointed look on her face, "Baby, I'll take care of whatever you need, I've told you this already."

Sighing, she said, "I know, it's just..."

I grumbled, "Yeah, yeah, I know. You're an independent woman who won't let her man to take care of her–"

"My man?" Natasha cut me off, her eyes widening.

Narrowing my gaze at her, I asked, "What part of 'you are mine' did you not understand?"

Shaking her head, she quickly replied, "No, I understood that, it's just that I thought we weren't using labels?"

Leaning my face closer to her, uncaring of who might be watching, "What else would you call me, Nat? I mean we could go with the title of the man that makes you cum in less than a minute. But either way, at the end of the day, I'm your man and you're my woman..."

I watched in satisfaction as her eyes filled with longing. From the way she suddenly bit her bottom lip, I just knew that she was aroused.

Grinning, I dared to ask, "Now who's the one looking like they're thinking bad thoughts?"

Natasha's blush deepened.

"Don't worry, I'm sure that we could sneak out some time later. Hopefully no one would miss us too much," I said, already thinking about our options.

Seeing that I would have to leave with Aleksandr and Litizia as soon as the ceremony was over, I knew that I would not get a chance to spend any time with Natasha for a while. I would be in the Bahamas for the next two weeks and I wished that she would have been able to come, but inviting her would have obviously blown our cover.

"I'm going to miss you," she said softly.

"Likewise..."

Pouting, she said, "We should be able to sneak off later on, preferably when everyone is drunk as knowing Jade and Litizia, they've probably got something planned for the bouquet toss so they're going to be keeping an eye on me until then."

"Ugh! Aleksandr better not try any shit with the garter toss," I frowned.

Faking a shocked expression, Natasha enquired, "What? You don't want to catch the garter and put it on me?"

Barking out a soft laugh, I answered, "It's not that, but just thinking about having to keep a straight face in front of all these people with that juicy pussy of yours being mere inches from my mouth is going to be a challenge."

Nudging me gently with her shoulder, "I'm sure we can manage, we've done alright so far. I mean Zia suspects something, but it's only because of Aleksandr."

"Of course..." I inwardly groan.

Licking her lips nervously, Natasha stared into my eyes and said, "I was thinking of telling everyone about us once the honeymoon is over. What do you think–"

"Yes!" I exclaimed a little too loudly before lowering my voice, "Fuck yes..."

The happiness I felt about not having to hide what was going on between us had me breaking out in a huge smile. I wanted to drag Natasha off to somewhere private right now, but when it was announced that the bride and groom were coming, I resigned to the fact that I would have to wait.

Sneaking a chaste kiss to her cheek, I held her hand and pulled her towards the entrance of the reception area.

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A/N: What's everyone's summer plans?