Chapter 30
Naomi
Today was my wedding day.
It wasn’t that a woman could look at herself in the mirror and go down the aisle to marry the same man twice, but I could.
This time, however, I wasn’t about to marry Gavril as another woman or sign another woman’s name to the wedding register.
He was getting Naomi Spencer, social media influencer and B-rated actress.
I was getting one of the most powerful men in LA’s crime scene. I was definitely coming out on the sweeter end of the deal.
“You look beautiful.”
I turned to face my soon-to-be sisters-in-law, taking in their light green dresses. “And look at you two!”
Katarina smiled as she modeled the dress for me, a perfect fit for her. “It’s lovely, Naomi. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the wedding party.”
“Of course!” I stated. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I had been psyched that the girls wanted to be part of the wedding to begin with, coming to LA for their first time ever a week ago. Ilsa and I had made certain, with Maria’s permission, of course, to show them around the city, but the times that held special places in my heart were when we gathered to watch Gavril play in the evenings. The piano had been moved from its hiding place in the basement to the front room, and many nights I had awoken to hear music drifting from that room.
Some nights I joined him; some nights I didn’t.
There had also been a great many changes to our household staff. Gavril had allowed me to choose a housekeeper and driver, finding a nice older couple who were looking for part-time work to fill their days. Rocco and Bettie were what I hoped Gavril and I would be one day in terms of relationship goals.
Even Inessa had taken a position at the mansion, and with Gavril’s blessing, I moved her and her two girls onto the property, taking over a mother-in-law suite over the garage. When Gavril questioned why, I told him there was no other person that would be more fitting to be a nanny for our child when the time came. Besides, instead of surrounding our house and our family with violence, I wanted it to be with those that cared for us, that loved us.
I was building a different kind of legacy for Gavril and our future.
Maria walked in and the girls fell silent, her keen eyes flickering over the dresses I had picked out for them. The color reminded me of Gavril’s eyes, but it was also one of my favorites. She, too, had taken on the role of mother-in-law from the moment she had stepped foot in LA. For weeks before her arrival, I had agonized over what sort of relationship we would have together and if she thought me still appropriate for her son now that I wasn’t Sveta.
Not that it mattered. If I was going to have to deal with a monster-in-law, then I could. No one was going to take me away from Gavril and the life we both wanted.
I just, well, I wanted us to get along. “Out,” she told her daughters. “I wish to speak to Naomi alone.”
I swallowed the flurry of worry that trampled my gut as the girls dipped their heads and exited the room, leaving us alone. Her eyes took in the simple tea-length lace gown I had chosen for my growing bump, deciding against a veil this time around. My hair was swept to one side, cascading down my bare shoulder and held back by diamond combs that Gavril had gifted me a month before. Other than my ring, I wore no other jewelry, and my sensible flats would ensure that my feet would be comfortable during the ceremony and the reception afterward.
“You look lovely.”
Surprised, I stared at her, not believing what I had just heard. “I—thank you.”
Maria clucked her tongue, something akin to actual kindness crossing her expression. “You have no need to be afraid of me, my dear. You are exactly who I would have chosen for my son. You are strong, kind, forgiving, and most of all, you love my son.”
“I love him with everything I have,” I told her. It was hard to express in words what I felt for Gavril and the change that I had seen in him since his near-fatal injury. He was more loving toward me, easier to laugh and smile now that he didn’t have the weight on his shoulders. Though the Bratva was nowhere near where he needed it to be, I could see that he was happy with the direction it was going, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.
A small smile crossed her face. “I know you do. I can see it in your eyes, the way you watch him when he is in the room. It’s a look of fierce protection, Naomi, one that reminds me of my own feelings toward my beloved husband once upon a time.” She drew in a breath, reaching into her purse. “Which is why I want you to have this.”
I watched as Maria pulled out a necklace, the thin gold chain ending in small interlocking circles of gold, silver, and diamonds. “Oh,” I breathed as she approached. “I couldn’t possibly.”
“This is your protection,” she told me as she slid the necklace around my neck, the metal cool against my skin. “Protection against the trials and tribulations you are bound to face as the wife of a powerful Pakhan.” She walked around until she faced me, her eyes lingering on the necklace. “The circles were my wedding ring.”
I gently touched the rings with my hand, tears welling in my eyes at her thoughtful gift. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Well, do not cry,” she ordered. “It will ruin your makeup. Just take care of my boy and all will be well.”
I reached out and grasped her hand, squeezing it gently. “I will. I swear to you. I will make him happy.”
“You already have,” she replied, laying her hand on top of mine. “You already have. Now, finish readying yourself. It’s almost time.”